VILLAGERS already plagued by lorries have warned that even more could be rumbling along their streets after plans to increase the quantity of rubbish dealt with at a nearby waste disposal plant were unveiled.

Concern is mounting among people in Otterbourne near Winchester over proposals by Hampshire Waste Services for their Poles Lane complex.

Residents say it will exacerbate existing traffic problems in the village where 80 per cent of site vehicles already pass through.

The plans put forward by the company are for additional activities to be carried out at the site including the storage of fridges, recycling bays and storage cabins.

However some neighbouring residents are concerned the move will mean more heavily laden lorries rumbling through the village on their way to the plant.

It is not the first time residents have expressed such fears.

When the plant was granted permission by Winchester City Council planning chiefs in September 2001 to keep its doors open, many residents complained, saying the noise of up to 200 lorries per day thundering past their homes was unacceptable.

While a spokesman for Hampshire Waste Services (HWS) confirmed the current planning application was "to extend the operation of these activities that had hitherto been considered to be "ancillary" under the existing terms of the planning consent for the site", they denied it would mean more traffic.

John Collis, director of HWS, said: "I can confirm that this application is only related to existing activities on site and as a result the vehicle movement through the village of Otterbourne will not increase"

Some residents say they still think there's too much traffic flowing through the village, and doubt the latest planning application will see lorry numbers stay the same.

Jane Partner, 40, a mum from Main Road in Otterbourne, said: "I am concerned about this, yes.

"There's already too much traffic driving through the village, and you can hear the lorries from anywhere in Otterbourne.

"Hampshire Waste Services might say there will be no extra traffic caused by this scheme, but how can you extend a service without bringing in more of the stuff."

Councillor Charlotte Bailey, said: "I would be very concerned about this proposal, and will look at it very seriously.

"Local people are really concerned that the amount of traffic doesn't increase any more.

"We are very anxious to keep traffic to a minimum in the village, especially as 80 per cent of the site's vehicles already pass through Otterbourne, and so the last thing people want is more."

A decision on whether to grant the application is now likely to take place before Winchester City Council planning chiefs in mid-November.