PLANS for a car-free apartment block behind homes in Grays have been approved, despite councillors raising concerns about transport connections and the potential impact on surrounding roads.

Thurrock Council's planning committee backed proposals for nine three-storey flats on land to the rear of 44-46 Bankfoot, next to Hogg Lane.

Chief Planning Officer Ashley Baldwin has been authorised to grant permission for the development subject to conditions - which have not yet been put in the public domain.

They are described as Section 16 in the the oficer report to the meeting, but are not actually included in the report.

Planning agent Afroze Khan told councillors the development had the full support of planning officers and represented a sensible infill scheme on unused land behind existing properties.

She argued the project would fit comfortably within the surrounding area and would not appear out of character with nearby development.

"This is a logical development," she said. "The site sits within an area of mixed residential and commercial uses and benefits from its proximity to Grays town centre, local shops and the railway station."

Ms Khan added that the flats had been deliberately designed as a car-free development, reflecting similar schemes delivered in urban areas such as London.

The proposal prompted questions from councillors about whether future residents would place additional pressure on local roads and parking.

Reform UK councillor Peggy Davies viewed the absence of parking as a positive, remarking that there would be "no worries about parking".

However, fellow Reform councillor Steve Taylor questioned whether the elevated nature of the site could have an impact on neighbouring properties. Planning officers advised that such issues could not be fully considered at this stage of the application.

Cllr Russell Cherry also queried whether the development could create additional highway pressures if approved.

In response, the council's highways officer said the site fell within a "medium support area".

While it sits slightly beyond the preferred 500-metre distance from a mainline railway station, officers said it benefits from good public transport connections, including nearby bus routes.

When councillor Bill Mumford asked whether a broader assessment of the surrounding area had been undertaken, director of planning Ashley Baldwin said any future detailed application would return to committee for further scrutiny.

Councillors ultimately voted unanimously to approve the scheme after it was proposed by Cllr Taylor and seconded by Cllr Cherry.

The decision paves the way for nine new flats, with residents expected to rely on public transport, walking and cycling rather than private cars.