Nine self-contained apartments at Police Station, Civic Square, Tilbury

What was proposed

The application sought to convert the former police station into nine apartments, with parking, cycle storage and waste and recycling storage.

“This full planning application seeks permission for the change of use from the former police station (Sui Generis use) to 9 no. self-contained apartments (2x 2 bedroom, and 7x 3-bedroom) (C3 use) including the provision of parking spaces, cycle storage and waste and recycling storage.”

“PROPOSAL: Change of use from police station (Sui Generis Use) to 9 no. self- contained apartments (2x 2 bedroom, and 7x 3-bedroom) (C3 use) with parking spaces, cycle storage and waste and recycling storage.”

Officer report

The site and building

The prominent town-centre corner site is outside the shopping area in a mainly residential zone, with the building’s footprint and overall design unchanged.

“The site occupies a prominent corner position in Tilbury Town Centre. It is situated immediately outside the designated shopping area and lies within a zone without a specific land use designation, where the predominant use is residential. The surrounding area is characterised mainly by two- to three-storey semi-detached and terraced housing, along with some examples of three-storey flats over shops.”

Officer report

Earlier proposals

Earlier applications included an HMO scheme with 22 rooms and additional housing, while older applications concerned the police station, houses and garages.

“Reference Proposal Decision 24/30060/PMIN Conversion of the existing Tilbury Police station into HMO building accommodating 22 rooms in total, with an addition of 3- and 4- terraced dwellings at the site. Advice Given 03/00456/FUL Modifications to front entrance including new steps, ramps, parking, and vehicle crossing to comply with DDA Approved…”

“64/00946/FUL Police Station, Houses, Garages Approved 72/01646/FUL Police Station and Garages Approved…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the residential conversion acceptable because it provided suitable homes, parking, internal space and limited external changes without unacceptable impacts.

“The application primarily proposes the conversion of the existing building, with most alterations taking place internally. The proposal would entail the creation of 9 residential (C3 use) apartments each with an acceptable internal amenity space provision. The proposals would not appear cramped or overdeveloped give this arrangement.”

“Regarding external amenity space, the proposal falls short of policy requirements as there is no dedicated or communal outdoor amenity space for the occupiers. Given the site’s location within the town centre, the lack of any external amenity space provision for the apartments is not considered to be particularly uncharacteristic of town centre developments, where external amenity space is often limited or not available.”

Officer report

Responses and representations

Highways and flood officers withdrew their concerns subject to conditions, other consultees raised no objections, and no written public representations were received.

“Revised Parking Layout plans and an updated Transport Statement, Sept 2025 was submitted on 30 th September 2025. Highways Officers responded on 1.10.25 advising they had No Objections subject to conditions relating to the delineation of the whole parking space areas on the site, the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and provision of cycle storage.”

“The response was received on 18.09.2025 with holding objections, subject to further details being provided. The agent advised they were in seeking to address comments regarding surface water drainage strategy.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor spoke against the application and the applicant spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed parking, external amenity space, the building’s appearance, its possible HMO use and nearby parks and play facilities.

“Members queried if some form of external amenity space could be provided, such as a playground or washing facilities area. It was confirmed that it was considered, however, none is proposed within the application and given the sites town centre location it was concluded it would not be necessary to seek the provision. space.”

“The Chair queried how the lack of amenity space was being mitigated. It was confirmed that the application does not provide amenity space and there is not a defendable argument for this. It is not uncommon in this instance where there are open spaces and parks in such close proximity to the site.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted six in favour, none against and one abstention, then approved the recommendation.

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

“For (6): Councillors, Fletcher, Sisterson, Cecil, Cherry, Jones, Liddiard Against (0): Abstain (1): Councillor Kelly…”

Minutes