26-bedroom hotel at 21 - 25 High Street, Grays

“This planning application seeks permission for the partial demolition of the existing rear structure(s) and erection of rear extensions to the ground and first floors and an additional storey over the three existing commercial units. Permission is also sought for a partial change of use from commercial (Use Class E) to a hotel (Use Class C1) providing 26 no. ensuite bedrooms of which includes 3n o rooms for persons with disabilities (1 no.”

“This planning application seeks permission for the partial demolition of the existing rear structure(s) and erection of rear extensions to the ground and first floors and an additional storey over the three existing commercial units. Permission is also sought for a partial change of use from commercial (Use Class E) to a hotel (Use Class C1) providing 26no. en- suite bedrooms of which includes 3no rooms for persons with disabilities (1no.”

“The application site is located on the east side of High Street in Grays town centre. It comprises of 3 commercial units on both the ground and first floor levels of a mid-terrace building.”

“The site is designated within a central shopping area as defined under saved Policy SH10 and superseded by CSTP7 and CSTP8.”

“The applicant provided additional information in response to each request and liaised with Highways Officers. Subsequently, comments were received dated 12.11.25 advising that there were no objections subject to a condition requiring a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) given the operational hours of the pedestrian zone within Grays Town Centre, and recommending an access information pack be provided to any prospective guests.”

“No objections subject to conditions requiring the submission and approval of a CEMP, a Noise Assessment, and an Acoustic Assessment relating to noise-generating fixed plant.”

“The application was advertised via individual neighbour letter and a site notice was erected nearby. No written comments have been received.”

“Officers presented the report to Committee. Members were reminded that at the Planning Committee meeting held on 9 December 2025, the application was considered with a recommendation for approval subject to conditions. The Committee deferred the item to allow the applicant to provide further information regarding security and anti-social behaviour, parking and highways impacts, and the potential end users of the hotel.”

“Members were advised that the applicant has since submitted additional information, and the updated report addresses the matters raised, including revised details relating to security measures and anti-social behaviour. This included CCTV to be provided throughout the public and communal areas of the hotel and an Informative has been added to include they work with the Police regarding the installation of the CCTV.”

“Recommendations Approve, subject to the following additional condition and informative, and those conditions as listed in Section 16 on Page 16 of the report.”