A PUBLIC inquiry into plans to build 100 homes at Berkeley Farm in Wroughton got underway on Tuesday in the council chambers.

Last year, Swindon Borough Council rejected an application by Ainscough to build the houses on the site following strong public opposition.

However, the developer has appealed the decision and now planning inspector Gareth Jones will hear the case of the relevant parties before making a decision, likely next year.

The inquiry could take up to six days and will also hear evidence from a number of interested parties, including the Wroughton Parish Council and South Swindon MP Robert Buckland.

The main points of contention relate to whether the development, if given the go-ahead, would have a negative impact on the surrounding area and set a precedent for further housebuilding in Wroughton, as the Berkeley Farm falls outside the village boundary.

David Manley QC, speaking on behalf of the developer, does not believe this would be the case and will go towards providing important housing for the area.

He said: “It is now clear Swindon Council are not able to demonstrate there is a five year housing supply. It follows therefore that many of the stated boundaries relied upon are out of date.

“This proposal brings with it clear economic and social benefits to the village and will not set a bad precedent.”

Also discussed was whether the site, a former brick factory, was classed as a brownfield or greenfield site.

Making the case for the council was Paul Cairns, who echoed the long-held views of villagers and the council.

He said: “The housing need in Wroughton is already being addressed with the recently approved Local Plan and neighbourhood plan.

“There are undoubtedly benefits to this application but we believe these are outweighed by the costs.

“It does not fit in with the characteristic of the area and we believe it would have an unacceptable impact.”

Throughout the hearing evidence will be heard from interested parties and the Wroughton Parish Council was also there to make its case.

Chairman Steve Harcourt said: “We started a conversation about a neighbourhood plan in November 2013.

“One of the strong messages is the community is not against a moderate amount of building within the village.

“I do not think Wroughton agrees this development would have a positive impact but it would undermine the local plan.”

Borough Councillors Wayne Crabbe and Cathy Martyn, both Conservative, also voiced their opposition to the plans.

During the inquiry, the planning inspector will also visit the site.