BUSINESSES have hit out at major regeneration plans in Purfleet, claiming they will kill their trade and cost hundreds of jobs.

The ambitious proposal to transform the town will come at an estimated cost of £1billion – and see the creation of thousands of new homes, shops, hotels, two new schools and a film and television studio.

Traders nearby are not happy.

Douglas Piper, 76, from Piper Transport, Botany Way, Purfleet said: “This scheme has blighted development and expansion since it was planned in 2004.

“We have all had countless meetings with the planners and applicants.

“We will not be offered any alternative property for any of us to relocate to.

“Transport and logistics is not like most other types of businesses – we have to jump through more hoops than you can believe to relocate our types of businesses.

“Vehicle and Operator Services Agency has issued authorisation for more than 750 vehicles to use this site.

“Currently there are many very well-run companies, all operating profitably and employing directly more than 400 people, plus supporting many more hundreds in Thurrock.

“If this scheme is given the go ahead, and no alternatives are provided, there could be a degree of cessation taking place, with the loss of many jobs.”

The transport firm boss said he is one of at least six companies prepared to fight this plan.

He said traders are furious about not being offered any more land and said he feels as if nobody cares about their loss of business.

Mr Piper said: “I do not disagree that the estate needs work, but we need support too.

“We will be left with nowhere to go and as all our custom is in Thurrock, if we moved we would really struggle.

“We would also face a very long process for changing land use to logistic and transport and it is far from easy.

“We’ve been in this area for more than 50 years and it’s a family business with my sons now taking the reins.”

Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited plan 2,850 new homes, at least 285 of which will be “affordable”, a film and television studios taking up 135,000 square metres and other developments.

The applicant was contacted for comment on the criticisms.