PLANS for ten commercial units in Grays, which are expected to create 40 new jobs, have been recommended for approval at a Thurrock Council planning meeting this evening (Tuesday, 4 June).

If approved the units will be built on Unit 54, Globe Industrial Estate, Towers Road.

A mezzanine floor is included in the plan along with a parking area, bicycle storage, refuge storage, and landscaping.

The applicant, borough businessman Philip Barton-Wright, has indicated it is intended that the ground floor of the proposed building would be used for industrial and storage purposes, whilst the mezzanine floor would provide space for an ancillary office use for each unit.

The site formerly accommodated a warehouse and office building which was demolished following fire damage and the site currently remains vacant.

The applicant expects 30 full-time jobs and 10 part-time jobs to be created by the development.

A previous application granted permission for a slightly smaller building.

The application was called in by a number of councillors over fears of the impact the development on nearby residents.

One letter of objection was received by the council citing current problems from the industrial site.

The resident said noise, smoke and smell issues from the existing development at the industrial estate were affecting residents along with industrial fires from a garage leading to "evacuation from our homes, debris in our gardens and on the public access path only to be told we just have to live with it".

However, a report to the committee said: "Given that the residential development is separated from the industrial estate by a green buffer zone and steep bank, it is not considered that the proposed built form would result in a detrimental level of overlooking, a loss of light or an overbearing impact on the occupiers of the neighbouring properties."

Planning officers added: "The principle of the development for commercial use on the site, which is within a designated industrial area, is considered to be acceptable.

"Further, the scale and design of the building is considered to have an acceptable visual impact and subject to conditions, would not result in a demonstrable impact on the existing highway network or the amenity of the neighbouring occupiers."

The meeting will also be considering the plan for a new Lidl store in Tilbury. See story: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/new-town-lidl-recommended-for-approval-230868