A HISTORIC Thurrock church built before the Norman Conquest is set to be turned into two homes.

Thurrock Council has granted planning permission for St John The Baptist Church, Mucking Wharf Road, Stanford-le-Hope to be converted into two-bedroom and four-bedroom homes following a ten year planning wrangle.

The two-bedroom home would be located within the tower and would be served by an existing door.

The four-bedroom home will be created in the nave and aisle and would have a linked studio within the chancel chapel.

An application to convert the Grade II listed church on green belt land was first submitted in 2015. It was the subject of a planning appeal against refusal of listed building consent for conversion to three dwellings that was dismissed in February 2023.

The owner has since obtained listed building consent and planning officers have approved the latest planning application.

The conversion of the nave and south aisle of the church will include a new floor and staircase. The chancel and south chapel will be used for an artist workshop or studio space.

A dining area will be provided to the front, with glass partitions dividing the space with a lounge and kitchen to the rear. The first and second floors will each have two bedrooms and a bathroom.

The tower will have a ground floor kitchen diner, a lounge on the first floor and a bedroom and a bathroom on the second floor.

A report to the council by Historic England said: "This is a long-standing case, with options for conversion being discussed for nearly ten years. The condition of the former church has continued to deteriorate to a point that is now included in our Heritage at Risk Register. The south chapel is open to the elements, the nave roof is leaking. It is therefore paramount to find a solution that would address its repair needs and ensure its long-term conservation.

"To this end, we have discussed with your conservation adviser a robust set of conditions. Subject to these being implemented and agreed to their satisfaction, we do not object to this application."

Planning officers said: "Subject to conditions, the proposed change of use is considered to be acceptable and this would hopefully result in the long term reuse and protection of this Grade II listed building."