THURROCK councillors have raised concerns over a plan to demolish a retail premises in Grays to make way for seven new flats and one retail out.

CS Property Estates Ltd wants to demolish kitchen and bathroom showroom, formerly used by R G Cole, at 1–3 Broadway and build a three storey development with one ne commercial space.

The proposal, which is recommended for approval, has been called in to Thurrock Council's planning committee by Rob Gledhill, Conservative councillor for Little Thurrock Rectory with the support of five other councillors.

Councillors are concerned about a lack of parking and increased congestion on the surrounding roads following the introduction of parking permit scheme.

The council has a policy of retaining retails space unless it can be proven to be financially unviable. The development also has no parking spaces but nevertheless, officers "consider the benefits of the scheme outweighs the harm arising".

A report to the planning committee said the proposal would retain some retail and commercial space, it results in the more efficient use of the site and It will contribute towards the supply of housing in the borough.

The premises operated by RG Cole.

However, two objections to the proposals include concerns over parking in nearby roads, environmental pollution and litter and smells. Concerns were also raised over the loss of amenity, that it is out of character and overlooking development and possible excessive noise."

Resident, Grant Morris, of Silverlocke Road, said: "I have a number of issues with this planning proposal.

The site is on a major Thurrock artery, the A126, this is a very busy road and a bus route with a bus stop outside the mentioned property.

"The site is hemmed in by the properties adjacent to it on three sides, the only access is from the road."

The proposed scheme would deliver three, one-bed and four, two-bed flats of varying sizes.

Recommending approval, a report to be put before next Tuesday's planning committe (10 June) report says: "Officers accept that the demand for such a large space in an area of otherwise small local shops is limited. They also consider that the current retail use, as a kitchen and bathroom showroom, is not ideally suited to occupy this small site.

"The applicant has provided a marketing report in support of the proposal. It circulated property particulars to 187 occupiers. The campaign generated four enquiries."