A DECISION on plans to convert three High Street units in Grays into a 26-bed hotel has been deferred after councillors raised fears it could be used to house asylum seekers.

Thurrock Council's planning committee initially rejected the application for 21–25 High Street but then voted to delay a decision until assurances are provided that the site will operate solely as a hotel. Members also cited concerns over antisocial behaviour and parking pressures.

The proposal, submitted by Hamid Aslam, seeks permission for a rear extension, an extra floor and internal alterations to create a hotel while retaining two ground-floor commercial units. The scheme would deliver 26 en-suite rooms, including three accessible rooms, plus a breakfast lounge and lobby.

Grays Riverside ward councillor Valerie Morris-Cook was among seven councillors who called in the application for scrutiny.

She told Tuesday's (9 December) meeting: "The report has not demonstrated that the hotel use is appropriate for this stretch of the High Street. It gives no data on potential footfall, retail demand or the cumulative effect of losing upper-floor commercial space."

Speaking for the applicant, Abdullah Aslam said the development would revitalise an underused site and create jobs.

"Grays has faced challenges with reduced activity. This redevelopment helps address that by introducing a modern, high-quality hotel that uplifts this part of the High Street," he said.

However, councillors pressed Mr Aslam on who would use the hotel.

He replied that "the correct people" would stay, adding that regeneration of the nearby shopping centre would increase demand for a hotel.

Committee member Cllr Tom Kelly voiced concerns over hotels being repurposed for asylum seekers.

"I just need assurance this is used as a hotel for tourists and business people. I wasn't given that," he said.

He added: "Frankly, I think it's reasonable that this is used as a hotel and not a migrant hotel based on what's been happening around the country."

Cllr Aaron Green warned of parking and antisocial behaviour risks. He said: "I don't like this application. I think it's a high risk of antisocial behaviour.

"I believe that we going to have numerous highway issues and mainly around parking in that area."

Planning officers had recommended approval, but councillors initially refused permission and then voted to defer the final decision pending assurances on security and parking.