Council raises concerns over new Royal Wootton Bassett tip

Late last month, Wiltshire Council announced it had chosen Royal Wootton Bassett as the site for its new recycling centre, replacing two facilities at Purton and Calne.

It said it had looked at 21 potential sites and concluded that a council-owned site adjoining its existing salt depot on Marlborough Road, to the south of the town was "the only suitable site that can be taken forward to the detailed feasibility stage."

Now, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council - which strongly opposed the closure of the two existing facilities - has expressed concerns over the impact a new tip for the north of the county will have on the town.

In a letter to Cllr Helen Belcher, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for assets, town clerk Mark Hopkins set out a long list of concerns.

The council cited traffic, the impact on the town centre, the environmental impact of the facility, the scale of the facility, and the cost to the taxpayer.

"While we recognise the importance of providing modern waste and recycling facilities for residents, the town councillors, and the residents they have spoken to already, believe a number of significant issues require much closer examination before any decision is made," the clerk wrote.

"Our principal concern relates to the impact of the proposed facility on the local highway network," he said.

"Household Recycling Centres generate a substantial volume of vehicle movements, particularly at weekends.

"The proposal risks adding considerable traffic to roads that already experience congestion, particularly at peak times.

"Increased vehicle movements, including cars towing trailers, vans, and commercial vehicles, could create delays, increase queuing, and place additional strain on junctions and access routes – the site access is on a blind bend.

"This is especially concerning if vehicles queue outside the site, potentially obstructing local roads and affecting nearby businesses and residential areas, as happens already with the facility at Stanton St Quinton, Chippenham.

The town council said it was particularly concerned about the impact of the new facility on its town centre.

"Particular attention must be paid to the effect on traffic movements through Royal Wootton Bassett itself.

"Depending on the chosen route, many users of the facility may travel through or around the town, increasing congestion and journey times for local residents.

The town already experiences pressure from existing commuter traffic and growth in surrounding developments.

Introducing a regional waste facility could further exacerbate these issues and undermine efforts to improve traffic conditions for residents and local businesses."

The council also expressed concerns around vehicle emissions, noise pollution, dust and litter, and visual intrusion and the industrialisation of the surrounding area.

And it asked Wiltshire Council to justify the need for a new household recycling centre in Royal Wootton Bassett, and the cost of opening and operating the facility.

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Cllr Belcher acknowledged: "While we have identified what seems to be a suitable location, there is still significant work to be carried out before we can confirm the site is suitable and submit a planning application.

“We will continue to work closely with Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council as we progress this important project.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to suggest potential sites. Our priority is to provide a modern, accessible recycling facility for local residents as quickly as possible and in the most cost-effective way.”