BLUE Circle has submitted plans to create an educational resource centre near its Westbury cement works.

The site it wants to develop is currently rough grazing ground.

The company proposes to consult the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in developing a nature reserve, with a portable cabin providing washroom and toilet facilities.

Local schools and groups will be able to use the facility free of charge.

Access to the site is proposed to be via a new road from Coach Road.

The company has run a similar scheme with some success in Suffolk.

A spokesman for Blue Circle said: "We try to have strong links between ourselves and local education."

The application was expected to be approved, subject to conditions, at last night's West Wiltshire District Council meeting.