THE sun has shone on a plan to expand a Grays shop and include an expanded flat in the redevelopment.

In August Nub News reported on the bid for the expansion of Sunny's Store on London Road, South Stifford, and – despite the fact a previous similar application had been rejected - planning officers have now given the scheme the green light.

They say: "The existing development pattern along London Road is long continuous rows of terrace houses with very few gaps between the buildings.

"The proposed two storey side and rear extension would infill the gap between the existing plot and the neighbouring property 431 London Road.

"This form of development is considered to be acceptable. The existing building is characteristic of many such terrace properties that have been historically converted to commercial units. It is not considered that the increase in width of the shopfront would be so different as to warrant a reason for refusal."