WESTBURY is set to lose one of its most famous landmarks, following the announcement that the old cement works will be destroyed, along with its 400 foot chimney.
After years of public uncertainty, the future of the former Lafarge cement works has been decided, as owner Tarmac has revealed its intention to demolish the chimney and all major factory buildings.
The cement works was constructed in the 1960s but has not been used in six years. Tarmac says the site could be used for recycling purposes in the future, but the existing buildings must first be destroyed to make the land “attractive to the market” as a mainly vacant plot.
It is also hoped that disposing of the buildings will reduce the number of trespassers while the area remains unused.
Part of the site will continue its current use, which is mainly for transferring cement from trains to lorries, but Tarmac proposes to demolish all non-operational buildings.
Jonathan Toyn, senior estates manager at Tarmac said, “To ensure the minimum effect on our neighbours, the proposed demolition will be in accordance with strict controls and regulations which will be enforced by our site staff.
“The main access to the site will be to and from the A350 Westbury Road via the existing main access gate. Demolition traffic will be prohibited from using routes other than those approved by the planning process which will be defined by appropriate signage.
“Normal site working hours will be 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am-1pm Saturday.
“Strict environmental measures will be applied and monitoring will be undertaken, particularly with residential properties located adjacent to the works’ site entrance and the existing farm to the north of the site and other properties further afield. Dust and noise will be kept to a minimum.
“Tarmac will be consulting the local community on its plans as we develop the detailed demolition proposals.”
A prior notification of demolition has been registered with Wiltshire Council, and is open to public comments until Wednesday 14th October.
To comment, search 15/09148/DEM on the planning search at www.wiltshire.gov.uk
