MORE than 1,300 people have signed a petition to oppose plans for a coastal compensation scheme put forward as part of a port expansion project.

Hutchison Ports is looking to realign the coastal defences south east of Foulton Hall, in Harwich Road, Little Oakley, by breaking up the existing sea wall.

It is hoped the environmental site would make up for the species displaced by the Bathside Bay container project, where work is set to start by the end of the month.

But the plans have sparked a wave of concerns among locals and a petition with almost 1,350 signatures was handed to Tendring Council.

Petitioners said: “This proposal would result in the loss of public access to Irlam's Beach from Little Oakley together with the closure of much of a well-used footpath that has extensive unspoilt views across the estuary."

Little Oakley Parish Council and Essex Wildlife Trust have also objected to the plans on environmental grounds.

A report released by the trust suggests the proposed development “will result in the loss of existing water vole habitat”.

It says:”Water vole translocation and new habitat creation will therefore be required.

“But there is a high risk that it may become colonised by water voles from the surrounding landscape before the displaced water voles can be translocated.

“The only other option is to identify suitable unoccupied habitat away from the site and translocate the water voles there.

“Any scheme involving translocation must include a long-term strategy for mink control built in.”

The water vole is one of UK’s fastest declining wild animals.

A spokesman for Natural England said the “visual and physical disturbance would not allow the compensation aims of the site to be achieved”.

He added: “Amendments to the design could redress some concerns with sand and shingle islands providing improved potential for breeding bird species and deterring recreational users and terrestrial predators from accessing beach areas.”

A spokesman for Hutchison Ports previously said: “We are looking to see how the site can be made into an important community asset accommodating their use of the area alongside the requirement from environmental agencies for habitat creation.”

Tendring Council will decide on the plans.