SOUTH Ockendon's former police station will be turned into a 26-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) after councillors approved what one member described as a "very, very good use" of the long-empty building.

The Darenth Lane development will provide accommodation for up to 39 residents, with the developer also contributing £11,900 towards local NHS services.

The police station closed to the public in 2016, with officers relocating to Grays Police Station.

During Tuesday's debate, Labour councillor Amin Hoque questioned whether nearby surgeries had capacity for additional patients.

"The local GP opposite doesn't have space for an extra 39 people. How does that financial contribution create space?" he asked.

Officers said the payment had been calculated based on the expected number of residents and would be used to help meet the increased demand for healthcare services created by the development.

They said: "The contribution will go to the NHS and then it is for the NHS to manage how that floor space is reallocated."

Application agent Blaine McMahon said the scheme would bring an empty building back into use and provide much-needed homes.

He said: "The building on Darenth Lane has stood empty for a number of years and is on one of the most prominent corners of South Ockendon."

Mr McMahon said the development would provide self-contained rooms with private bathrooms and kitchens. In particular the businessman behind the scheme, John Bonar says the development will offer hope to young women, currently struggling to find accommodation in the local housing market.

As reported on Thurrock Nub News last week, a statement from Mr Bonar said he had identified a consistent need for smaller, more affordable accommodation, particularly from young adults seeking to move out of the family home and from women, including single mothers, who are unable to access housing within the open market.

However, the council must approve a management plan covering anti-social behaviour, noise and access before residents move in.

Cllr Hoque also questioned if measures would be put in place to control anti-social behaviour.

"I support the fact we need housing to help council in the way we are at the moment in where we are, but my only concern is the antisocial behaviour," he said.

"If something was to kick off would there be something in place rather than relying solely on police to attend on time and not let it spill out onto the street."

Despite this, several councillors supported the development.

Committee vice-chair Jack Fuller said: "I think it's quite a good application, I think it's a good development."

Committee chair Steve Taylor called it "a very, very good use of a building that's been empty for six or seven years".

The committee approved an office recommendation to allow the scheme to go ahead.