WILTSHIRE County Council has received the inspector's report into objections to the Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals Local Plan.

The plan, which was published in January 1999, provides a framework for planning decisions to be made on mineral extraction in the county.

It designates land as a 'preferred area', or an 'area of search' for minerals such as clay and chalk.

Preferred areas are areas within which there is a presumption in favour of extraction, subject to detailed criteria.

An area of search is generally believed to contain mineral deposits. It is less likely to be used for mineral extraction than a preferred area.

Land north of Capps Lane, Westbury was designated as a preferred area for clay, while land next to the existing quarry was named as a preferred area for chalk.

The plan attracted criticism from groups concerned about the impact of possible further chalk and clay extraction on the environment in an area close to Bratton Castle and the Westbury White Horse.

A public inquiry into objections to the Minerals Local Plan was held earlier this year by Brian Sims, an inspector appointed by the planning inspectorate.

In his report, Mr Sims recommends that both areas should remain preferred areas, rather than being redesignated to an area of search, as had been suggested by some objectors.

David Levy, chairman of the Air that we Breathe group in Westbury, said: "The inspector hasn't taken on local concerns at all."

A spokesman for Wiltshire County Council said: "Although the inspector has made a large number of recommendations, they do not affect the underlying objectives and strategy of the plan."