A RETROSPECTIVE application for an extension by Runfold Plastics, at Passfield Mill Business Park, has raised strong objections from neighbours and parish councillors.

A long belt of trees has been removed along the river bank, which lies within the River Wey conservation area.

The extension is much larger than the previous footprint of the original building, members of the Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council’s planning committee were told at their last meeting.

Neighbours pointed out that the land is contaminated, and the extension onto the River Wey affects its natural habitat. They also claimed working hours can start as early as 4am and shut down as late as 1am, including Saturdays and Sundays.

They also claimed noisy extraction units have been pouring fumes towards the river and neighbouring houses.

Councillors objected to the use from warehouse storage to housing machinery which is producing unacceptable levels of noise and air pollution.

They also raised concerns about damage to this section of the River Wey conservation area and that the business is operating out of agreed business hours.

They further say before the extension was built, no application was made to fell the trees in the conservation area, no land contamination report was submitted and no flood assessment or bat survey appears to have been carried out.

The application will be determined by East Hampshire District Council planning committee, which could refuse permission and force Runsfold Plastics to take down the extension.