A BIOMASS boiler plant in Otterbourne which residents say is causing severe noise pollution will have its operations scrutinised by civic chiefs.

Hampshire County Council is set to decide whether to grant retrospective permission to regularise the development at Four Dells Farm, Poles Lane.

The two biomass boilers were approved back in 2016 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 24 hour operation on site.

The proposal by Brook Energy has received 15 objections and a petition against granting retrospective permission has garnered around 100 signatures.

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.”

Bob Jordan, Compton and Shawford Parish Council’s 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.”

Hampshire County Council’s regulatory committee will consider the scheme on Wednesday February 14.