A NEW estate offering a mix of houses, flats and mobile homes has moved a step closer after five years of planning.

Detailed proposals for 113 homes on Thorney Bay Village, Canvey, are due to go before Castle Point Council’s planning committee by the end of summer.

The Environment Agency has now confirmed it is not be objecting to the project - despite its proximity to the Thames previously sparking flood risk concerns.

It means the plans are likely to be approved - but Jeff King, a shareholder with Thorney Bay Park Limited, is remaining cautious.

He said: “I am pleased the Environment Agency has raised no objections, but I am still wary when it comes to planning.

“It should be going before the committee in the next couple of months, so we shall see what happens.”

The homes, which will be built next to the beach, will include 24 flats and 89 three, four and five bedroom houses. Park homes, similar to those on Kings Park, will also be coming to the site - but Mr King refused to reveal how many.

Thorney Bay Village covers an area the size of about 60 football pitches, and it is expected the homes will be built on fields at the eastern end of the site, near the car park.

In September 2012, Castle Point Council approved outline plans to build up to 600 homes on the site - but bosses have since decided on a smaller development.

Barry Campagna, Canvey Independent Party councillor for the island’s South ward, said he has concerns about combining static homes with a new housing estate.

He said: “I think it would be better having park style homes there, and they would be more affordable than upmarket homes.

“I am not sure about combining an estate with the park homes, if it was me I wouldn’t want to live there. I think Thorney Bay will do what is best for them to be honest.

“I think it would work better for island traffic, as people in park homes tend to travel less at peak times.”

Tory councillor Bill Sharp added: “From a business point of view it would make sense to have a regular income coming in from the park homes.”