Inquiry into use of heavy vehicles (From Stroud News and Journal)

Inquiry into use of heavy vehicles

ANXIOUS Minchinhampton residents are awaiting the results of a public inquiry into the use of heavy vehicles at former MOD site at Aston Down.

Back in November, the SNJ revealed the site was contaminated with radium, arsenic and hydrocarbons.

And on Friday the Government's deputy traffic commissioner Lester Maddrell conducted an investigation into plans to use a 7.5 tonne lorry on the site.

Around 20 residents turned up to hear representations about the application, submitted by David Skinner of David Skinner Groundworks.

Back in 2001, Stroud District Council obtained permission for its contractors to operate 29 refuse trucks on the site.

The council submitted written representations but did not send a member of staff to the inquiry.

Aston Down was used to dismantle surplus RAF equipment after the Second World War and equipment used in Australian nuclear testing was also stored on the site.

The results of the inquiry are due within the next 28 days.

The MOD sold the disused airfield in 2002 to developers Leda Properties, which rents out former hangars for warehouse storage.