A COMPANY has refuted claims its plans to store more hazardous chemicals at its Canvey site would put islanders at risk.

Oikos, has applied to Castle Point Council for permission to vary a licence granted in 2011 allowing hazardous substances to be stored at its site in Haven Road, Canvey.

The company says it needs to keep a wider range of chemicals on-site to mix with petrol to meet changing fuel specifications.

In a report to the council, the company pointed out it could already keepthe chemicals there, if they were already added to petrol. The application would simply allow them to be brought on site and stored separately.

However, neighbours are worried the change would allow, what has been described as a “witch’s brew” of dangerous chemicals at the site, putting them at risk.

A spokesman from the companysaid: “Our foremost concern is to reassure residents they are perfectly safe and there have been no material changes to the hazardous substances consent which was awarded in 2011.

“It is necessary to get the proper authorisation to allow our clients to be able to store renewableproducts that can beblended with gasoline to comply with changes to the EU Renewable Energy Directive issued in 2011.

“Put simply, it is so oil and gas companies can meet their obligations under the Government requirement to increase the production of biofuels as part of its EU commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

“The application does not seek to increase the storage capacity of the Oikos site. This will remain at the level approved in 2011.”