VILLAGERS near Winchester are overwhelming opposed to plans for a power station near their homes, according to a poll.

Some 60 people who attended the annual parish assembly at Micheldever Station voted unanimously against the proposal for the rail sidings.

Clean Power Properties and Network Rail wants to build an “energy from waste” burner with four chimneys up to 100-feet high.

The advanced conversion technology incinerator would process household, commercial and industrial rubbish, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The scheme also includes an anaerobic digester for green garden and food waste. Under the proposals up to 210,000 tonnes of waste per year would be taken to the site, enough to produce 7.6 megawatts of electricity.

Developers say benefits include diverting more waste from landfill, generating renewable energy and creating up to 30 full-time jobs.

But the nearest homes are just 80 metres from the site. The railways sidings are also a Site of Importance For Nature Conservation and next to Micheldever Spoil Heaps Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Parish councillor John Botham said: “There was a real strength of feeling at the meeting – every single person was against it. People are incredibly anxious even though it has not yet got to the planning application stage.

“It is just a totally and utterly inappropriate place to put this waste facility.

“It is far too close to people’s homes, the chimneys would impose on the skyline and there would be noise and disturbance for local residents and wildlife from all the lorries.”

Critics have pointed out the county council has spare capacity at its own energy from waste burners, including one at nearby Chineham.

Villagers backed a motion calling on the county planning officers to oppose the scheme in any discussions with the developers.

The parish council is also seeking an urgent public meeting with county officers to discuss local concerns.

The scoping report, which revealed the details of the scheme, is the first stage of a planning application.

Detailed environmental impact studies will have to be carried out.

If Hampshire County Council gives planning consent, developers aim to open the plant by 2015.