Plans to convert a former pub into a shop have been refused after concerns about loss of community facility.

The proposals included converting the former Pullman Tavern, High Street, Grays into a shop.

Plans for 35 homes and a restaurant at the site were approved but developers now say due to the lack of interest they want to convert the first and ground floor into a shop.

A Thurrock Council officer report states: "Community facilities, such as public houses, contribute towards meeting the varied needs of local people to interact with other members of the community.

"The public house represents an important community facility and the application does not satisfy the requirements of policy.

"It is not considered that sufficient robust and meaningful marketing evidence has been submitted which proves the use as a restaurant is not viable in this location.

"The principle of change of use to A1 (retail) on the ground floor is not acceptable, the Council wants to retain the A3/A4 unit (restaurant) in this location.

"The main development was permitted with the retention of a public house or restaurant at this location as an important element in terms of regeneration within Grays, with the Grays Town Centre Framework."