Controversial plans to create a wildlife haven could come before Castle Point's full council, if members get their way.
Conservationists are furious at proposals by the East of England Development Agency to create two ponds and turn land off Northwick Road on Canvey into a wildlife showpiece.
They claim the scheme is to allow EEDA to build a £6million business park on a separate piece of land nearby.
The 55 acres - which has planning permission for employment use - is considered by many to be one of the most important wildlife habitats discovered in the last hundred years.
Dave Blackwell, Labour opposition leader at Castle Point Council, has spent years fighting to preserve the area.
He said: "EEDA just wants to put up factories there and destroy the whole thing.
"Does EEDA expect these rare orchids to just pull up their roots and march over to the other site where they plan to put the mounds?"
Mr Blackwell added he feared the application would be decided by the council's officers as part of their delegated powers.
Canvey West councillor Ray Howard said: "I welcome EEDA's plans which show they are working to create jobs as well as conserve nature on the site."
Published Monday January 12, 2004
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