21 flats and an office at 1 High Street, Canvey Island

“The proposal re-uses brownfield land and supports the town centre by providing additional custom for local businesses. The plans have been amended following initial submission to alleviate concerns about the height and bulk of the building, and the development has been found not to harm the amenity of neighbouring residents.”

“A small area for car parking is provided to the south of the building. The remaining parts of the site are also hard surfaced. When the bank was open, traffic accessed the site from the restricted part of High Street and exited onto Knightswick Road, having to turn right onto the one-way system. Canvey Library which adjoins the site to the east, is a single storey, flat roofed brick building. To the north of the site is Oyster Court, a three storey block of flats.”

“Essex County Fire and Rescue Service 8.2 Comments offered relating to access for fire appliances and sprinkler usage. Canvey Town Council 8.3 Object – Would dominate town centre skyline, proximity to substation, lack of green space, inadequate number of parking spaces, detrimental to surrounding businesses due to the impact on the one-way system during the build process.”

“Essex County Council – Economic Infrastructure Team 8.10 There could be more information provided about how the development interfaces with the town centre. It may be of greater benefit to the town centre to provide a food and beverage outlet, with outdoor seating, instead of an office, which could contribute to nurturing a café culture.”

“Neighbour Notification 8.30 Four letters of objection have been received, making the following comments and observations. Any material planning issues raised will be considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Over development. Four storey building out of character with the low rise town centre.”

“25/0695/FUL – 1 HIGH STREET, CANVEY ISLAND The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Director Development Services regarding an application for the demolition of an existing building and the erection of a 4-storey building comprising office (class E), under-croft parking to ground floor and 21no. self-contained flats (class C3). The application was the subject of a site visit on Friday 5 June 2026.”

“Officer clarified that affordable housing encompassed many options, such as social rented housing, shared ownership at a discounted price, or discounted market housing to help get onto the property ladder. Members questioned whether a specific tenure like social rent could be secured via planning conditions, but officers advised keeping the definition open-ended at this stage to ensure the best chance of delivering the units.”