Around 150 residents turned out for a meeting on controversial plans for a massive power plant in their village.

They packed into Micheldever Station’s Warren Hall at the weekend to discuss the pioneering proposal that would produce energy entirely from waste.

Residents slammed the proposals from Clean Power Properties, claiming the estimated 15,000 lorries, and 150,000 tonnes of waste being brought into the village, plus potentially foul smelling gases and noise pollution, would blight their village. The proposals would see the railway sidings at Micheldever Station given over to a power plant.

Up to 210,000 tons of waste per year would be taken to the six-acre site, in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, producing 7.6 megawatts of electricity. The facility would also create up to 30 new jobs, developers say.

The current application is due to be considered by Hampshire County Council, who are responsible for waste management in the district. They insist additional facilities are needed to deal with 600,000 tonnes of waste by 2030.

If they win planning consent from county bosses, developers say the plant could be open within 18 months of building work starting.

Objections can be submitted to Hampshire County Council until January 31, when public consultation ends.

Clean Power Properties were unavailable for comment.