DEVIZES MP Michael Ancram is looking into whether the controversial planning application to build a new recycling centre on Wiltshire County Council's depot at Horton Road should be called in by John Prescott, the Secretary of State for the Environment.

The county council's environmental services sub-committee is due to decide on the application by Marlborough-based Hills Waste in January, but Bishops Cannings Parish Council and residents believe there is a conflict of interests as the authority owns the land.

Hills Waste is Kennet District Council's recycling contractor. Following concerns expressed by a resident, Devizes MP Michael Ancram has written to the county council seeking clarification.

In his letter to the resident, Mr Ancram says he has no authority over planning applications but adds: "I am always keen to ensure that correct procedures are followed and objections fully considered and, where there is a strategic element, I am prepared to comment.

"In this case there is a question as to whether such a decision should be "called in" because of the interests of the authorities themselves.

"I am therefore writing to Wiltshire County Council firstly to see a copy of their response (to you) and secondly raising the question as to whether, in the light of the vested interests of both the county council and the district council, this application should have been called in by the Secretary of State."

At a recent public meeting more than 150 residents vented their anger at the planning application. They are concerned the recycling centre will cause pollution and increase traffic.

Barry Cremin, chairman of Bishops Cannings Parish Council, said: "The parish council thinks the application should be called in. The county council has a vested interest as the landowner, and should have no part in deciding whether the application is successful or not."

Mr Cremin said Horton Road is not suitable for large numbers of cars. During the recent panic buying at petrol stations the road was clogged with cars waiting to get into Cannings Hill Garage.

David Rose, principal assistant in the minerals and waste group at Wiltshire County Council, said the county council determined planning applications involving waste disposal and recycling.

He said: "As officers we do a report based on the planning merits and it is down to the councillors to decide whether or not to agree with the recommendation. The Secretary of State would only call an application in if it was a major departure from policy or had issues of national significance and they do not apply in this case."