AN EMPTY GP surgery could be demolished to make way for flats.

Belle Vue House Ltd has applied to demolish the single-storey former surgery in Rayleigh Road, Thundersley, and build a three-storey block of flats.

The surgery has been empty since Dr Roger Gardiner retired and the NHS contract finished in March.

Cedar Hall councillor Peter Burch said: “We would try to build as much on brownfield sites as we can, rather than going for green belt or green field sites.

“We would try to do that, but it also has to meet all the planning regulations and rules.”

The block is expected to include five two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom flats.

A dozen of the 14 parking spaces on the 8,000 square foot site would be retained for the residents.

The 32-foot high building, expected to be of yellow brick with white rendered panels, is designed to give views over woodland behind the site.

The developer said the building, which will have dormer windows, would be of similar height to semi-detached houses in the street.

It would include a roof garden, only viewable from the back of the property, with artificial grass and decking. Bin storage would be at the front of the property.

In a report with the application, architects Brian Davison Associates, of Westcliff, which has designed the scheme, said: “The client required a scheme to enhance the land, upon which is currentlyabungalow.

“This forms the basis of this application.”

Alan Bayley, leader of Ukip on Castle Point Council, said: “Providing it meets all the necessary requirements for putting up a three-storey block, such as enough parking, not overlooking and fitting in with the local area, I can’t see there being a problem.”

Planning officers are expected to make decision on the application, using delegated powers, within the next two months.