PLANS to transform a former Hampshire oil depot into a site for more than 40 new homes have been unveiled.

An application to build 28 houses and 15 apartments on the site alongside the Southampton to Fareham railway line, has prompted objections from existing residents who claim the area is being overdeveloped.

The plans are for homes ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses, to run along a road extended from the Glenelg cul-de-sac to the main road Gudge Heath Lane.

Developers Highwood Estates say the application would rejuvenate the current redundant site and by removing the contaminated fuel tanks and it would be transformed it into a much-needed housing development.

The application has led to fears that the area is being saturated after permission was given for 65 homes to be built on an adjacent site of a former laundry.

Fareham council has already received 14 letters of objection that also cite worries about increased existing traffic congestion, parking problems and neighbouring properties being overlooked.

There are also problems with contamination from fuel and chemical spills at the overgrown site, which still houses old storage tanks and former machinery buildings.

Councillor Peter Davies said: "The density is far too great which will mean a strain on car parking, traffic and local amenities. There are currently two doctors surgery within a mile of the site and these are already full. There are also not enough car parking spaces on the new site."

Another point of contention is the through road that is proposed to go from the new development into Argyle Crescent.

Igene Lovell, 85, has lived in Argyle Crescent for more than 30 years said: "Nobody in Argyle Crescent wants the through road and it is absolutely stupid to say it will only be used as an emergency exit. If this wasn't so serious it would be laughable.

"They have said that the residents will be pleased with the road as it will be beneficial as a way to get to Gudge Heath Lane but they haven't even asked us.

"They are trying to impose this on us by saying the residents are going to gain from it, but we will not. We can only hope for the best."

But planning officers are recommending that councillors give the application the green light, provided the developers sign up to legal agreements with the council.

Officers are suggesting Highwood Estates should be required to deal with the contamination issues, as well as make contributions towards the costs of highway alterations and providing off-site open space.

The application will be decided on Wednesday by members of Fareham Borough Council's planning committee.