Campaigners are furious plans for a controversial £1m car recycling plant on Canvey have been agreed by planning officials rather than by councillors.

Residents handed a 600-signature petition to Castle Point Council in a bid to stop the application by Charles Trent, at Haven Road, on grounds of increased noise and traffic.

However, the plans have been passed by director of planning Ian Burchill and not elected members.

Protester Carolyn Blake, of Coker Road, Canvey, said: "I received a letter informing me the proposed Charles Trent recycling site has been given the go-ahead.

"It seems the council has treated any objections with total disregard and didn't even think this £1m project was worthy of being discussed before full council."

However. the council's planning department has said the plans are not in conflict with the local planning blueprint.

Assistant planning director Kim Fisher said: "This was a director's decision. If there is an issue of principle involved, such as being in conflict with the local plan then it will go to committee."

Published Tuesday July 27, 2004

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