Swindon Borough Council are attempting to prevent a quarrying firm from using land for a road-rail interchange because the resulting noise and dust could adversely affect a nearby conservation area and could constitute a health hazard.
The council are asking the High Court to quash an inspector’s decision to grant Hanson Quarry Products Ltd planning permission for the interchange on land adjacent to the main rail line and Hawksworth Trading Estate, Newcombe Drive. Hanson plans to use the land as a depot between the importation of aggregates by rail and their onward transfer by road.
The council refused permission for the scheme in October 2001. They argued that the plans would adversely affect the Great Western Railway Works conservation area, which is situated on the other side of the railway and features two listed buildings of historical importance, including the National Monuments and Records Centre run by English Heritage.
The council also believes that the development would have an unacceptable effect upon the environment because of the levels of dust and noise that the proposal would generate.
The hearing continues.
Swindon Borough Council v First Secretary of State Queen’s Bench Division (Richards J) 11 March 2003.
References: PLS News 12/3/03
