Thames Water will be able to go ahead with plans to create a new sludge treatment works near Faringdon as it is "permitted development" under current planning rules. This is because there will be no new building, nor any major environmental impact, says Thames Water. The proposed new plant will take in sewage sludge from Witney, Abingdon and Wantage, as well as Faringdon. A new treatment process is required in order to comply with new standards under which all sewage will have to be treated with lime before being spread on fields. County Councillor Judith Heathcoat has questioned officers at Oxfordshire County Council about the proposals, highlighting the issues of heavy lorries brining in loads along narrow country roads. She is concerned about the effect on local residents and farms. Carol Camping, head of Faringdon Infant School, has raised fears of unpleasant smells from the plant, situated around half a mile away. Hamish Wood, of Manor Farm, Lechlade Road, says that residents have been unable to see a full report into Thames Water's plans. Work is due to start in January 2005. "This proposed development is bad news for Faringdon and the people who live here," he said. He called on the Town Council, Vale and County to help. "This will be a hard battle, but one worth fighting."