A CAMPAIGN will be launched to stop any more homes being built on Canvey - until a third road is in place.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, is hoping thousands of islanders will sign up.

He then plans to present the petition to Parliament.

He said: "We want it to be the biggest petition ever from one community.

"It's going to be about stopping any more development on Canvey until we get a third road.

"It will call on the Government to treat Canvey as a special case."

Mr Blackwell will dispatch the petition to shops and other public buildings across the island this month, as well as approaching people in the street to sign it.

He said: "It's the biggest issue at the moment.

"Everyone, when you mention development says, how can you build more properties without a new road?' "Most people are incensed."

Castle Point MP Bob Spink agrees.

He believes the petition could have an impact on the Government's policy.

He said: "I think Dave Blackwell is absolutely right.

"Canvey is a special case because of the flood risk and other social and economical concerns.

"I certainly think petitions have grown tremendously in importance.

"I congratulate Dave Blackwell and the independent team and I will work very closely with them in getting the petition together.

"I would then be honoured to present it in Parliament."

Castle Point Council has been given an allocation of 4,000 houses by the Government which should be built by 2020 - 1,300 are already in place.

The council is currently compiling its local development framework, which will include housing options for Hadleigh, Canvey and Ben-fleet.

Council leader Pam Challis added: "The Government has already made its decision with regard to the allocation of houses and we are resisting any further allocation.

"At the moment we cannot develop on Canvey because it sits on the flood plain and the Environment Agency has not cleared the way for planning permission to be granted at this moment in time."