APPROVAL has been given by Thurrock Council planning officers for nine new homes to be built in Tilbury on the site of a former youth centre and sports court.

The development consists of two two-bedroom homes and seven three-bedroom dwellings which feature undercroft parking with a recreation area or garden on top.

Homes will be in two terrace blocks on land adjacent to Quebec Road, Ottawa Road and Christchurch Road. Four dwellings make up the terrace fronting Ottawa Road and five houses front Quebec Road.

The land was previously a youth centre that was demolished by the council in 2021 due to the centre being out of use for multiple years. The building had become redundant and there were issues in its ongoing maintenance and security.

The parcel on the corner of Ottawa Road and Christchurch Road is currently a private sports pitch that was a part of the former youth centre. It is permanently locked and has high green fencing around the pitches perimeter due to continuous vandalism.

To ensure secure by design is implemented, the undercroft to the rear of each property will be securely gated off from the public. Side sliding garage doors have been proposed to keep parked vehicles safe and lockable rear gates stop pedestrians walking to the rear doors.

Each house has a secure space dedicated in the undercroft for bike storage to encourage and promote a healthier lifestyle to future residents. Bin storage has also been facilitated.