FINAL technical details to plans to convert a historic borough church in the tiny hamlet of Mucking into two homes have been rubber-stamped by Thurrock Council planning officers, bringing an end to an 11-year process.

An application to convert St John The Baptist Church on Mucking Wharf Road near Stanford-le-Hope, was submitted more than a decade ago, in 2015.

A planning appeal against the refusal of listed building consent to convert the building into three dwellings was dismissed in February 2023, but was followed up with an amended planning application for two homes and approval was granted in February last year.

The development will see the nave and south aisle of the church converted into a self-contained residential home. There will also be an additional separate dwelling planned within the tower.

Other parts of the church, including the chancel and south chapel are expected to be used for non-residential purposes such as a workshop or studio space.

A number of changes to the original application were submitted and have now been rubber-stamped.

These included mechanical, electrical, heating and plumbing systems as well as details of external masonry and stonework. These include the creation of new openings in the north and south elevations of the building.

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In a consultee statement, Historic England stated they have no objections to the changes.