An objection has been lodged against a proposed crushing and sifting plant on industrial land on Marsh Lane in Devonshire.

Myles Darrell, conservation officer for the Bermuda National Trust, said the proposal did not consider nature reserve zoning on the property – and that neighbouring protected land had already been encroached on.

He said: “The boundary is not clearly staked and it appears as though encroachment of the BNT nature reserve has occurred.

“To ensure resolution of this concern, we feel a survey of the property should be carried out and the land properly staked at that time.

“Where encroachment has occurred, it is our expectation that restoration of the habitat will take place immediately.”

The application, by Kip Froud of Invisible Trenching Ltd, proposed a crushing and sifting plant at #10 Marsh Lane to prepare materials for trenching projects.

But Mr Darrell said the nature reserve section of the property would clearly be compromised by industrial activity and urged that an environmental impact assessment be carried out before any development can take place.

He also raised concerns about noise pollution, dust production and the effects of more heavy traffic on Marsh Lane.

Mr Darrell said: “The road surface at Marsh Lane is in terrible condition and when it rains it becomes a large pond that is difficult to pass.

“Even large vehicles such as trucks struggle to navigate because of the very bad drainage.

“It is our concern that the proposed developments will add significantly more traffic to an already heavily used roadway.”

The application has also received an objection from a neighbour who voiced concerns about traffic congestion on the road.

She wrote: “When the road is blocked, people will drive through my yard or park in my yard. I believe these actions will increase with the increased traffic.”

She also raised concerns that the vibrations from heavy tractor trailers would damage her home and that the plant would cause noise after 5pm and on weekends.