Futures for Children moved out in 2019 and the site has been vacant since April

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Plans to convert the empty former home of a fostering charity into flats have been submitted to Southend-on-Sea City Council. The site on 62 London Road, Southend, used to be occupied by Futures for Children until they moved out in February 2019.

Plans for the renovations were received by Southend Council on Monday, July 18, and validated just three days later on July 21. Under the new plans, the existing site would be converted into six studio flats with cycle storage available as well as a handful of existing car parking spaces.

The 225 square metre site was last used as an office space in April 2022 and has been unused since. Within the change of use plans, there is also an application to construct a new staircase to the rear of the building with access through the existing parking spaces.

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Within the planning application, it says minor changes to the building's appearance would "provide visual interest".

It says: "The proposal is for a change of use from B1 offices to 6no. new residential apartments. The application is for 3no.apartments per floor. The new proposed staircase is located to the rear of the building with access via the existing car park. The apartments are designed to meet space standards.

"The design uses off-white render and red brick to match the materials on the existing building. The windows are grey aluminium to match the existing front windows. There is a varied range of metal, timber and uPVC windows used on the building and our proposal matches the principle elevation fenestration details.

"The proposal matches the varied fenestration design. The principle elevation uses the window width of the first floor windows and proposes taller windows to provide visual interest and allow light to flood the residential spaces. The rear elevation (south) only proposes to replace one window with the new access to the residential staircase. No additional windows are proposed to the rear elevation. The use of brick detailing and dummy windows will enhance the rear elevation and provide visual interest. "

The application's expiry date is Tuesday, August 16, with a determination deadline of September 15, 2022.

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