THURROCK councillors have deferred a decision on whether to allow the construction of a two-storey commercial building in Grays.

The planning committee debated an application to build the 70.4sq metre building on land between Gunning Road and the Globe Industrial Estate in Towers Road.

The building is intended for retail, professional, financial or medical services and would be accessed from Towers Road. The application was previously refused and also refused on appeal.

Amendments to the scheme were said to have overcome the previous concerns raised around access to the site and it was recommended for approval.

However, the site is intended as a buffer zone for residents to protect them from any disturbance from the Globe Industrial Estate.

Speaking at the planning meeting on Thursday, resident Jodie Hudson, said: "It is with much disappointment that I am again in a position to have to speak on behalf of the residents of Gunning Road to strongly oppose the application.

"To build on this land will not protect us. It will bring it straight into the lives of those living in Gunning Road by putting an industrial unit just metres from the homes of the residents. While conditions for working may be given, we know from living close to the Globe Estate that these are absolutely not adhered to with occupants working very late into the evening on a regular basis."

Ms Hudson said the development would be "overshadowing intrusive and noisy with HGVs mounting pavements to enter the site.

Kieron Lilley, chartered town planner and agent for the applicant, said: "The development provides new employment floor space in a designated employment area. The building is proposed for uses generally considered acceptable in residential areas and its modest scale and distance from the nearest residential properties are such that there will be detrimental overlooking or noise impacts arising.

"The proposal will contribute to employment in Thurrock in a sustainable location."

However, councillors also raised concerns.

Aaron Green, Labour councillor for West Thurrock and South Stifford, said: "I'm not satisfied we can put this application through, mainly around the buffer zone. By putting it there it will be a massive impact on residents of Gunning Road so as it stands I will have to vote against this."

Jacqui Maney, Conservative councillor for Aveley and Uplands, added: "I know it's said it's small scale construction but I can envisage a medium scale/big scale disruption for the residents so I will be voting against it."