THURROCK Council is planning to spend more than half a million pounds by the end of 2022 on transforming its rundown garages.

The authority has 2,227 garages and 290 garage plots across the borough. Major structural work is being carried out on 201 garages, with roof replacements for some alternative uses for others.

The council is set to bring in consultants to survey its garage stock for its long-term potential or to see whether it can be "considered for other uses that would better serve the community and the borough.

The report says: "As part of this process, the council are currently in the process of procuring a professional consultancy practice to undertake a stock condition survey of the garage portfolio. This survey including a structural appraisal is anticipated to commence in early 2022 with a view of receiving the report around May 2022."

Capital spending on the garages has more than doubled sine 2020/21, when the council outlay was £205,000.

The work has meant more garages can be let, bringing in extra income for the council.

The council's annual income from lettings has gone from £863,000 last year to a forecast £959,000 by the end of the financial year.

A report to the council's housing overview and scrutiny committee which will meet on Tuesday (9 November), said: "The reduction of garage voids and increased income by improving turnaround for both repairs and lettings undoubtedly demonstrates that we are providing better service for money.

"Over the last year, we have completed ten major works schemes and have more planned for this year. We have undertaken extensive rooftop overgrowth clearances at six garage sites, this was to reduce the risk of roof damage, damp penetration and structural issues."

The project has already seen derelict garages in Chadwell St Mary turned into bungalows. Completion of that development was reported on Nub News here