PLANS to convert a historic church into residential accommodation has been approved – after a 10 year process reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Changes and details of how the building will be converted passed its final hurdle this week as Thurrock Council agreed the project.
An application to convert St John The Baptist Church, Mucking Wharf Road, in Stanford Le Hope, was submitted over a decade ago, in 2015.
A planning appeal against the refusal of listed building consent to convert the building into three dwellings was dismissed in February 2023, paving the way for the proposed changes.
The development will see the nave and south aisle of the church converted into a self-contained residential home.
There will also be an additional seperate dwelling planned within the tower.
In planning documents, agent of the application, The Engine room, outlined that “only the nave and tower structures would be subject to thermal envelope energy efficiency upgrading, achieved by applying a breathable insulation to their interior walls and lime replastering.
“There can be a common point of refuse/recycling which can be discreetly located.
“This scheme of use will also minimise the need for on-site car parking, which
could be accommodated in the space to the west of the tower and south of the chancel where a graveled area can be placed free from standing grave markers.
“Parked vehicles will not need to be permanently in the Chestnut Avenue.”
Other parts of the church, including the chancel and south chapel are expected to be used for non-residential purposes such as a workshop or studio space.
The most recent application sought approval of techinical matters under conditions attatched to the original planning document.
These included mechanical, electrical, heating and plumbing systems as well as details of external masonry and stonework.
Thurrock Council approved the latest application on Monday, May 18, 2026 which also included internal and external works.
This includes the creation of new openings in the north and south elevations of the building.
In a consultee statement, Historic England stated they “have no objections to these conditions being discharged”.
The Local Democracy Service tried to contact the applicant, however the contact information was redacted.
The agent was also contacted, however they said they were not able to comment further with the applicant’s approval.
