THE inquiry into the refusal of a controversial planning application in Welford-on-Avon has begun.

South Warwickshire Housing Association (SWHA) made an application for the erection of 17 dwellings, an access road, car parking and associated infrastructure works on land south of Barton Road in August 2006.

It was turned down by Stratford District Council and the inquiry to decide whether that decision will be upheld started on Tuesday, July 31.

Malcolm Crump, chairman of Welford-on-Avon Parish Council, said: "Residents voted overwhelmingly against both proposals at two public meetings called by the parish council last year.

"Fundamentally, we believe a valid housing need has not been determined and the proposed scheme is far too large as well as not complying with other planning policies.

"The overwhelming view expressed in the Parish Plan is that any development for which a local housing need is proven should take the form of small groups not exceeding five dwellings in any one place in order to retain the character of the village."

The district council originally refused the application on the grounds of it not being a small-scale scheme, having significant local objection, being contrary to the housing moratorium, not making full use of available brownfield sites and not mixing affordable and local market homes adequately.

Jeremy Page, head of development at South Warwickshire Housing Association, said: "We've been working with the council since 2004 to provide quality housing for the local community.

"We believe the scheme meets the need for affordable housing as is warranted in this particular area.

"The association is disappointed that, contrary to advice from planning officers who recommended the scheme for development, planning permission was not granted and we await the outcome of the public inquiry."