PLANS for a huge business park near a wildlife park have been handed a major boost after two conservation groups offered a helping hand.

The Inner London Group wants to build the scheme across two separate sites – opposite Morrisons, in Northwick Road, and off Roscommon Way, south of Charfleets Industrial Estate.

Wildlife groups previously claimed that the business park would endanger a rare species of bees, and have argued that the development is too close to Canvey Wick, which is safeguarded as an area of special scientific interest.

Natural England and Royal Society For Protection of Birds have now indicated they are willing to work with the developer to move the project forward.

The Roscommon Way site has been approved by members of Castle Point Council’s planning committee, but the Northwick Park site still requires a final seal of approval.

Natalie Holt, senior sites manager at the RSPB, said the group has been visiting the site and is happy to work towards finding “a suitable resolution.”

She said: “We have worked hard to further review documents, carry out site visits, compile thoughts and propose amendments.

“It should be considered as positive steps taken towards finding a suitable resolution for both developer and the ecological interest of the site."

Jonathan Bustard, planning and conservation lead adviser at Natural England, said the group aims to attend meetings with Inner London and Castle Point Council to work on a solution.

He said: “Consistent with Natural England’s involvement to date with various regeneration projects around Canvey Wick, we can confirm our support for the aspiration to achieve an exemplar sustainable development at this location.

“We therefore welcome further consultation and working towards these aims, we would be happy to attend a follow-up meeting with all parties.”

Norman Smith, Tory councillor and member of Castle Point’s planning committee, has welcomed the news as he believes the development will bring "local jobs for local people".

He said: “It’s about finding that mix that ensures wildlife protection and also that we are looking after working people.

“What makes this scheme so beneficial is the number of jobs it will create and the number of cars it will take off the road by employing plenty of Canvey people. Of course it won’t just be exclusive, there will be people commuting on to the island for jobs, and they will be going against the traffic.”