Decisions set for Freeth Farm Quarry in Compton Bassett have been delayed by a last-minute legal complication.

A letter received by Wiltshire Council on Monday (November 30) has raised legal issues for decisions on two application on Freeth Farm Quarry.

The bids were due to be discussed by the council’s Strategic Planning committee but have instead been pushed back until the next meeting.

Head of legal services at the council, Frank Cain said the letter raised legal concerns around the protection of commercial sensitivity and the need for democratic transparency.

He added that more time would be needed to consider the contents of the letter and ensure any decision reached was legally sound.

“I resist making recommendations such as that, but it is the late notice and complicated nature of the issues raised,” Mr Cain said.

Committee chairman, Fleur de Rhé-Philipe moved to push the decision back.

It was suggested by Cllr Christine Crisp asked if it was possible for committee members who had not visited the site to do so before the next meeting.

Cllr Tony Trotman agreed, he said: “After walking on the site and looking at all possibilities I was considering a deferral on a site visit myself.

“I won’t make it a formal decision, but I think people need to go to this site.

“I’m sure that will give them a greater idea when we come back to see this application.”

Following a vote it was agreed to defer decision on the applications until the next Strategic Planning committee meeting.