A TOWN council has added its voice to the fight against plans for more hazardous chemicals to be stored on Canvey.

And a leading councillor could hold a public meeting into the plans by Oikos to vary the condition of its hazardous substances licence for its Haven Road site.

The application, which has been submitted to Castle Point Council, has caused fury amongst local residents who claim the company is determined to keep increasing the variety of hazardous substances it keeps on the island.

They fear lives could be lost in the event of an accident at the plant.

Speaking at a planning committee meeting, Canvey Town Council chairman Peter Greig said: “We are being consulted on these plans – the final decision rests with officers at Castle Point Council.

“At this stage, we have to object to these plans on the grounds that we do not feel Oikos has provided us with enough information to make an informed decision.”

County councillor Ray Howard said he had been inundated with calls about the issue and could hold a public meeting in the coming weeks.

He said: “I have had lots of calls and e-mails about this.

“I am now considering calling a public meeting so that everyone feels they have an opportunity to put forward their views.

“It will also be an opportunity to dispel any myths about this application.”

A spokesman from Oikos said: “The existing consent covers diesel, petrol and jet fuel but not bio fuels.

“The purpose for the application is to allow the storage of bio fuels as part of the Government’s EU commitment to source 10 per cent of its transport fuels from renewables by 2020.

“There will be no change to the amount of fuel being stored or to the category of risk.”