A car showroom and garage dating back to the 1940s could be demolished to make way for a new block of flats.

The proposal to build 16 flats on Lampits Hill in Corringham has been submitted to Thurrock Council and will require the demolition of a garage forecourt and associated buildings.

The block will be varied in height with the north side being two storeys and then gradually stepping up to three and then to four on the south side.

Planning documents note that this design was chosen as a way to “soften the overall impact of the height of the four storeys when viewing the building from street level".

It will include nine one-bed flats and seven two-bed flats, along with parking spaces for at least 20 vehicles, bicycle storage and a bin store.

The application has been through an extensive pre-application process with plans being heavily revised according to council guidelines.

Changes from the initial plan includes making the building "less imposing" and allowing for resident and visitor parking. This led to a reduction in flat numbers from 19 to 16.

The applicant, Designcubed, has stated: "Through an extensive pre-application process, we have taken on board comments from the development management office to prepare an outline scheme we feel will have a positive impact on Lampits Hill and Corringham as a whole, on a site which is currently thought of as an eyesore in urgent need of redevelopment."

The application will be discussed at a future planning meeting.