HUNDREDS of extra homes could be built on Canvey if housing targets continue to rise, it is feared.

Following a private meeting Independent councillors claimed Castle Point’s 15 year housing targets could now top 5,000.

It is claimed annual targets will rise from 311 to 342 and the council is still to agree where many of them will go, meaning the Government could take the decision away from Castle Point Council.

The special briefing, which was closed to the public and press, took place on Wednesday night.

Canvey Independent councillor John Anderson, a planning committee member, said: “Infrastructure is so key but isn’t seen as necessary for planning applications to be agreed.

“Canvey needs that third road and infrastructure before homes, not afterwards.

“I am concerned about the impact on Canvey of all these new homes.

“I know there were plans for huge tower blocks at The Point on Canvey and I will certainly refuse anything like that.

“We have been speaking about infrastructure such as the road for years and no one seems to be listening to us at all.”

Fellow Independent concillor Dave Blackwell, claimed they were told at the meeting they have no choice.

Mr Blackwell said: “We were told we are expected to just agree the plans from Government and that’s all.

“It is only down to the incompetent council who have had plenty of time to get it all together.

“It now means the residents will be affected and lose out.”

However council leader Norman Smith claimed this was not the case.

He said: “With no disrespect- the councillors have misunderstood.

“We have been given a last chance by the Government and it is better we chose the plan and residents want that too.”

The council is aiming to complete its plan, vote on it and get agreement from the secretary of state as soon as possible.

If not it is feared housing targets will keep increasing to fill the national shortage.