THE Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an appeal to build a three storey block of flats and retail units on the R G Cole kitchen and bathroom showroom site in Grays reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The planning inspector ruled the scheme proposed by CS Property Estates Ltd would fail to provide acceptable living conditions for future residents and could worsen parking pressures in the town centre.
The developers had sought permission to demolish the existing premises on the Broadway and replace them with two retail units and seven apartments, arguing the mixed use scheme would regenerate the plot.
Thurrock Council refused the plans earlier this year, raising concerns over parking, amenity space and whether the development would create a “long lasting problem” for neighbours.
In his decision, the planning inspector agreed with the council on key points, concluding the proposals fell short of meeting policy requirements and failed to demonstrate they would not harm the area.
One of the most significant issues was parking. The scheme required a legal agreement securing contributions towards changes to local residents’ parking zones—a condition the developer had not completed.
Without it, the inspector said, the limited on street parking in the area and additional demand from new occupants “could become an ongoing and long lasting problem”, adding that the absence of mitigation created unacceptable risk.
While the council had also raised concerns about deliveries to the commercial units, the inspector said there was insufficient evidence to justify that objection. However, shortcomings over living standards ultimately proved decisive.
He said the lack of usable outdoor amenity space was a critical flaw, particularly as the larger apartments could attract families.
Although internal space met required standards, he ruled that this was not enough to compensate for the complete absence of private or communal outdoor areas, meaning the development was “unlikely to provide satisfactory living conditions for all future occupants”.
The inspector also noted that amenity concerns carried substantial weight given the site’s tight urban setting and close proximity to neighbouring homes.
As a result, the appeal was dismissed and the council’s refusal upheld.
The decision means the high profile site remains without planning permission, leaving its future uncertain.
Any renewed application will need to address the inspector’s findings, including parking impacts and the lack of amenity space, before standing a realistic chance of approval.
