THURROCK Council's planning department has refused an application for approval of change of use for a shop in Grays, which its owners wanted to convert to flats.

There were objections to the proposal to make the changes, largely due to predicted parking issues.

The switch was opposed by local ward councillors, who have welcomed news of the refusal.

In a joint statement Cllrs Tony Fish, Martin Kerin and Jane Pothecary said: "We welcome the news that our ward is not going to be blighted with yet another unsustainable development. Our area of Grays is over-developed already, with parking issues causing real problems for our residents.

"Adding in two more properties to the mix, with no additional parking, would have created even more of an issue."

"Our residents asked us to help them fight this. Together, we put forward a strong case. We will continue to remain vigilant and fight against any development which is unsustainable."

Refusing prior approval for the scheme, council planners said: "Prior approval is needed due to the proposal not including sufficient on-site parking in an area which is already oversubscribed with on street parking.

"This would lead to additional on street parking which would be harmful to highway and pedestrian safety and be likely to cause an unacceptable increase of parking stress."