THE Environment Agency has strengthened its objections against plans to expand Knockdown Quarry, near Sherston.

Quarry owner A and J Bull has applied to Wiltshire County Council to double its output from 100,000 to 200,000 tonnes a year, and increase the amount of waste put in the quarry from 50,000 to 200,000 tonnes a year.

The agency objected last May, and has again written to the county council.

This time, Dave Pring, the Environment Agency's planning liaison officer, said it was chiefly concerned about ground water levels and leaking pollution.

A and J Bull wants to introduce disposal of industrial and commercial waste, which has to be kept 2 metres above the maximum ground water level.

Mr Pring said the agency needs records of ground water levels over several seasons, to ascertain whether the waste can be safely stored.

The second concern is that pollution from the waste could leak into the public water supply at Shipton Moyne.

He also said that, even if permission is granted, A and J Bull would need to apply for an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control permit.

Martin Rea, the joint chairman of an opposition group in Sherston and Didmarton against the plans, said the agency's concerns could push back consideration of the application.

However, he urged the county council to get it sorted out as soon as possible. "It's now been 15 months since the application was made, a 1,000 residents wrote objections and we feel the matter must be considered by the county council without further delay," said Mr Rea.

Coun Lesley Bennett represents the area on North Wiltshire District Council, and is the local authority representative on the Environment Agency's area environment group.

She said the Environment Agency's objection could prove crucial in getting the application turned down.

"It seems to me that this firm objection will mean that there is no chance that the planning application to extend and deepen the quarry will be successful," said Coun Bennett.