MANY residents will be bitterly disappointed by the planning inspector’s approval of the extension of Hills’ Lower Compton recycling facility.
This decision flies in the face of its rejection by locally elected representatives, residents’ very real concerns and the long-standing Liberal Democrat campaign to re-site the facility at the M4’s Junction 17, where land is already earmarked for this purpose.
We need more recycling in Wiltshire. We need Hills involved in it. The jobs this work brings are very welcome. But the air pollution that affects the health and wellbeing of residents of Royal Wootton Bassett, Lyneham and Calne as heavy trucks drive through is not. 
The inspectorate’s report says Calne’s poor air quality will not worsen by much. But the need is to improve it. The moving of the Compton Bassett site and the expansion of capacity to Junction 17 would do that.
This week has shown the appalling consequences when money is put before human health. It is time that stopped. The inspector needs to think again and put people first.
DR BRIAN MATHEW
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for North Wiltshire