Concerns have been raised over Network Rail’s plans to build a recycling centre for old track materials in Westbury.

Town councillor Francis Morland said the centre would do little for Westbury, at a Westbury Town Council highways, planning and development committee at The Laverton last night.

Network Rail, which already has a distribution facility next to the railway line in Stephenson Road, Westbury, wants to extend the site to include a recycling centre for old track materials.

The application includes a new one two-storey office and amenity block, and could create between 10 and 15 jobs, which could rise to 30 depending on output.

Cllr Morland said: “I’ve never seen such a huge pile of papers relating to a planning application.

“I think it’s poorly presented and I have substantial misgivings.

“I’m not certain this application is going to do a lot for Westbury. I think the benefits are quite slight and the drawbacks are quite substantial.”

The councillor spoke of his apprehension with regards to the increase in HGVs going in and out of the site. He also criticised the plans for its lack of landscaping.

Cllr Russell Hawker suggested a condition to the plan which was unanimously supported by the committee.

He said: “I will propose that we have no objections but suggest a condition relating to a lorry route away from the town particularly with large or long lorries.”

A decision on the application is due to be made by Wiltshire Council by June 25.