APPLICANTS who successfully got permission to create a 26 bedroom hotel on Grays High Street have gone back to Thurrock Council asking to expand the project.

However, their second application has been recommended for refusal ahead of a council decision next week.

The application seeks permission to increase an already approved 26-bedroom hotel to 35 rooms, alongside the addition of two extra floors and a rear extension.

Planning permission was granted in January for a smaller scheme including a single additional floor, but this new proposal significantly increases the scale of the development.

Council planning officers have advised refusal, citing concerns over the building's size, height and design.

A report states the scheme would appear "uncharacteristic and incongruous" and would harm the character of the High Street.

The proposed hotel would include 35 ensuite rooms, including accessible accommodation, as well as a breakfast lounge, internal alterations and improved commercial units at ground level.

The development would retain some retail use within the existing building.

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Despite the recommendation for refusal, officers acknowledge the scheme could support regeneration of the town centre and would not result in unacceptable impacts on neighbouring properties, highways or flood risk.

It is also noted the site lies within a central shopping area and benefits from good access to public transport, meaning the lack of on-site parking is considered acceptable.

The latest application comes after the previous hotel scheme was called in for committee consideration, where councillors raised concerns about the overall suitability of development on the site.

Councillors are now being asked to consider the revised, larger proposal at a planning meeting on Tuesday, 9 June.