AN inquiry in to the decision to reject a controversial 225-home development starts on Tuesday.

The Government inspector will decide an appeal lodged by Gladman Developments Limited after Ryedale District Council rejected plans for houses in Westfield, Kirkbymoorside.

The inquiry will be held at Ryedale District Council offices, in Malton, and is due to last two to four days.

Kirkbymoorside Town Council will be making representations.

Resident Brian Hewitt said: “Ryedale has its Local Plan and all the criteria for building development properly documented, but this counts for nothing in the Planning Minister’s eyes unless a five-year land supply can be proven for the district. This is the loophole that developers such as Gladman are exploiting. Members of the public are urged to attend this inquiry.”