Council planning eco-town inquiry

The shortlist of 15 sites will be trimmed down to 10 locations

A council is considering holding its own public inquiry into the proposed siting of an eco-town in West Sussex.

Arun District Council said it wanted a "widespread investigation" so the plans could be debated in public. The inquiry still needs full council approval.

The site at Ford, near Littlehampton, is one of 15 to be shortlisted for 10 new towns across England.

After the list was announced, members of Arun council said they were dismayed at the announcement.

'Immediate action'

They feared local planning policies would be overruled by the government.

If the full council approves the resolution on 30 April, eight councillors and an independent planner will begin an immediate inquiry into the plans to build at least 5,000 houses on the site.

They will look at alternative sites, and will speak to residents, businesses and government minsters, an Arun council statement said.

Findings will be put before the council at the end of June, if the inquiry goes ahead.

The council has set up a website, www.arun.gov.uk/ecotown, where members of the public can view the latest information on the eco-town proposals.