STUDENT accommodation will be created at a former department store in Southend under plans to transform the upper floors.

An additional storey is set to be added to the old Ravens store, in Clifftown Road, under the proposals approved by council planning officers.

It will mean the first, second and new third floor of the building will be made up of 22 student rooms.

The ground floor and first floor of Ravens was turned into a bar and restaurant in 2017, also called Ravens, following the closure of the family business.

The owners were forced to scale back the bar as a result of the Covid pandemic and are now only using the ground floor.

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for planning, said: “Student accommodation is at a premium so we do need to make that provision.

“It’s residential use so it’s good for that area where we need to have more vitality.

“Being residential it also helps with security.

“We have to be conscious of buildings that are of value and I hope the students will fit in with that and look after it themselves.”

The application did not go to the council’s development control committee but Ms Mulroney added: “Officers have got delegated powers so if there were no objections and it doesn’t breach planning policy then it doesn’t need to go to development control.”

The nearby South Essex College supported the application which will provide more options for students.

In a letter accompanying the application, chief executive Anthony McGarel said: “The college is happy to confirm its support for the principle of additional student accommodation development.

“Historically students have been placed with host families, or the college has worked with the University of Essex to place students in its halls.

“In recent years, however, the university has indicated its own needs means spaces will cease to be available for college students. Hence for the college, and its students, alternative developments are critical going forward.”

Publishing their decision, planning officers said: “The proposal is found to be acceptable and compliant with the relevant planning policies and guidance.

“As there are no other material planning considerations which would justify reaching a different conclusion it is recommended that planning permission is granted.’