CONTROVERSIAL plans for a recycling plant in Hampshire have been rejected amid concerns.

After a three-hour long meeting county councillors rejected the plans for an inert waste recycling facility on farmland by the Three Maids Hill roundabout - between the A34 and A272 near Winchester.

It comes as the proposals had attracted more than 200 objections from local residents and parish councils.

The applicant TMR South Coast Ltd stressed that measures would be put in place to protect local residents and the environment.

But during the meeting concerns were raised over noise and dust potentially coming from the site.

As previously reported, the plans were for inert waste generated from construction, demolition and excavation works to be recovered and recycled at the site for re-use in construction and engineering works.

The planning officers's recommendation was for the proposals to be approved.

But civic chiefs said they were faced with an "extremely difficult decision".

During the meeting a representative of local business Littleton Stud told councillors that "to have a recycling plant beside us will finish us".

Cllr Stephen Burgess, chairman of Littleton and Harestock Parish Council, raised concerns over traffic and the impact of the scheme on the rural area.

Developers said Hampshire has "a pressing need for new waste management capacity" and "the site location is supported by policy and approval is recommended by officers".

They said measures such as more vegetation would stop dust from spreading to nearby sites.

They also said to be happy to set up a liaison group to deal with any concerns.

Developers stressed that the site would open at 7am and major operations would start after 8am.

But Cllr Jan Warwick asked the committee to reject the application.

She said: " I do not see the overwhelming evidence in support of this application that would justify ignoring some potential conflicts with local and county policy."

Planning bosses previously said the plans will not cause “an unacceptable adverse visual or landscape impact” and will not cause “adverse public health and safety impacts”.

But eight councillors voted against the scheme, six voted in favour and two abstained.

Those who voted in favour were: Cllr Charles Choudhary, Cllr Mark Cooper, Cllr Gary Huges, Cllr Peter Latham, Cllr Stephen Philpott, Cllr Lance Quantrill.

Meanwhile the councillors who voted against were: Cllr Ray Bolton, Cllr Rod Cooper, Cllr Jane Frankum, Cllr Pal Hayre, Cllr Keith House, Cllr Wayne Irish, Cllr Alexis McEvoy, Cllr Roger Price.

Cllr Christopher Carter and Cllr Andrew Gibson abstained.