A PARK and ride site in the rural buffer zone between Swindon and Wootton Bassett would not adversely affect the landscape, according to a leading council architect.

Christopher Anniss, landscape architect for Swindon Council, was the second person to give evidence in the eight-day public inquiry to decide whether the nine-acre development should go ahead near Junction 16 of the M4.

Mr Anniss said hedgerows would hide the development from most sides, and extra trees, shrubs and even ponds would make the area more pleasant for people living and walking in the area.

The proposals, which will cost the council around £2m, are for a single level car park, car circulation areas, a bus turning area, a single storey amenity building with a waiting room and toilets, a cycle shelter, a security office with CCTV monitoring, a staff room and kiosk, he told the inquiry yesterday.

"The proposed planting will take its lead from existing hedgerows around the site," he added.

"The car circulatory route and parking areas will be vegetated by the addition of tree planting, low growing shrubs and extensive areas of woodland around the boundary.

"The site is effectively screened by existing hedgerows which prevent virtually all views from the south, south west and east.

"To the north existing hedge-rows screen the majority of the site, with only limited distant views south from Hook Street.

"Extensive areas of tree, shrub, and woodland planting are proposed for the site which will in time balance landscape impacts associated with the main car park and access road."

A public footpath crosses the site, and Mr Anniss, who was the second of three council officers giving evidence supporting the development, said ponds would be created and vegetation planted along the path.

"These changes will add to the enjoyment of people using the path and help to balance the existing negative impact on footpath users by the close proximity of the M4 motorway," he said.

The Government inquiry was requested by Swindon Council after North Wiltshire District Council refused planning permission at the beginning of this year for the park and ride at Spittleborough Farm.

The development forms an integral part of Swindon Council's Transport plan to reduce congestion and reliance on the car in the borough, and is one of several park and rides planned for the town.

But the J16 site falls within the boundary of the district council, which is against the development for several reasons. Its evidence is scheduled to be heard from Monday.

An evening session has been organised for Wednesday, starting at 7pm, for members of the public who work during the day. Representatives from several parish and town councils, including Wootton Bassett, have already pledged to speak at that meeting.

Helen Powell, Swindon Council's team leader of transport planning, was expected to give evidence today about the benefits that park and ride will being to traffic.

On Friday Wiltshire County Council will be speaking for the proposal, and North Wiltshire MP James Gray, will be speaking against.

The inquiry is being held at Wootton Bassett Rugby Club, Stoneover Lane, and apart from Wednesday evening, all sessions will start at 9.30am.