PLANS to retain a temporary road next to a Hampshire motorway have come under fire from residents who fear it will increase traffic congestion.

The road slices through agricultural land south of the M27 and north of Paulet Lacave Avenue, Nursling, which has been used to replace the Romsey Road bridge.

Critics of the controversial application, submitted by Geoffrey Osborne Limited, claim the plans will increase fly-tipping.

Others believe the plans will attract vandals if the car park, used during the bridge construction, remains.

Gareth Matthias, from Lukin Drive, said: "We have already felt the disruption caused by the current bridge work through noise, light and increased traffic; we long to have the purposed site returned to its original state.

"By agreeing to keep the access road and parking, which isn't required by the allotment holders, we feel this area would soon be used for anti-social behaviour, fly tipping and pose an increased risk to security to our neighbours."

Nicky Coups, from Lukin Drive, said: "We live less than 100 metres from the site and have experienced considerable noise and sleep disruption from vehicles and generators especially at night.

"We have been looking forward to the land being returned to peaceful fields, with just the gentle hum of the motorway audible."

She added: "The site would also be subject to the risk of fly-tipping, vandals and an increased security risk for the houses nearby including ours.

"Our main objection is the risk of travellers using the site, there is already of problem of travellers in Nursling each year.

"The retention of the road would encourage them to use this site and cause problems and insecurity for residents as well as additional costs for Test Valley."

Carolyn Gasnier, from Lukin Drive, added: "Our main concern is that if the proposed plan is passed we will be subject to the risk of vandalism from cars parked up at night, which have nothing to do with the allotments.

"A car park is an open invitation to bad unwanted behaviour especially at night."

She added: "Above all, we are at a higher risk of travellers getting onto the car park especially with the road access from the top road.

"This will incur problems to all residents in the Nursling area and a financial burden to Test Valley Borough Council."

A spokesperson from Geoffrey Osborne Limited said: "Osborne have been renting the land adjacent to the M27 motorway which has enabled the replacement process of the existing bridge to take place.

"The land owners have requested that Osborne leave the recycled tarmac access road which was built as part of the site set up in situ when they leave the site, to enable easier access for grazing their land.”