Sir, - I was interested to read the comments made by Tony Hitchens for Premier Management Waste (D&S, April 11) in your article regarding the plans for a proposed composting site at the former quarry site in Bolam.

In the article, Mr Hitchens says "there will be no more transport going to and from the site".

However, the planning application clearly states "HGVs will deliver and deposit the material.

Loading shovels will turn the material, which will eventually be spread on adjoining agricultural land."

The plans also clearly state that the "receipt of waste, vehicular movements, transfer/processing operations, site maintenance works and other activities i.e. compost spreading, will all take place Monday to Friday 7.30am-4.30pm.

The daily traffic movements are estimated at an average of four in and four out up to a maximum of 25 in and 25 out (these vehicles are loaded with an estimated capacity of 20 tonnes).

In the supporting statement with the application, it states that low loaders will transport the loading shovels to site.

I feel this is significantly more transport going to and from the site: at present there are light vans used for maintenance of the gas power generation station, and the odd courier making deliveries to the site.

Far from being "temporary", as stated by Mr Hitchens, planning permission is being sought for five years.

Unfortunately, owing to the forthcoming council elections, local councillors are reluctant to object to this planning application, and it would seem a copy sent to the non-existent Bolam Parish Council was pointless!

LIZ REDFERN Bolam