EIGHT new family homes could replace a vacant former library and community hall site in Aveley under plans submitted to Thurrock Council.

The plot, previously owned by Thurrock Council, was advertised for sale in August last year and in December property consultants Kemsley announced it had been sold. The sale price was not disclosed, though it was initially marketed with a guide price of £1,000,000.

Planning consent had been granted in 2023 for a scheme of 16 affordable flats (10 x 2 bed, 6 x 1 bed). At a subsequent pre-app meeting held with Thurrock Planning Department in June 2025 for a revised scheme comprising nine private houses (7 x 3 bed, 2 x 2bed), the planning officer concluded that the revised 100% private housing scheme on site would be supported.

DCA Developers Ltd have now lodged a bid to turn the old library plot into four-bedroom semi-detached houses, with 20 parking spaces, along with changes to the current access into the cul-de-sac.

The former public hall and library on Purfleet Road in Aveley was demolished in 2021, with services relocated to Aveley Community Hub on the High Street.

Applicant, Valentin Bivol said work would not start until planning permission is granted but that the team is already preparing for a possible 2027 build.

"If approved, we anticipate starting work on the project at the start of 2027, I would anticipate that the project could be completed within a period of 18 months from start to completion on site," he said.

Mr Bivol said some neighbours who live near the fenced-off land are keen to see something finally happen there.

"I have already received much encouragement from local residents who are concerned that currently the site is vacant and has been for a number of years.

"It is therefore a security risk for those who have gardens backing onto it. So these residents particularly welcome the site being developed."

He described the plans as "a unique opportunity to provide much needed high quality local housing", with potential landscaping to improve the look of the area.

Mr Bivol said: "We are very confident that it will make a small but significant contribution to the council's lack of housing supply.

"We are committed to its success and are looking forward to the scheme being granted planning approval."