A FORMAL application to change the use of the former Tilbury Police station into nine apartments is now being considered by Thurock Council, having been submitted on Monday 18, August, received two days later and validated and made public today (Tuesday, 26 August).

It's an unusually speedy outcome to a process that can sometimes take months, or even years, but that may be due to the application for a change of use, rather than a full planning application.

It's the latest twist in a long-running saga over the site, which ceased to be an operational base for police in 2021 after being closed to the public in February 2016. The building was sold by Essex Police late last year.

Earlier this month, Essex Police made a statement saying it had investigated local rumours and speculation that the building was being occupied by immigrants or homeless people.

A statement from the force says: "We have spoken with the owners of the former Tilbury police station today and our Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Daniel Selby has been in person to visit the site.

"Insp Selby has been inside the building alongside the owners and they've allowed us to share photos to show the true situation to allay some misinformation circulating locally on social media that it's being used as a hotel for asylum seekers.

"We can confirm:

• No-one is living at the old Tilbury police station
• It is not being used as a hotel in any sense
• The location is still going through the planning permission process
• There is a consistent security presence, so locals can expect to see people coming and going.

"We'd urge people who have shared incorrect posts in Tilbury to please think of the real world consequences of their actions.

The police statement, and response on social media, prompted a comment from Thurock Council leader Cllr Lyn Worrall, that a planning application had been submitted to create flats on the site. That proved to be a false statement, confirmed in a formal council release last Friday (22 August).

However, today's publication of the application for change of use – which says the building will be converted to host two two-bedroom homes and seven-three bedroom homes in the form of self-contained apartments – also throws up questions.

Previously the council had made a formal statement that it had been involved in pre-application discussions with the new owners, but gave few details.

It did say: "The Council has received pre-application enquiries regarding potential alternative uses at the former Tilbury Police Station site. These pre-applications are commercially sensitive and not part of the public record unless the applicant chooses to disclose them."

In the wake of today's published material it is revealed the only discussions the owners have had with the council was for 'conversion of the existing Tilbury Police station into HMO building accommodating 22 rooms in total, with an addition of 3 and 4 terraced dwellings at the site."

And the owners have confirmed they have had no discussion prior to submission of the change of use about creating apartments rather than an HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy). The owners answer quite emphatically with a No to the question: "Hass assistance or prior advice been sought from the local authority about this application?"

That appears another contradiction of Cllfr Worrall's statement – which was backed up by ward councillor Steve Liddiard – and the council's own intimations in response to Nub News questions.

In its statement last Friday, the council said: "As plans for this site progress, the owners will have to get planning permission from Thurrock Council. This planning process means that as plans are submitted to us they will be published and you can comment on them before a planning decision is made. This happens in strict accordance with planning rules and regulations in an entirely transparent way.

"We urge you to ignore the rumours, be aware of the motives of those who start and repeat them and instead follow the facts and listen to those who are dedicated to keeping you safe."

Under planning law it may be that granting permission for change of use will allow the owners to start work, as the application comprises principally the conversion and re-use of an existing building.

No significant external changes are proposed.

The change of use statement, which says the new purposing of the building will have no impact on the local area, including the nearby war memorial and community facilities.

It concludes: "This development, subject to appropriate conditions and section 106 agreement, would provide nine additional new homes, including family sized homes, with good levels of sunlight and daylight and noise insulation, fire safety and outlook. There would be minimal harm or disruption if any to neighbouring occupiers."

Unless the change of use application is called in by local councillors, a decision will be made by officers.