Five modular affordable homes at 47 - 49 The Geerings, Corringham

What was proposed

The application proposed five modular houses, with three three-bedroom homes and two four-bedroom homes, plus parking, gardens, cycle storage, refuse facilities and landscaping.

“This application relates to the redevelopment of 47–49 The Geerings, Corringham. It will provide 5 houses of which 3 are three bedroomed units, the remaining 2 are four bedroomed houses.”

“PROPOSAL: Erection of three 3-bed and two 4-bed houses with associated car parking spaces, private amenity space, cycle parking space, refuse/recycling facilities and landscaping…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The vacant site is a previously developed urban corner site, with access from Springhouse Road and parking behind the proposed houses.

“The development will provide 5 affordable housing units in two blocks on a previously developed corner site within the urban area of Corringham.”

“The scheme accords with national and local plan policies providing housing in a sustainable location on a previously developed site within the urban area. As such it accords with paragraph 11 of the NPPF which sets a presumption in favour of sustainable development.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier decisions included approval for demolishing the two properties and approvals and refusals for residential development on the site.

“Reference Proposal Decision 25/01073/DMI Demolition of the 2 properties Approved 61/00147A/FUL Residential development of 185 dwellings Approved 59/00418/FUL Residential Development Approved 57/00548/FUL Residential Development Refused 55/00500/FUL Residential and Shopping Development Refused…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the affordable housing need, sustainable location, efficient use of land, design, parking, amenity and drainage impacts acceptable subject to conditions.

“Whilst the housing policies of the TCS are considered to be a little dated, the aims of the policy are consistent with the NPPF which seeks to boost the supply of housing and make efficient use of land. Moreover, the presumption in favour of sustainable development set by paragraph 11c of the NPPF applies to this case.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highway Authority and Environmental Health raised no objection subject to conditions, while drainage and foul-water matters required further details and controls.

“Provision of SuDS: The drainage strategy must incorporate a wider range of Sustainable Drainage Systems features in addition to permeable paving. The applicant is required to justify the selection of SuDS components proposed for the site and demonstrate that they are appropriate to the site conditions and capable of delivering effective flood risk management, water quality treatment, and wider environmental benefits.”

“Used Water Disposal: Objection to any connection into our foul network from the proposed development, due to capacity constraints and pollution risk. In order to overcome our objection, we require that the applicant consults Anglian Water in the form of a Pre-Development enquiry (PPE) in order to define a Sustainable Point of Connection (SPOC)”

Officer report

What residents said

One representation objected that the design, scale and height would not fit the established character of the area.

“One letter of representation has been received outlining the following concerns:”

“- The design, scale and height are out of keeping with the established character of the area.”

Officer report

Questions and answers

A speaker addressed heating and solar panels, while members asked about building lifespan, roof design and vehicle access.

What members discussed

Members supported the application because they considered there was a need for good homes for people in Thurrock.

“Members were in support of the application, adding there was a need for good homes for people in Thurrock. There was no further debate.”

Minutes

The decision

The recommendation was approved, authorising the Chief Planning Officer to grant permission subject to the stated conditions.

“Recommendation That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those conditions set out in section 16 of this report…”

Minutes