AN empty and dilapidated car showroom could be transformed into retirement homes.

Toomey motor group has submit a second planning application for London Road site, near Chalkwell park.

If approved, the proposed building will see 31 low cost, “not for profit’”retirement apartments for the elderly at 831to 837 London Road, Westcliff.

The site was previously occupied by the company as car showroom, but has been vacant since 2008.

Mark Flewitt, councillor for housing, planning and sustainability, said: “It’s definitely a market that is growing because we are living longer. It’s very important that we are providing adequate housing for everyone and all needs at a suitable cost.

“I welcome this application, absolutely. I can’t support any application because it’s down to my friends on the development control committee to decide but there’s definitely a market for it.”

An initial planning application from the company in 2014 was subsequently dismissed by the inspector due to the height, width and detailed design suggesting that the building would be unduly dominant and would “harm” the character of the area.

Another issue raised by the committee was the concern the development would cause additional pressure on street parking in an area of parking stress. This was later withdrawn.

Following the previous refusal the applicant has revised many issues including the number and size of each apartment and the removal of the fourth-floor roof terrace and communal space.

The new plan has outlined the potential to create 25 to 30 new full-time jobs within a convenience store set to be located on site along with the improvement of the environment and regeneration of land.

A site notice was displayed on May 12 and one letter of objection claiming to represent 250 parties has been received. The letter stated that the application is almost identical to the previous rejected application.