THE latest bid to redevelop a former cycle shop in Grays has been rejected by planning officers.

In February last year an application to turn the former Green and Sons cycle and repair shop on Clarence Road [L] https://thurrock.nub.news/n/rejection-of-shop-to-flats-scheme-is-welcomed-by-councillors [L+]was rejected because of potential parking issues.

The application was opposed by ward councillors Tony Fish, Martin Kerin and Jane Pothecary who said: "We welcome the news that our ward is not going to be blighted with yet another unsustainable development. Our area of Grays is over-developed already, with parking issues causing real problems for our residents."

In the wake of that rejection, a plan was put forward to turn the site into a takeaway food shop.

The applicants said the proposed development would provide more efficient use of the land and would have no adverse effect on the locality. They said it would 'respect the amenities that neighbouring residents can, quite reasonably, expect to continue to enjoy'.

However, officers have rejected the bid, saying: "The proposal would introduce a take away within a predominantly residential area, which would lead to unacceptable effects to amenity. The hours of operation would make the site busier throughout the day, evenings and later at night.

"The proposal would lead to increased noise, smells and number of visitors to the site at times in which residents would reasonably expect a lower level of activity. The proposal would provide deficient vehicle parking in an area already heavily oversubscribed for parking."