A government inspector is to hear the arguments over whether 400 new houses should be built on a greenfield site in Alcester.

Stratford District Council has turned down two related applications by J S Bloor Ltd for the development on land north of Allimore Lane, near the western bypass at Alcester.

Councillors decided to reject the applications because government policy and the county plan promote the use of “brownfield” sites over greenfield areas.

They also argued that the development would have a large impact on local roads and transport services.

The land is earmarked for residential use in the current district plan, but it conflicts with another policy of directing new houses in the district to Stratford itself.

The inquiry will start next Tuesday at the Greig Hall, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, starting at 10am. An evening session, starting at 7pm, is scheduled for Wednesday 1 November to allow residents who cannot attend during the daytime to express their views.