DEVELOPERS behind a proposed three-storey block of flats in Grays have lodged an appeal after Thurrock Council refused permission for the scheme, citing concerns over parking and congestion.

CS Property Estates Ltd hopes to demolish the existing kitchen and bathroom showroom, R G Cole, at 1–3 Broadway and replace it with a mixed-use development comprising seven apartments and one new commercial unit. The Planning Inspectorate will now decide whether the project can go ahead.

The council's planning committee rejected the application in August after deferring an earlier decision to allow further consideration of traffic and parking issues. Despite revisions, councillors concluded the plans failed to address key concerns.

At the original meeting Little Thurrock ward councillor Cllr Tom Kelly said: "I think the whole scheme looks like the limits are being tested at every corner – the room size, the amenity size. It's incredibly cramped, but within the parameters of the NPPF, so we'd be limited to reject on those grounds.

"I've still got concerns over parking. Introducing a controlled parking zone would need consultation with residents, and all in all, I still think parking is an issue."

The site as it currently is.

Cllr Roy Jones also highlighted safety fears. He said: "The site is on a very dangerous bend. I came through there today and it was a nightmare getting through. We're supposed to make life easier for residents, not create overdevelopment."

Cllr Russell Cherry suggested adding conditions such as a pedestrian crossing and double yellow lines, but officers advised these would not be reasonable under planning rules.

Councillors ultimately voted to refuse the application, arguing the development would worsen congestion and compromise safety on an already busy stretch of road.

The appeal means the final decision now rests with the Planning Inspectorate, which will weigh local concerns against national planning policy.