86-bed care home and 8 homes at Grays Park Centre And Former Adult Community College, Grays

What was proposed

The application proposed an 86-bed care home, eight homes, parking, access works, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

“The development will bring the following benefits to the area: • It makes efficient use of vacant brownfield land in a sustainable, urban area • It contributes to meeting an unmet need for residential care homes (C2) in Thurrock • It provides much needed housing to Grays • It provides temporary employment opportunities during the construction phase of the development and brings more than 70 FTE roles to run the care home • It provides an attractive solution to the derelict…”

“PROPOSAL: Redevelopment of the site to form an 86 bedroom care home (C2), 8 houses (C3) with site access works and associated works to internal roads, landscaping, open space and associated ancillary…”

Officer report

The site

The cleared former adult education site had been vacant since 2021, with trees along Bridge Road and housing around three sides.

“The site once housed an adult education facility that was demolished in 2021, since which time it has lain vacant. It was sold to the Boutique Care in 2024 by the Council. It benefits from an access off Richmond Road with a pedestrian entrance (currently closed) off Bridge Road. There are substantial trees bordering the site along Bridge Road with one significant tree on the Richmond Road frontage.”

“It is surrounded on 3 sides by residential properties and is located in the urban area. Immediately to the west is the Grays Town Park and in easy walking distance is the main town centre of Grays.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered community, demolition and access works; a 66-bedroom care home application was withdrawn and later advice was given.

“Application Reference Description of Proposal Decision 75/00665/FUL Change of use to leisure centre Approved 76/00783/FUL Educational centre Approved 90/00615/FUL”

“Change of use to community action centre and new front entrance lobby and toilet extension. Approved 21/01495/DMI Demolition of former adult community college and creche buildings. Approved 21/01789/TBC Provision of new site entrance from Richmond Road to Alf Lowne Scout Centre. Approved 23/00786/FUL Erection of a 66-bedroom care home for the elderly (use class C2) with associated access, car parking and landscaping.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highway Authority raised no objection subject to conditions, while the NHS requested funding and the drainage authority initially sought more information.

“No objection with the following conditions are requested…”

“Details of the revised road layout, parking and construction details will need to be submitted prior to commencement on site in accordance with the standards adopted by the local planning authority satisfaction of the local planning authority Reason: in the interests of highway safety and efficiency.”

Officer report

Public representations

The application was advertised by letters, press notice and site notice, and no neighbour responses were received.

“The application has been advertised via letters, press notice and site notice. No neighbour responses have been received. None received…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker gave a statement, and members asked about rear access to the terraced houses.

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the conditions in section 16 of the officer report.

“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