RESIDENTS on Canvey are set to receive letters about plans for a chemical storage giant site to double the amount of fuel stored on the island.

Oikos, off Haven Road, Canvey is proposing to increase its fuel storage to hold enough to fill the Royal Albert Hall eight times over.

Some residents will shortly be receiving the letter as statutory consultees as part of the development.

Bosses say throughout the past few months, work on the project has not proceeded as fast as originally envisaged due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Oikos also carried out ongoing discussions with various stakeholders and in May and received the formal Environmental Statement Scoping Opinion from the Planning Inspectorate.

The letter seen by the Echo says: “In early 2021 we expect to be in a position to undertake formal pre-application consultation, which will build on the engagement that we have already conducted.

“During this residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and respond to the information provided.

“After the formal pre-application consultation stage has been completed, the Project Team will assess the issues that have been raised, refine the proposals where necessary and prepare the application and all associated documents ready for submission. It’s our current aim to submit the application to the Planning Inspectorate next summer.”