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THURROCK Council have approved a development on the site of a derelict pub in South Ockendon through gritted teeth after throwing out a similar plan for the site in January.

The old proposal by Parkland Developments was to build a two and a half storey development comprising 14 one and two bed flats on the site of the A Stones Throw pub on South Road.

The plans were rejected at the Planning Committee meeting on January 31 by councillors who were of the opinion that the developers were being too greedy by trying to squeeze too many homes into the site.

There were also concerns that the proposed velux-style windows in the west elevation of the development would overlook neighbours in Mayflower Road.

It was also thought that the parking layout would lead to inadequate parking spaces for the residents, with a lack of sufficient room for reversing out of spaces, and the difficult position and size of structural posts.

The latest proposal by Parkland is largely unchanged, the two and a half storey development would see nine two bedroom flats and five one bedroom flats, as well as 14 parking spaces and cycle and refuse stores.

However, the proposal has been amended to get round the issue of overlooking neighbours in Mayflower Road, with the altering of the position and height of roof lights so that there would not be any unacceptable overlooking into private gardens.

The layout of the undercroft parking proposed can now be accessed from the rear of the building, and has been amended to allow adequate reversing distance between spaces.

Ockendon Councillor Barrie Lawrence had strong objections to the development.

He said: "This is a planning application that I do not like.

"Dorma windows in the roof of the building is not in keeping with anything else on South Road.

"This is an area of two storey buildings or less, properties such as houses or bungalows.

"For me it is over development."

However, the council's Principal Planner, Brian Priestley , reminded the committee that approval for 12 flats in a two storey block had already been granted permission in August 2007, but had not yet been implemented.

To which Councillor Lawrence said:"I just don't understand why the developer doesn't get on and build what they already have permission for, its just pure greed."

He added:"And whoever thinks that one parking space per flat will be enough lives in cuckoo land."

Chair, in the absence of Councillor Steven Veryard, East Tilbury Councillor Barry Palmer said:"I have mixed views and I share the concerns of Councillor Lawrence, but we have already approved a development of the same footprint.

"We do not want flats in the roof space, if that was taken out then there would be no objection."

Officers then warned the committee they could leave themselves open to costs if the case went to appeal.

In light that the footprint of the building was exactly the same as had been approved in August, and that the issues surrounding privacy and parking had been rectified, the committee voted to move the officer's recommendation of approval, with only Councillor Lawrence voting against.

The final decision on the development now lies with the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

1:17pm Friday 9th May 2008

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