AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned business breeding racehorses will be put into jeopardy if a waste recycling plant is built just meters from its stables, according to its general manager.

TMR South Coast Ltd, based in Portsmouth, is looking to develop an inert waste recycling facility on farmland by the Three Maids Hill roundabout, between the A34 and A272. It would produce a range of recycled products for re-use in construction.

The plan has so far sparked criticism from nearby parish councils, with South Wonston, Kings Worthy, Headbourne Worthy, and Littleton and Harestock all strongly objecting to the application.

Close to the planned location is Littleton Stud, which has breed and trained racehorses at its site in Stud Lane since 1913.

Last week Littleton and Harestock councillors argued the business’s case with planning authority Hampshire County Council by submitting an objection the scheme.

Now, general manager David Bowe has told the Chronicle that fears have been raised about stud’s future if the plant is approved.

He said: “To be quite honest it really does worry me. The whole idea of racehorses is that they are elite athletes, it is about their health and wellbeing. They are stressful animals and if there is constant noise they wouldn’t thrive.

“We are internationally renowned for breeding top class horses, can you do that while the plant is constantly spewing out dust and noise.”

If the proposal is approved it would deal with 75,000 tonnes of waste and run 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 1pm on Saturdays, on occasions it will also operate during the night.

TMR South Coast Ltd says it could generate approximately 50 to 76 HGV movements per day.

Mr Bowe said that one of its yards neighbours the proposed site, adding: “We are a big employer in the locality, we employ 15 people on site. Our property and farm stretches up to the Three Maids Hill roundabout.

“It will be detrimental to us as a business going forward.”