THURROCK councillors have unanimously approved plans for a new 86-bed care home and eight new homes in Grays.

The planning committee gave the green light for the redevelopment of the former Adult Community College site in Richmond Road, which has stood empty since the building was demolished in 2021.

Under the approved plans, developer Grays Propco Ltd will build an 86-bedroom care home registered with the Care Quality Commission, designed to cater for elderly residents with high levels of frailty, dementia, and limited mobility.

Each room will have an ensuite, and the home will include communal lounges and dining areas. The scheme also provides 29 parking spaces.

Alongside the care home, eight new houses will be built to the rear of the Alf Lownes Scout Centre. These will include a terrace of four three-bedroom homes and two pairs of semi-detached four-bedroom properties. Access will be via Richmond Road, with additional pedestrian access from Bridge Road.

The development aims to address a growing need for care facilities in Thurrock. The council's Care Market Development Strategy predicts a 59 per cent increase by 2035 in residents aged 65 and over who require support with basic personal care. The applicant's assessment highlights that no new care homes have been built in the borough for more than a decade, leaving a reliance on outdated premises.

Councillors supported the scheme despite concerns over limited parking and green space. Cllr Tom Kelly said: "There's a lot of care homes here and not many visitor spaces. I don't particularly like it on the basis of parking and amenity space, but our parking standards in Thurrock are simply not that good."

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Cllr Russell Cherry added: "I can't see parking being a massive issue. Not everyone will arrive by car — there are buses, cycles, and electric scooters."

Committee chairman Cllr Michael Fletcher concluded: "It would be nice to see more green space, but that's not a reason to refuse. I will be voting in favour."

Construction is expected to begin next year.