A PLAN to convert three High Street units in Grays into a 26 bed hotel has been approved by Thurrock Council's planning committee, after fears it could be used for social housing or asylum seekers.

The scheme first came before councillors in early December but they deferred the application for 21–25 High Street amid concerns it could be used to house asylum seekers, as well as fears over antisocial behaviour, parking pressure and the impact on the surrounding area.

Planning officers returned to Wednesday's (21 January) committee meeting confirming that the applicant had now addressed these concerns to their satisfaction.

The scheme includes a rear extension, an additional floor and internal alterations. It will retain two commercial units on the ground floor while creating 26 en-suite rooms upstairs, including three accessible rooms, alongside a lobby and breakfast area.

Cllr Tom Kelly, who had expressed strong reservations during the previous meeting, said he remained uneasy but accepted that the committee's powers were limited.

"Ultimately for me the concern is still there, but in a planning sense I'm not sure there is too much we can do," he said. "We're just going to have to hope this is as we've been told."

Cllr Jacqui Maney sought additional reassurance that the premises would not drift into long term residential use. "It says it will be used for business and tourist short stays," she said. "Is there any way we could define a short stay? If somebody's there for five or six weeks, I'm concerned it becomes more of a residential arrangement. Nobody comes to Grays for a holiday, so you would expect to see somebody gone within two or three weeks."

Members were told the applicant had explicitly stated the hotel would not be used for social housing needs or temporary accommodation and would operate solely for business and tourist stays.

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As part of the approval, the committee agreed conditions, including a full CCTV system throughout the building, including external areas, to address earlier concerns about safety and antisocial behaviour.

The applicant said the hotel would support the local economy by creating jobs, generating footfall and helping revitalise the High Street.

"This hotel will not be used for temporary accommodation," the applicant said. "It will be used for business and tourist short stays and will contribute positively to the area."

The committee approved the application with the agreed conditions.