THURROCK councillors have approved an extension to a family home despite concerns the layout appears more suited to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

The application, relating to a terraced property in Grays, proposes a part single‑storey and part two‑storey rear extension along with a loft conversion featuring a rear dormer.

Plans show several ground‑floor bedrooms alongside a combined kitchen and dining space, prompting questions about whether the property is designed for long‑term family use.

Speaking at the planning committee meeting, Cllr Russell Cherry said the internal layout raised red flags.

"It doesn't sound like a dwelling home to me," he told colleagues. "Houses designed for a family generally have a lounge, dining room, kitchen and then bedrooms upstairs unless it's a bungalow. This seems to be catering for as many bedrooms as possible and a place to cook and eat food.

"It sounds like a potential HMO in the future."

Despite the concerns, councillors voted to approve the proposal.

The debate came after the committee deferred a decision in December when similar concerns about HMO use were raised. Planning officers sought clarification from the owners and were assured it would be used as a family home. The property already benefits from a Lawful Development Certificate allowing it to operate as a six‑bed HMO, but the latest submission was presented as a single-family home.

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Planning officers recommended approval for the Clarence Road scheme, arguing that combining previously approved extensions into one application would allow construction to proceed in a single phase and reduce disruption. However, five councillors called the matter in over concerns about overdevelopment and the absence of off‑street parking.

Grays Riverside ward councillor Valerie Morris‑Cook said the combined scale of the works amounted to "significant cumulative impact".

"The extensions could cause loss of light and overshadowing," she said. "The property will operate as a six‑person HMO without any parking provision, and approving this could set a precedent in similar terraces."

Speaking on behalf of the applicant at the previous committee meeting, David Goodworth said the intention was simply to bring together existing consents to streamline building work. However, he could not confirm whether the property would continue as a family home or be used as an HMO under its existing permissions.