A WASTE transfer plant has been given the green light despite fears it could increase traffic on a busy Hampshire road.

Council chiefs have allowed an application to change the use of land at Pegham Industrial Estate in Fontley Road, Fareham from a scrapyard to a waste transfer site.

But with four busy garden centres and an existing waste collection and transfer business already on the road, residents are worried about the possible increase in traffic which could see up to 80 more lorry movements a day.

Currently about 200 lorries a day travel the narrow, mile-long stretch of road at the bottom of Titchfield Hill.

Wickham Parish Council objected to the new development saying a footpath needed to be built along Fontley Road first.

Resident Terry Jenkins, 70, of Springles Lane off Fontley Road, said he could not bear to attend the meeting at Hampshire County Council and was disappointed by the final outcome.

He said: "I don't get it one bit. What is the point of voting and having your say when it is disregarded? It's an absolute disgrace. They have made a decision now and the residents are going to have to accept it whether we like it or not.

"Already people are scared to walk or cycle down the road. There is not enough room for two lorries to pass side by side and there are no pathways."

Winchester City Council had previously allowed the applicant T Adams Waste to operate a skip hire business from the site, which it has since January. The company can now start work to change the site's function.

Winchester MP Mark Oaten was also a keen opponent to the plans saying the road was too narrow.

He said: "I'm disappointed at this decision as it will bring extra traffic movement to an already busy road."