PLANS to turn a derelict former hotel site into a builders' merchant's yard and shop have been rejected by Thurrock Council planning officers.

In May last year Thurrock Nub News reported on the application to bring life back to the site of the fire-ravaged former Lakeside Garden Inn in Stonehouse Lane, Purfleet. The new plan would have included a shop area for the purchase of small tools and materials and for the ordering of bulk purchases.

However, after more than 14 months of deliberation, officers have delivered their verdict – and in keeping with previous applications to redevelop the eye-sore site it is a 'no'.

That will come as blow to Lowden Roofing and Building Supplies, which is currently opperating from the site that is being used for open storage without the benefit of planning permission.

What Lowden wanted to build.

There have previously been planning applications for the site including for a nightclub and a takeaway and bar, both of which were refused.

The reasons for refusal this time are that access and egress from would be likely to result in harm to road users on Stonehouse Lane. They also say there is inadequate parking provision.

And a further reason is 'the application fails to demonstrate that the site could be properly drained to minimise the risk of localised flooding'.

The full announcement of refusal can be viewed here and the application in its entirety is here.