A former church hall in Westcliff can be converted into 12 flats each with a parking space, Southend Council's development control committee has said.

The proposals for the vestry and hall at Crowstone St George's United Reformed Church in King's Road were unanimously agreed.

The buildings have been redundant since the church carried out major renovation work four years ago.

This led to a reduction in the size of the church's nave and the provision of other facilities in part of the original building.

Initial proposals for the hall and vestry were for seven flats and there was also a plan to convert it into a single luxury house.

Technical services director David Watts said the increase in the number of flats was possible because the site boundaries had been revised making a larger area available for parking.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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