PLANS have been submitted for a new three-metre-high fence to protect Parkeston's Petrochem Carless oil refinery from potential terrorist attack.

The firm wants to replace the current chain-link and barbedwire fence with galvanized palisade fencing around the boundary of the 13 hectare site.

The application has been put forward following a survey of the site by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office in September, which said the site is potentially at risk from terrorists who may seek to gain unauthorised access in order to either steal your hazardous material for use in terrorist activities or disperse your hazardous material in situ.

A report advised replacing the perimeter fence with a palisade fence with a “hostile” topping, which can house a perimeter intruder detection system.

A decision on the plan is expected to be made by Tendring Council by October 17.