A controversial car salvage yard has won the backing of council chiefs but it must now wait for a final Government decision, it has emerged.

HBC, which stores and auctions damaged cars, caused uproar when it announced plans to move its operation from the Charfleets Industrial Estate on Canvey to a purpose-built site in Haven Road, near the former Texaco site.

Around 70 residents wrote protest letters to the council over fears of traffic problems, harm to the environment and public Health.

At a meeting yesterday, Castle Point Council's town planning committee approved the HBC plans.

However, the committee also decided the application should be referred to the Secretary of State John Prescott and planners at the Government Office for the Eastern Region.

Councillors also want to meet HBC bosses and the Health and Safety Executive to discuss any possible health risks as the site is so close to the Oikos oil storage tankers.

Councillors said moving the company from Charfleets would open up more space on the industrial estate for other businesses.

Tory leader Doug Roberts (Con, St James') said: "The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages."

Dave Blackwell (Lab, Canvey Central) said: "We are not professionals and can only make a decision based on our own judgement but there are experts who can put a microscope on it.

"If we refuse and it goes to appeal then residents will have no say at all."

Jane David (Lab, Canvey Winter Gardens) said: "I have looked at the site on its merits and there has been a lot said about the health and safety issues being close to the Oikos containers but there is such a small risk of anything happening.

"The move will free up land on Charfleets for other industries which will hopefully offer employment for people in Canvey and Benfleet.

"Let the Government inspectors decide if that is the sort of thing that should go there and give HBC the chance to make something of the site."

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