Allowing hazardous chemical operations on Canvey to expand could pose a further risk to public health, councillors fear.

Castle Point Council is debating its policy on potential industrial development to the south of the island, as part of its draft local plan.

The policy could influence future expansion of the Oikos and Calor Gas facilities in the town.

Planning officers have suggested implementing a policy which will allow development, as long as it is in the national interest and levels of hazard are reduced as a result of the proposals in question.

But councillors questioned whether it would be possible to expand the sites while reducing the risk to the public.

Dave Blackwell, councillor for Canvey Central, said: “There can’t be anywhere else in the country where we’ve got two hazardous sites so close to a residential population.

“One thing that does concern me is whatever we say about health and safety is that accidents do happen and in the past accidents have happened.

“I can’t see how a more significant development can make it less hazardous.”

Head of regeneration Steve Rogers said the council was duty-bound by the Government to create a local plan which promoted economic development.

He said: “We have to phrase our policies in a positive way.

“The inspector will be looking at how the council is building a strong, competitive economy with the policies it has prepared.

“In order to build a strong and competitive economy we will be positive in looking at proposals for significant development, but what we will want to ensure is the level of risk that is posed to the existing population must be reduced.”

During a consultation, 38 residents expressed concerns about the risks associated with the hazardous facilities.

Councillors voted to delay their decision on the policy until a later date.

70 years of fuel storage on Canvey

Bulk liquid storage business Oikos has been based on Canvey formore than 70 years and operates from its headquarters in Haven Road.

Although fuel has been stored at the site since its opening, the company successfully applied for a hazardous substances consent licence in 1992, allowing for storage of petrol and other chemicals that ignite below 21 degrees celsius.

Castle Point Council granted Oikos permission in 2011 to store a wider range of fuel – up to 242,000 tonnes. In 2013, councillors were accused of approving an application to store methanol, ethanol, kerosene and gasoline at Oikos’ Haven Road site without understanding the implications.

The current Calor Gas site, in Thames Road, was first opened by British Gas in 1964 as the country’s first liquid natural gas terminal. British Gas closed the terminal in 1994, and Calor Gas now uses it for liquid petroleum gas storage.

After a leak of 164 tonnes of liquid petroleum gas in October 2008, Calor was ordered to pay £110,000 in fines and costs.