Demolition of tower blocks at Bevan House And Morrison House, Grays

What was proposed

The application sought prior approval to demolish two 12-storey residential towers and associated single-storey garages as part of estate regeneration.

“This application seeks Prior Approval for the demolition of two 12 storey residential tower blocks, Bevan House and Morrison House, located within a wider Council-owned estate. The proposal also includes the demolition of associated single storey garages situated within the curtilage of the site. The site is located within an established residential area and is under the ownership of the Council.”

“The proposed demolition forms part of the Council’s strategic regeneration objectives to facilitate comprehensive estate renewal. No details of redevelopment are included within this submission and any future development of the site will be subject to a separate planning application.”

Officer report

The site

Bevan House and Morrison House stand within the Blackshots Estate, surrounded by estate roads, open space, garages, housing and community facilities.

“Bevan and Morrison House forms part of the Blackshots Park tower block development, also known as Blackshots Towers. The development consists of three 12-storey residential blocks located across two sites within the estate. Keir Hardie House occupies the northern site, while Bevan House and Morrison House are located on the southern site.”

“The buildings are set within a defined plot and are surrounded by areas of hardstanding, informal open space, and a number of associated single- storey garages. The site is separated from nearby housing by estate roads and landscaped buffers. The surrounding area is characterised by a range of low-rise residential development, public open space, and community facilities.”

Officer report

Site history and engagement

Earlier approvals covered building works and a temporary office, while later pre-application advice considered wider redevelopment and resident engagement.

“Pre-application advice (for development of the site, not for the demolition) was sought under reference 24/30058/PMAJ. The advice related to the wider redevelopment of the Blackshots Estate, including the demolition of Bevan House and Morrison House. While the current application relates only to demolition, the advice has informed the approach.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planner presented the application, while Highway Officers explained the vehicle route and Planning Officers addressed members’ concerns.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed heavy goods vehicle movements, the mechanical demolition process, its expected duration and the order of tower demolition.

“Members enquired the route Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV’s) or larger vehicles would be expected to take when entering and leaving the site. Highway Officers commented the specified route was via Blackshots Lane, towards the Orsett Cock roundabout onto the A13 and then for the M25. It was also confirmed the number of movements for these vehicles had been limited to 17 movements per day and these were to avoid busy periods such as school drop off and pick uptimes.”

“Members sought information regarding the demolition process. It was commented the demolition of the tower blocks would be mechanical and was suggested to take 40 weeks to complete.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the recommendation to grant prior approval for the demolition.

“Recommendation: That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to issue a decision to show that prior approval is granted for the demolition…”

Minutes