I’D LIKE to send my condolences to the nearly dead Grays High Street after those who supposedly want to better the town voted to allow one of the worst planning applications that has been put forward, to go ahead.

One of the oldest buildings in Grays, which lets face it isn’t overrun with period properties, will now have a large apartment development overshadowing its left side.

St Peters and Paul Parish Church has been sidelined all in the name of “progress”.

If those on Thurrock Council had any vision then they would have refused this application, bought the land (possibly in conjunction with the church) and opened it as a green space in an overcrowded, London looking, town centre – or permitted a much smaller development with suitable car parking.

Grays town centre will never amount to much with some of those members that we have elected.

These people have a complete disregard for history, they view flats as regeneration and are simply approving the slums of 20 years time.

I see more of my fellow Chafford residents in the pubs and shops in Brentwood as everyone has given up on Grays, including the council it seems.

L BERNARD Maunder Close, Chafford Hundred.