As the two-year battle between Swindon Borough Council and a quarrying company comes to a head this week, locals have been urged to let their feelings be known.
Coun David Martyn has encouraged as many members of the public who feel strongly about the issue as possible to attend the appeal hearing which begins on May 10 at the council offices in Euclid Street.
"We know many residents are likely to be at work, but it would help show the Planning Inspector and Earthline the strength of residents’ feeling, if you’re able to attend any part of the public inquiry to show your support," he said.
The public inquiry is being held because Earthline Ltd, which runs quarries, earth filling and landfilling services, is appealing against an enforcement notice imposed upon it, saying it must remove new buildings and facilities it had put up at its site on Wroughton Airfield.
Read: Swindon council row with Earthline at Wroughton goes to appeal
Swindon Borough Council, and indeed local residents in Wroughton and Chiseldon, argue that the building were installed without planning permission and have started a joint action group to protest against the company.
Borough and parish councillors from Wroughton and Chiseldon, a small number of residents and South Swindon MP Robert Buckland are all expected to speak at the hearing to put forward concerns and objections to Earthline's appeal.
Posters and banners have been put up all over Wroughton, Uffcott and Chiseldon objecting to Earthline's presence in the area, particularly referencing the number of heavy goods vehicles residents believe are dangerously passing through.
Read: 'Dangerous' HGVs spark fury as villagers launch protest against Earthline plan
But Earthline claims that there aren't any other suitable sites for it to operate out of and that the airfield cannot be considered entirely rural and unaffected by commercial and industrial development.
If it wins its appeal, it says it should be given planning permission for the buildings and facilities.
Anyone who wants to attend the hearing should make this known to the Planning Inspectorate Case Officer as soon as possible. They can do so either by email to alice.maurice@planninginspectorate.gov.uk, or telephone 0303 444 5000 asking for Alice Maurice and indicating if they wish to take part or just observe.
Proceedings are due to get underway at 10am, but the joint action group is expected to be there earlier at 9.30am to protest further against Earthline's actions with placards.
"If you’re able to attend on the first day we would welcome your support," David added.
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