SCORES of placard-waving demonstrators are planning to stage a protest today against plans to build a multi-million-pound development on their doorstep.

More than 100 Marchwood residents are expected to gather outside the village hall, which is staging an exhibition of proposals for an anaerobic digestion plant.

Barker-Mill Estates (BME) has angered locals by drawing up plans to redevelop land at Cork’s Farm – a green lung between Marchwood and Eling.

Last night it was revealed that proposals for an advanced thermal treatment plant on the same site have been scrapped.

The scheme, which would have converted wood and other materials into heat and electricity, has been dropped following protests from people in the area.

However, BME is determined to forge ahead with the anaerobic digestion plant.

Campaigners have launched an action group – Marchwood Against Anaerobic Digestion (MAAD) – to fight the £9.8m scheme. They claim the proposed development will create a raft of environmental problems in the area, including extra HGVs.

A MAAD spokesman said the huge number of lorries using roads in the Marchwood area were already resulting in long delays at peak periods.

He said villagers were also worried about the possibility of “gut-wrenching” smells caused by the plant.

“Our other concerns include noise and light pollution, plus the possibility that flies and vermin will become a major problem because of the type of waste that will be treated at the plant,” he said.

The building would use food waste from schools, supermarkets and restaurants to create enough renewable energy to power 2,000 homes.

Daily Echo:

An artist's impression of allotments that would be part of the Cork's Farm development

A small business park is also due to be built on the 30-acre site.

A BME spokesman confirmed that proposals would generate more than 400 vehicle movements a day but stressed that road improvements were planned.

BME trustee Tim Jobling added: “Modern anaerobic digestion plants do not have the same potential for odour as some older plants such as those found on farms that use slurry as a feedstock.

“The team would insist that other businesses occupying the proposed small business units have green credentials.

“In addition they would work with the parish council and other interested parties to ensure an ample number of allotments are included to satisfy local needs.

“A green garden, orchards and footpaths would be professionally designed to the highest standards for the community to enjoy.”

Asked about today’s demonstration he added: “We are committed to listening to feedback from the community at this early stage in developing the proposals. We will, where possible, use feedback to help shape the final plans.”