Environmental groups, house builders and local authorities will get together to discuss the future of housing provision in Wiltshire during a two-week public forum.

The consideration of proposed changes to the Wiltshire and Swindon Structure Plan started in Chippenham Town Hall on Tuesday and will last for two weeks. Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire County Council have come up with proposals for alterations to the plan, including the building of new homes east of Swindon and the provision of employment land up to 2016.

Various groups have expressed views about the future of the plan, and the examination in public will give all the interested parties a chance to thrash out their ideas.

The structure plan document sets out strategic polices to help guide development and ensure homes, shops, offices and employment areas are built in the most suitable locations.

It also provides a framework for the review of the more detailed local plans prepared by district councils. Members of the public are welcome to attend the inquiry but will not be able to contribute.

The inquiry will take place before the independent chairman, Jim Parke, who has been appointed by the Government. He will be supported by planning inspector David Asher.

The panel will report back to the two strategic planning authorities later this year.