THE first 113 of what could end up being 600 homes on a Canvey caravan park has moved a step closer after a planning application was submitted.

The owners of Thorney Bay Park have submitted plans to build 89 homes and 24 flats – the first step towards an overall development of 600 new homes.

Outline planning permission was given for the 600 homes and a nursing home in September 2012, but these are the first detailed plans.

Concerns have been raised about the sheer number of homes being built, as well as their close proximity to Canvey’s Calor Gas and Oikos terminal.

George Whatley, 73, of Limburg Road, and who was the chairman of the disbanded People Against Methane campaign, said: “I believe if they keep building next to top tier Control of Major Accident Hazards sites there is going to be a massive loss of life.

“I always believe people should come before any profit and planning decision and so we must consider people.”

He added: “It is ridiculous.

If Castle Point Council push this through, it is political nimbyism to safeguard political seats in other parts of the borough, because if they had to put more houses elsewhere they would start losing political seats.”

Barry Palmer, a Canvey Island Independent Party councillor for the ward, believes the homes would only add to the drainage problems on the island.

He added: “Because of what happened in July with the floods we are opposed to any building until the infrastructure is resolved. We are opposed to any building unless it is like for like.”

The planning statement with the application says the land is listed as a long-term reserved site for residential development in the area’s adopted Local Plan and is not green belt land. It says due regard has been given to the Calor site and Health and Safety Executive requirements, and the Oikos site is too far away to be relevant.

An Oikos spokesman said: “The HSE sets guidelines for local authorities on where development is permitted near storage facilities.

“The Oikos operation has no impact on the proposed site under these guidelines.”

Holly King, director of Thorney Bay Park, said: “We have submitted the plans and worked closely with the council and ABD designs and there is a nice variety of homes which Canvey should be proud of.”

The application is set to be decided by February next year.