FORTY-five new homes will be created in Grays after approval was granted for a new development that straddles former industrial land between the Broadway and Manor Road.

The development will consist of 21 three bedroomed houses and 24 apartments housed in two three-story apartment blocks. A new access road from Manor road will be created and there will be no vehicle access from the Broadway.

A full planning statement by the site agents Phase 2 on behalf of Edward Craig Homes Ltd, can be found via this link.

Officers recommended approval and David Maxwell, agent for the applicant, borough businessman Philip Barton-Wright, said: "We're delighted that the council's planning officers recognised the benefits that this development brings to the local area.

"The existing site was previously used as scrapyard with high fencing around it and it has a dilapidated appearance.

"The development will take a poorly located, dilapidated, redundant employment site and regenerate that to provide the area with much needed new housing while visually enhancing the character and appearance of the area."

There has been a mixed reaction from the site's residential neighbours who have commented on Thurrock Council's planning portal, some of whom welcome the removal of what is described as a 'derelict and vandalised complete eyesore', while others opoose it on the grounds of density of development and impact on local traffic.

The matter was debated at a meeting of Thurrock Council's planning committee last night (Thursday, 19 December) after they were presented with a report from planning officers recommending approval.

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Councillors voted unanimously to support the scheme, even though there is no guarantee that it will include any affordable housing – not any contribution to education provision.

Cllr Cathy Sisterson asked why no affordable housing was included and asked about the impact on local schools.

Responding, planning officer Nadia Houghton said there had been previous viability assessments of applications for the site but the cost of developing it and transforming it from an industrial site meant if those contributions were asked for, the development would not be viable.

She told Cllr Sisterson: "It's a valid question. The proposal is subject to independent viability assessment, and it was found to be unviable if it had to make an education affordable housing contribution.

"However, the most recent viability appraisal was that there be a review mechanism where the actual real cost of the build could be examined and if there were scope for contributions, it would be secured.

"The viability review mechanism is to make sure the borough does not miss out on any contributions."

She said it would be independent adding: "We couldn't have applicants marking their own homework! The way we are envisaging it is that I would imagine, on a scheme of this scale, it could be triggered in years three to four. It may not be possible, but we will seek to get what we can."

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Cllr Linda Heath asked about the impact of the development on GPs and local healthcare.

Planning officer Nadia Houghton said it would have an impact added that a commitment by the developer for local heath provision, as required by the NHS had been 'missed off the list', put before councillors and that she would ensure it was added to the heads of terms agreement, saying: "The applicant is willing to prove the required healthcare contribution."

This link goes to the start of streamed covering of the item. 

Discussing the development, Cllr Tom Kelly, whose ward covers part of the site, said: "I think it's a nice infill development. There is not a lot of resident opposition, that's probably because of its past use as a scrapyard. I will be voting in favour.

Cllr Paul Arnold Said: "I know the area extremely well and this area has always been a sort of an eyesore and has been crying out for a favourable development. Getting new families into the area will benefit local businesses."

Cllr Heath also supported the plan, as long as 'we can get the health care provision written in'.

Last night's planning meeting can be viewed in full here: