THE people of Westbury and surrounding villages are being encouraged to turn up in numbers to make their opinions heard about the planned waste incinerator, at the planning inquiry which begins at The Laverton on Tuesday 22nd November.
Westbury Town Council has declared this a protest day, saying “We need to make a big impact on the inspector on this first day, so please keep the date free!”
The inquiry is planned to run in two blocks – the first week will take place from Tuesday 22nd to Thursday 24th November and it will reconvene following a week’s break, on Monday 5th December until Thursday 8th December.
Cllr Mark Bailey, who is helping lead the town council’s fight against the incinerator, says it is now more important than ever for local people to have their views heard. He said, “Westbury Town Council are encouraging local groups and individuals to attend the inquiry, both to speak and to demonstrate the level of local opposition to the incinerator. We believe there is strength in numbers and would like as many people as possible to come along to the Laverton to show the inspector the depth of feeling in the town.
“Anyone can request to speak as an ‘Interested Party’, the details are on the town council’s website. The planning inspectorate website states ‘Local people are encouraged to take part in the inquiry process. Local knowledge and opinion can often be a valuable addition to the evidence given by the appellant and the local planning authority’. The outcome of the inquiry could affect all our lives for years to come. Local voices need to be heard. Take this opportunity to make a difference.”
Between now and the start of the inquiry Westbury Town Council will be working with individuals and groups to coordinate attendance and opposition so look out for more information at www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk
How to have your say
Members of the public are invited to attend all sessions and will have an opportunity to speak on the afternoon of 22nd November and again on 7th December.
If you wish to attend the Inquiry and speak as an “Interested Party,” either as an individual or as a representative of a group, you are encouraged to register in advance. The inspector will have discretion to allow people who have not registered to speak, but If you want to register, please email ALISON.DYSON@planninginslectorate.gov.uk
If you wish to attend the Inquiry in person, you must make it known to Wiltshire Council. The number of available places at the venue may be limited, so to ensure you are able to attend, please email planningappeals@wiltshire.gov.uk as soon as possible.
To take part virtually, participants will need to have access to Microsoft Teams (via an app or web browser). This link gives further information on how to use this.
https://support.office.com/en-us/teams
Anyone wishing to attend the inquiry virtually must make it known to Wiltshire Council as soon as possible prior to the event, by emailing: planningappeals@wiltshire.gov.uk
