Safety watchdogs have warned that hazardous substances near a proposed new development could put lives at risk.

The Health and Safety Executive says gas pipes running close to a site in Haven Road, Canvey - where car salvage firm HBC wants to relocate - could prove a danger.

It has told Castle Point Council the risk is "sufficiently high" to justify it advising planning permission be refused.

The risks will be explained to councillors at a special town planning meeting on Tuesday.

HBC has already run into controversy over its bid to relocate from the island's Charfleets industrial estate to residential Haven Road.

Around 70 locals lodged objections and the plans have now been passed to Environment secretary John Prescott, to see if he wants to call them in.

The HSE, which acts as an adviser to the council, says the proposed development is within "consultation distance" of pipes carrying hazardous substances and premises owned by gas firm Oikos Storage.

The organisation has a duty to consider the risk to locals if a major accident occurred.

In a report to the council, officers wrote: "If you decide to refuse planning permission on the grounds of safety HSE will provide the necessary support in the event of an appeal."

However, the council - which has so far backed the proposals - has put forward a planning condition to quell the HSE's fears.

If permission is granted it would prevent anyone unauthorised from visiting the HBC site to reduce the number of people put at potential risk.

The HSE says it will withdraw its objections if the condition is adopted.

The council's planning director Ian Burchill said: "We consult with the HSE on all applications around the pipeline consultation zone and take their advice on board."

Mr Burchill added that the council was still awaiting Mr Prescott's decision on HBC's plans to park, store and auction damaged cars at the site.

Members of the public are welcome at the meeting on Tuesday at 7.30pm at the Thundersley council offices.

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