CAMPAIGNERS trying stop a concrete batching plant being built on the outskirts of Melksham have been given a boost after a senior council officer recommended planning permission be refused.

Members of Save Sandridge, a group set up to prevent Tarmac Ltd building the plant at Sahara Sands in Sandridge, will be at County Hall on Wednesday, when Wiltshire County Council's regulatory committee makes a final decision about whether the plant will get the go-ahead.

However, in a report to the committee George Batten, director of environmental services, advised the plans be refused.

He believes the plant would be an inappropriate development in open countryside and would have a visual impact on the landscape. He also said dust and lighting from the site could be harmful to the environment and wildlife.

While Mr Batten has highlighted problems with the plans, the ultimate decision rests with councillors.

Melksham Without Parish Council, Bromham Parish Council and West Wiltshire District Council have objected to the plans.

Diana Darwall, one of the campaigners said: "We're cautiously optimistic we'll get what we want because we've got very good grounds for our objections.

"Residents feel this proposed development has no regards for the conservation of the ecological and cultural features of the area.

"They (county council) need to see the strength of feeling there is about this issue in our community, so we are hoping a couple of dozen people will turn up at County Hall on Wednesday."

Tarmac's proposals involve more than 40 lorry trips to and from the plant every weekday.

Campaigners believe this will cause traffic problems in Melksham and be a danger for children at Forest and Sandridge Primary School, and their parents.

They also feel if permission to build the plant is granted it could set a dangerous precedent for other rural areas in the county.

Last night the Save Sandridge group held a meeting at Bromham Social Centre to decide who should speak at the regulatory committee.

Mike Mills, chairman of Melksham Without Parish Council is expected to be one of the speakers.