MICHELDEVER residents are fighting back against a recycling firm's plans to take over an old fuel depot in the village.

The Chronicle understands Romsey-based company So Recycle Ltd has already been given the green light to store four vehicles on Network Rail land off New Road.

It has since lodged a second application to house a further 12 vehicles at the same site - which it plans to use for storage and distribution of waste paper.

If approved, the move could entail could entail as many as 40-60 large lorry movements a day down New Road onto Overton Road to access the major road network locally.

Campaigners have insisted the comings and goings would reap havoc on the village and have objected to the plans in their droves. They say proposals have been 'intentionally flown under the radar' in an attempt to force them through the back door.

MP for Winchester and Chandler's Ford, Steve Brine, attended a pop-up surgery with Councillor Caroline Horrill to discuss resident's concerns earlier this week.

He said: “Once again, this quiet rural community faces the prospect of significant change and people are understandably concerned.

“I have this week spoken with the company in question and am liaising closely with local elected representatives including the Parish Council to get clear answers and their intentions across to villagers.

“Liaison with residents by the company to-date had been virtually non-existent and, whatever the regulatory landscape or the permissions required or otherwise, that needs to change fast. My constituents deserve nothing less.”

Micheldever Parish Council has also been in touch with company bosses at the recycling operation. It asked for a written statement of their intentions to share with residents, which it says was originally agreed upon by managing director Bill Murray.

But a week down the line civic chiefs say they have yet to receive the letter, with communications falling silent.

The parish authority approached Hampshire County Council for further guidance after Mr Murray reportedly claimed planning permission wasn't required for the site as the railway sidings was only going to be used for storage and distribution.

However, HCC enforcement officer David Smith, in tandem with Winchester City Council, has since said no such privilege exists on the land and a planning application would need to be submitted for waste development in line with the site's allocation in the Hampshire Minerals & Waste Local Plan.

Mr Murray and So Recycle Ltd have been informed and it is understood they will press ahead with an application. In the meantime, they've been told no waste applications should take place until an application has been considered and a decision made.

A spokesperson for Micheldever Parish Council said: "The need for a planning application before operations can commence on the site is very welcome, but this is separate from the Goods Vehicle Operators Licence applications which might allow for the storage of additional HGVs on the site."

A guide to making representation can be found on the Parish Council's website. Residents are set to meet again this week to discuss the issue further.

So Recycle Ltd has been contacted for comment.

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