ENFORCEMENT action against the use of land at Thornhill in Royal Wootton Bassett for driver training is the subject of an appeal hearing due to start later this month.

Wiltshire Council is alleging the change of use at Appleford from residential and equestrian, to a driving school was made without planning permission.

It is demanding training stops and all vehicles and equipment associated with the school should be removed from the patch of land.

It also wants a gravelled hard surface area to be dug up and the space restored with topsoil and grass.

But the owners, Susan and Simon Howe submitted an appeal against the action when it was launched last year.

They deny there has been a breach of planning control and say planning permission should be granted.

They also claim the work demanded in the enforcement notice are excessive and that the time they have been given to comply - four months - is too short.

The inquiry, held before a government inspector, is due to start on February 26 and is expected to last for three days.

It will be held at Wiltshire Council's offices in Monkton Park, Chippenham and is in public.