AN APPLICATION to build an 86-bed care home and eight new houses on the site of a former community college have been recommended for approval reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The proposal, by Grays Propco Ltd, seeks to transform the Adult Community College site on Grays’ Richmond Road to provide accommodation for elderly residents.
Members of Thurrock Council’s Planning Committee will vote on the plans next week, with planning officers recommending that the green light be given.
According to the proposals, the new care home would feature 86 ensuite bedrooms, communal lounges, dining areas and landscaped gardens across a largely two-storey building.
The care home would be accompanied by eight new terraced and semi-detached houses with off-street parking and private gardens.
A report from Thurrock Council’s planning officers states: “The nature of the care home provision seeks to cater for those with a high level of frailty, significant Dementia presence and/or limited mobility.
“The layout provides a number of lounge areas on each floor and dining areas for those wishing to eat communally.”
“Twenty nine parking spaces are provided to serve the development together with cycle and motorcycle parking and a staff travel plan has been submitted in association with the proposal.”
Officers concluded their report by recommending that members of the council’s Planning Committee vote to approve the plans on Tuesday.
In recommending approval for the site, the report states that the proposals would make efficient use of a vacant brownfield site, contribute to an unmet need for residential care homes in Thurrock and create new housing provisions for Grays.
Officers added the plans will create “temporary employment opportunities during the construction phase of the development and bring more than 70 full-time employment roles to run the care home”.
If approved, the developer will be obliged to contribute £9,489 to offset impacts on the Thames Estuary Special Protection Area.
While the Richmond Road site was once home to an adult community college, the building was demolished in 2021 and has remained vacant ever since.
The site was sold to care firm Boutique Care by Thurrock Council in 2024.
