RESIDENTS are concerned that a biomass boiler plant in Otterbourne is causing severe noise pollution in the area.

The Four Dells Farm Biomass boiler at Poles Lane was approved back in 2015 for the drying of woodchip to produce a marketable product, as well as the generation and export of electricity.

But objectors are worried about regular emergency releases of steam from the chimney, as well as noise levels, light pollution, emissions and the operation on site.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s supposed to be steam. We are two to three fields away and in the distance is full of fog.”

“People down there who staying in it can’t see.

“It’s an intermittent and very loud noise like a jet taking off at high speed, also at night.”Hampshire County Council’s regulatory committee will consider the scheme at a forthcoming meeting on February 14.

Brook Energy, who are behind the second application, acquired the site in 2016 with the intention of developing the the site to generate heat and power, but found the equipment was not fit for purpose and has since altered the type and size of boiler.

A petition against granting retrospective permission for changes has garnered around 100 signatures.

At the latest meeting of Compton and Shawford Parish Council (CSPC), county councillor Jan Warwick, also portfolio holder for environment at Winchester City Council, thanked the council for its assistance in arranging the biomass meeting with city council environmental officers and members of the public, immediately prior to the council meeting.

Cllr Warwick added that officers had been unaware of the noise caused by the chipper and the movement of trucks early in the morning.

Bob Jordan, CSPC portfolio holder for planning, said: “The explosions are affecting a number of residents at the high end of the village which wakes them up in the middle of the night.

“Efforts are being made to bring it under control.”

He added that it was a multi-agency problem being tackled by Hampshire County Council, the city council and health and safety.