IT may well be an ongoing flood risk and home to hazardous sites, but does that mean Canvey shouldn’t take its fair share of new homes earmarked for the area?

Developers have fixed their gaze on the island, but campaigners are adamant the island should remain untouched.

Poor infrastructure and a lack of space have all pinpointed as arguments to strengthen their case, but with Castle Point under increasing pressure to built thousands of new homes, will Canvey be forced to take on some of the development?

Like all councils across the country, Castle Point needs to show the Government it is capable of meeting demand for housing in the region by drawing up its Local Plan.

It was the first authority to send off its plan, having controversially reduced the number of homes proposed up until 2031 from 4,000 to 2,000 last year - despite having a target of 8,000.

Earlier this month, a Government planning inspector recommended Castle Point Council went back to the drawing board - after it “failed in its duty to co-operate” with neighbouring authorities.

Failure to get a new plan in place by spring could see the council lose control of where developers can build - with the destiny of sites put in the hands of the Government.

Despite mounting pressure on the council, Dave Blackwell said Canvey needs to “stick to its guns.” He believes the the Government will support the island.

Castle Point mainland and parts of Tilbury and Thurrock should take the bulk of the new homes, according to Mr Blackwell - although he admits space is scarce across the borough.

He said: “Before David Cameron left office, and there were all of those floods in Cumbria, he stood there and said we should not be building on flood risk land.

“The island is in category three, which has the highest risk. When the Government inspector last looked at our housing supply, he clearly said we should not be building anymore homes on the island.

“Recently we are seeing examples of applications for new flats appearing, and it seems flood risk and our lack of infrastructure are being totally disregarded.”

The council is currently considering its response to David Smith’s findings. He ruled it had failed in its obligation to consult with neighbouring authorities following a heated hearing in December, during which Rochford, Thurrock, Southend and Basildon councils rounded on the authority for “keeping silent” instead of helping out.

Colin Riley, Tory leader of Castle Point Council said he couldn’t completely rule out development on Canvey. He believes the future of the island depends on the publication of the Government’s much anticipated Housing White Paper - which will set out “radical” plans to boost housing supply when it is published this month.

Mr Riley is optimistic that a meeting with fellow leaders of neighbouring authorities could herald a brighter future for the council.

He said: “The white paper will really be the key factor here, if green belt can be protected then Canvey has a chance.

“The best case scenario would be devolution of power to the five councils in south Essex and allow us to work on a joint plan to provide the housing.

“With the A13 and A127 at full capacity, it is vital we work together and have a solution which works for us all.”