PLANS to retain a temporary road next to a Hampshire motorway have been withdrawn after the application came under fire from residents.

The road slices through agricultural land south of the M27 and north of Paulet Lacave Avenue, Nursling, which has been used to replace the Romsey Road bridge.

Critics of the controversial application, submitted by Geoffrey Osborne Limited, claims the plans would increase traffic congestion and fly-tipping.

Others believe the plans will attract vandals if the car park, used during the bridge construction, remains.

The application was withdrawn by Geoffrey Osborne Limited before it went to the Southern Area Planning Committee on Tuesday, December 10.

Gareth Matthias, from Lukin Drive, said: “We have already felt the disruption caused by the current bridge work through noise, light and increased traffic; we long to have the purposed site returned to its original state.

“By agreeing to keep the access road and parking, which isn’t required by the allotment holders, we feel this area would soon be used for anti-social behaviour, fly tipping and pose an increased risk to security to our neighbours.”

Nicky Coups, from Lukin Drive, said: “We live less than 100 metres from the site and have experienced considerable noise and sleep disruption from vehicles and generators especially at night.

“We have been looking forward to the land being returned to peaceful fields, with just the gentle hum of the motorway audible.”

She added: “The site would also be subject to the risk of fly-tipping, vandals and an increased security risk for the houses nearby including ours.

“Our main objection is the risk of travellers using the site, there is already of problem of travellers in Nursling each year.

“The retention of the road would encourage them to use this site and cause problems and insecurity for residents as well as additional costs for Test Valley.”

Geoffrey Osborne Limited has been contacted for comment.