COUNCILLORS have called in plans to convert three commercial units in Grays High Street into a 26-room hotel, citing concerns over parking, demand, and the impact on the town centre reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The proposal, submitted for the High Street, seeks full planning permission for a rear extension, an additional floor, and internal alterations to create a hotel while retaining two ground-floor commercial units.
The scheme would involve partial demolition of existing rear structures and the addition of a third storey above the mid-terrace building.
If approved, the hotel would provide 26 en-suite bedrooms, including three accessible rooms—one on each floor. Plans also include a breakfast lounge, kitchen, lifts, and a lobby, alongside refuse storage and a bicycle store at the rear.
Ground-floor units, currently occupied by a bakery and a dry cleaners, would remain in commercial use.
The council has received no public objections but it has been called in by seven Thurrock councillors to allow the planning committee to examine whether the development is appropriate for the site and its potential effect on the character of the area.
Planning officers have recommended approval, stating the proposal would modernise the existing premises and contribute to town centre regeneration. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of dedicated parking and whether there is sufficient demand for hotel accommodation in Grays.
The committee will consider the application at its next meeting on Tuesday, where councillors will weigh up the benefits of the scheme.
Who in their right mind would want to stay in Grays.