RESIDENTS will soon know whether they will get more of a say in housing developments on the island.

Campaigners have been trying to persuade Canvey Town Council to consider adopting a neighbourhood plan, a smaller version of the local plan.

It was first put to the council in February and was due to be discussed at a meeting in April, but councillors decided they needed more time and it is due to be discussed at the next meeting.

Graham Bracci, from the Canvey Green Belt campaign group, said: "I firmly believe Canvey should have a neighbourhood plan and this stage that the Canvey Local Plan is at presents an opportunity to get a neighbourhood plan in place.

"It would allow a plan to be put in place that would be Canvey orientated, rather than Castle Point orientated."

Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area.

They are able to choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided.

It works alongside a local plan, which set out a vision and a framework for the future development of an area, addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure.

Currently, there are plans for 200 houses per year to be built in Castle Point until 2033.

However, deputy mayor of Canvey Town Council, John Anderson, said a neighbourhood plan can’t stop a development.

"It is due to be discussed at the next meeting", he added.

"I don't see that us having a neighbourhood plan would really change anything."

Mr Bracci said that proposals are still in the early stages, and drawing up a plan could take some time.

It is also believed to cost about £70,000 to create.

Hovefields and Honiley have had a neighbourhood area and forum designated by Basildon Council and the Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet area has also applied.

The next meeting will be on July 11.