A public inquiry begins today over a controversial planning application which could see a village near Fakenham doubled in size.

Amstel Group Corporation's planning application to build 200 homes in Sculthorpe was turned down by North Norfolk District Council in January 2016 after the council said it went against the planning policy of the area and is not sustainable.

Amstel Group's agents, Indigo, appealed the decision.

A six-day inquiry over the decision is begin held in Cromer.

It begins at 10am today and then at 9am for the rest of the week. The following week it will take place on May 3 and May 4.

Councillor Sue Arnold, a 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.'