Campaigners against a recycling firm's proposals to take over an old fuel depot have been heartened by the withdrawal of its most recent planning application.

However, they remain on guard amid fears they haven't yet seen the end on the businesses' interests.

Romsey-based company So Recycle Ltd recently lodged an application to store and operate heavy goods vehicles from the railway sidings in Micheldever Station.

Residents say the move would have entailed as many as 40 to 60 large lorry movements a day down New Road and onto Overton Road to access the major road network locally.

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People insisted the comings and goings would wreak havoc on the village and objected to the plans in their droves.

They say the proposals were 'intentionally flown under the radar' in an attempt to force them through the back door, gaining the backing of Steve Brine MP who demanded clearer communication from the company.

However, a recent update provided campaigners with a well-timed boost in their quest to block the change.

A spokesperson for Micheldever Parish Council said: "The Office of The Traffic Commissioner has confirmed to residents that So Recycle Ltd have withdrawn their most recent application to store and operate Heavy Goods Vehicles from the railway sidings in Micheldever Station."

An initial application for the company to store four of its lorries at the site was given the green light, although it's unclear whether it will make use of that permission in the wake of recent developments. 

"It is assumed that the earlier approved application for the storage of four HGV’s is still valid," the council added. 

"However, without planning permission to carry out activities on the site, the vehicles could only be stored here, and no recycling activities could legally take place."

Councillor Caroline Horrill has been working closely alongside residents throughout their campaign. She says it's currently up in the air whether the recycling firm will return with a further application. 

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"My anticipation is that there may be further applications going forward, but that's just speculation," she said.

In the meantime, Cllr Horrill says she has 'posed a lot of questions' to managing director Bill Murray, who has been invited to meet with villagers.

"We have tried to encourage open communications," she said. "We have asked the company to share its intent for the site so we can respond accordingly.

"There is clear concern from a lot of people regarding the potential for increased lorry movements, especially with rumours circulating that it wants to base its office at the site. We are standing by our posts so to speak."

Mr Murray has been contacted for comment.