A Public Inquiry will start next week into a planning application to build up to 200 homes at Sculthorpe which was turned down by North Norfolk District Council.

Eastern Daily Press: Sculthorpe village. Picture: Ian BurtSculthorpe village. Picture: Ian Burt

The public inquiry will be held over six days in the Council Chamber at North Norfolk District Council's offices at Holt Road, Cromer.

It will begin at 10am on Tuesday, April 25, and then at 9am on subsequent days.

The inquiry will be held on four days during the first week: Tuesday, April 25, to Friday, April 28, inclusive. It will be held on two days during the second week: Wednesday, May 3, and Thursday, May 4.

The planning application by Amstel Group Corporation Ltd was for 71 homes, a new access road, side roads, drainage works, play areas, landscaping works in phase 1; with up to a further 129 homes, primary school, land for community resource centre and play area in phase 2.

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) offices in Cromer. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) offices in Cromer. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

North Norfolk District Council Development Committee refused the planning application in January 2016 because it argued that it was against planning policy, as the area was designated as an area of open countryside; too far from local services or facilities and that it would cause harm to heritage assets including the character and appearance of Sculthorpe Conservation Area.

A planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State will lead the public inquiry into the appeal. Members of the public will be invited to attend the inquiry and can, if the inspector allows, express their views.

Councillor Sue Arnold, Cabinet Member for Planning said: 'This is an important decision for North Norfolk and it is vital that the issues and concerns raised by local residents are fully taken into account at the inquiry and that the decision of the local planning authority, who are well placed to be able to understand what is best for their area, is upheld.'