Rare bees and wasps could hinder plans to create a new 20 acre industrial estate on Canvey.

Developer Inner London Group has submitted an application to build on land the size of 12 football pitches to the south of Charfleets Industrial Estate.

But conservationists have urged Castle Point Council to refuse the application because of its impact on wildlife.

The proposed development would include new warehouses, factories and a car showroom and cafes built on land off Roscommon Way.

The planning application submitted by developers estimates 750 people would work across the site, with 669 parking spaces being created as part of the development.

Invertebrate conservation trust Buglife is among the objectors to the application, arguing building work would destroy wildlife near Canvey Wick, which is designated as a site of special scientific interest.

Jamie Robins, conservation officer for Buglife, said: “The site is one of the top five invertebrate sites in the UK, boasting more biodiversity per square foot than any other site in the UK, a fact which Castle Point Council is undoubtedly aware.

“Buglife strongly urges Castle Point Council to refuse permission for this application due to the serious potential impacts on the region’s biodiversity.”

Rare species recorded at the site include the shrill carder bee, the brown-handed carder bee and the sea-aster mining bee.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Natural England have also lodged objections, arguing the applicants have “failed to demonstrate that adverse effects from the development will be avoided”.

Essex County Council wants the developers to cover the costs of additional daycare facilities in the area, due to the influx of newworkers.

Planning officer Judith Coats said: “The proposed development will be in Canvey Island West Ward, which has one day nursery and one pre-school, both of which are operating close to capacity.”

Ms Coats suggested developers should be required to contribute £370,560 towards extra childcare places.

Castle Point Council aims to rule on the application next month.