A DEVELOPER has unveiled proposals to build 150 homes - six years after plans for an anaerobic digester on the same site sparked a public outcry.

Oceanic Galaxy is exploring the possibility of providing a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom properties - plus a large amount of employment space - at Corks Farm, Marchwood.

It describes the proposed development as a well-designed scheme that would "respond positively" to its waterside location.

Previous plans to build an anaerobic digester on the site proved highly controversial.

Barker-Mill Estates published proposals for a multi-million-pound complex that would have used food waste to create enough renewable energy to power 2,000 homes.

Protesters formed an action group called Marchwood Against Anaerobic Digestion (MAAD). They claimed the proposed development would create a raft of environmental problems in the area, including extra HGVs.

In 2015 about 200 placard-waving demonstrators staged a protest outside Marchwood Village Hall.

They argued that Marchwood was being used as a dumping ground for schemes that would not get planning permission in the neighbouring New Forest.

Marchwood county councillor David Harrison said most people would prefer Cork Farm to be used for residential development.

He added: "Of course, any additional housing will very likely add to traffic on our already congested roads in the absence of good public transport links.

"That is why it's so important we have a good, frequent bus service as well as the return of the Waterside passenger railway."

Richard Young, chairman of Marchwood Parish Council, criticised plans to provide up to 9,300 square metres of employment space on the site.

He said: "Any further industrialisation of undeveloped open spaces within Marchwood is simply not acceptable.

"We expect any formal application to develop this site will not come with any industrial use tagged on. The village, its residents and existing local roads simply cannot sustain it."

If the scheme goes ahead homes will be built on the north eastern and south western parts of the site, served by a vehicular access from Admiralty Way.

Employment space will be provided on the western side of the site, with access from Normandy Way.

The application says: "The extent of residential development is limited by a number of constraints, in particular odour from the nearby water treatment works.

"No significant environmental effects will be experienced, either during the construction phases or the occupation of the development, due to the implementation of appropriate mitigation."