Thurrock planning officers have given the go-ahead to a change of use for Gower Lodge in Herd Lane to be turned into a “large house of multiple occupation”. Applicant Quest Property Group Ltd also has the go-ahead to install a new external staircase on the building close to the junction with Fobbing Road. The site is close to the nearby Corringham Conservation Area and Metropolitan Green Belt. The guest house currently provides 16 guest bedrooms across two floors. Neighbouring amenity would not be impacted above what is already experienced by virtue of the site operating as a guest house.