THURROCK Council is set to decide on 15 new flats on the remnants of an industrial site in South Stifford.

Plans have been submitted for the new homes on the former TCS Chandlery in Gumley Road.

If approved, Wanstead Park Properties Ltd will build a studio apartment, eight one-bed and six two-bed flats on the site a mile away from Grays town centre. Each apartment will have a parking space.

All the apartments, in the part three and part four-storey block will have a private balcony or terrace, a majority of which are south facing.

The site is a small remnant of a much larger area of industrial buildings and warehouses that occupied most of the area between London Road and the Thames.

A meeting was held with planning officers in December where the "principle of residential redevelopment was accepted and the general design approach was considered to be positive".

While all developments above ten new homes require 35 per cent affordable housing, the developer is offering no affordable housing, claiming to do so would lead to a loss of more than £600,000, making the scheme financially unviable.

The site in South Stifford.

In a report to the council, the applicant said: "The development will provide a much-needed contribution to the local housing stock.

"It will redevelop an under-utilised site with a modern, well-designed building with high quality materials to provide 15 new homes.

"The site is located a sustainable area in close proximity to services to meet future residents' needs. It is located close to good quality public transport links to ensure that there are opportunities to travel other than by private motor vehicle."

The report added: "In economic terms the proposed development will generate employment opportunities during the course of its construction.

"Economic benefits from the operational phase would arise from additional spending in the local economy from the future residents.

"It is therefore considered that the proposed development will also meet the economic strand of sustainable development.

"The proposals will make an important contribution to the delivery of housing to add to the local housing stock.

"It is considered that the proposals will secure a high-quality development which will enhance the social and economic well-being of the local area."

Details of the application and the opportunity to comment can be accessed via this link.