People living in three villages south of Swindon have been praised for the hard work they put in to oppose a controversial development at Wroughton Airfield.

Quarrying and recycling company Earthline has been told by the government’s planning inspector to remove the facilities it had built at the airfield without planning permission.

The appeal the company brought against the refusal of permission by Swindon Borough Council was dismissed, and the company has 15 months to comply or face legal action.

Borough council for Chiseldon & Lawn Jenny Jefferies was instrumental in helping residents oppose the company’s plans, but she said the real credit goes to the residents themselves.

Coun Jefferies said: “It’s down to the work and commitment of the villagers in Chiseldon, Wroughton and Uffcott. We said at the very first meeting we couldn’t do this without them. They came to the meetings, and they protested and as many as possible went to the inquiry itself.

“They were excellent, they put forward their evidence, abided by the process and weren’t hysterical. They made their points and their voice was heard.”

Both Coun Jefferies and councillor for Wroughton, Cathy Martyn praised the planning inspector for his diligence. Coun Jefferies said: “He was very diligent and made site visits on his own and was able to tell what the residents of the villages were saying was the truth.

“This was a victory for common sense – because the issue was the safety of people living in villages with all the lorries driving through.”

Coun Martyn said: “The inspector clearly listened to what the residents said. They did so much work, they gathered the evidence they needed and presented it well. Jenny Jefferies  set up the first group for Chiseldon and then they saw it was best to have just one for Wroughton and Uffcott as well, and that worked really well

“I’d also like to thank the council officers. This shows that rules and laws put in place for the public’s safety apply to everybody.”

“I am very pleased to see that the planning inspector accepted the deep concerns of the Wroughton and Chiseldon community about the significant impact of this activity on the local area, for which permission had not been obtained in the first place.  I want to thank residents and Councillors for standing up and making a difference.”

Earthline said nobody was available for comment as it was considering the planning inspector’s decision.