ANGRY residents have hit out after it emerged a fuel firm has applied to increase the number of dangerous chemicals it stores on Canvey.

Oikos Storage has submitted an application to Castle Point Council for permission to store an array of hazardous substances at its plant off Haven Road, Canvey.

The company also wants to import hazardous gas butane, via a pipe at the neighbouring Calor Gas terminal.

However, residents just metres from the sites are outraged, claiming the company is determined to continue increasing the number of dangerous substances it keeps.

George Whatley, of the People Against Methane Campaign, said: “If this is passedbythe council itwill result in a witch’s brew of hazardous chemicals.

“The concern is the fact it is going to be more dangerous stuff stored there.

“The views of ordinary residents just seem to be ridden rough-shod over.”

Fuel has been stored at the site for 70 years.

However, in 1992, Oikos successfully applied for a hazardous substances consent licence, allowing for storage of petrol and other chemicals that ignite below 21 degrees celsius.

In 2011, the council granted Oikos permission to store a wider range of fuel – up to 242,000 tonnes.

Lee Whitehill, Oikos director, said: “The existing consent covers diesel, petrol and jet fuel but not bio fuels. The purpose for the HSC application is to allow the storage of bio fuels as part of the Government’s EU commitment to source 10% 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”.