THE proposed plant at Mannings Heath will damage local trade and the surrounding environment, neighbouring businesses say.

Other concerns raised include the number of extra lorries on local roads and the fear of a foul smell from the site.

Howard Smith, group operations manager at Splashdown water park, Tower Park, Poole, said: "Okey, we are an industrial site here, a former landfill site made good, but this is still a big worry.

Dorset is marketed as this jewel of the south, the beaches, the forests...we are more then aware of our natural environment. All our tourism is based on that.

"Our directors would be against anything that has a negative impact on the environment - certainly anything potentially damaging to the business."

Mr Smith also said that as the proposed site is just across the road, any odour from the plant would certainly be felt at the Splashdown centre - a significant proportion of which is based outside.

The Daily Echo also understands a number of other businesses on Tower Park are worried about the proposals.

Meanwhile, SMD technical director Jamie Turner - whose office at The Outlook, Ling Road, would back onto the site - said: "Speaking on behalf of our staff, a number of them have voiced serious concerns. Our business could be impacted by these proposals.

"Our staff are telling us is that they're very worried about increased traffic. You can tell when the lorries go past now, what are things going to be like with more and more?

"Also, say you're looking for a job and the business you are interviewing at has a refuge tip next door, would that make a difference to you? Do you want to walk outside for lunch and deal with the smell.

"Our windows directly face where the site would be. Many of our staff are very, very concerned about these proposals. I know that when I drive past a tip in hot weather I can notice it."

Office worker Pat Simmonds said she was worried the plant would encourage more rats and seagulls to the area.

"I don't care what the council says - food waste smells," she added. "I appreciate modern technology and modern methods at these new waste centres can help, but I bet that come the summertime, there will be days when it stinks like a dump, because that is effectively what it will be.

"Who wants to live or work next door to a dump?"