The owner of Newtown Farm in Newent will find out if he can increase the number of foreign workers living on site to up to 140 next week.

Fruit farmer Angus Davison, who is facing opposition from some neighbours, currently has accommodation for around 100 workers but has been told that facilities must be improved.

His proposal comes before Forest of Dean planners on Tuesday. Officers recommend approval, despite eight letters of objection, including one from Tewkesbury Road Action on Polytunnels group.

This was set up in 2002, after several of Mr Davison's polytunnels broke apart in a storm and covered some houses in polythene.

Objections presented to the council include: "A constant stream of immigrant workers coming and going at all hours. This includes drinking outside homes, litter and increased disturbance to local residents."

One condition, if planning permission is granted, would prevent the playing of loud music in a communal building on site, a concern highlighted by some objectors.

The peak period for foreign workers at Newtown Farm, an 80 hectare site, is between May and September. Up to 250 foreign workers can be on site at any one time in that period.

A boost in available accomodation would reduce the need for Mr Davison to bus workers in from Haygrove fruit farm at Ledbury.

At the same planning meeting, packaging company Storopack hopes to expand its unit on the Newent business park, to increase floor space by 611 square metres.

Three letters of objection have been received but council planning officers are recommending approval because the site is designated for employment use.

If permission is granted, some landscaping is likely to be a planning condition.