THURROCK Council planning officers have rejected an application to build a new home by the side of an existing house in Tilbury on a local estate.

Last month Nub News reported on the application to build the two storey, three bedroom dwelling in the garden of a house on Church Road.

Though there were no objections from neighbours, and the council's own report agreed the new building would still leave sufficient amenity space for both the existing and new homes (and would not impact on neighbouring properties' amenity space) – and that the new building would be in character with those in the area - It has been swiftly rejected by officers.

Reasons given for refusal include the fact that highways officers believe the new property, even with some off street parking retained, would result in a site that is 'unable to provide sufficient parking to meet council standards'. They say it is likely to be to the 'detriment of pedestrian and vehicular safety'.

Though the property would sit at the same level as many existing Tilbury properties in the area of Church Road and further afield, planning officers have singled out a flood risk, saying: "The council is not able to be satisfied that there would be an acceptable risk to future occupants or that the first floor level would allow for safe refuge in an extreme flood event."

Combining the flood risk and the possible parking problems is enough, conclude officers, for them to refuse permission for the application – even though it is conceded the new home would contribute to easing the local housing shortage and was in line with local development policies.

The full report compiled by officers and the summary of reasons for dismissal can be found via {L] https://regs.thurrock.gov.uk/online-applications/files/5805D29A12012EC6984453E83EC6D7D4/pdf/21_01858_FUL-DELEGATED_REPORT-766659.pdf [L+]this link. [.L]