Preston Council and developers Taylor Wimpey have outlined their opening cases at Preston Town Hall after the council refused plans for 650 new homes and 9,000sqm of light industry on the 147 acre site back in January, resulting in an appeal by the developers.
Such is the scale and complexity of the development - the area's largest for decades - inspector Neil Holt (an architect and planner) made it clear that the final decision on the appeal will be made by the Secretary of State.
Prior to both sides giving a brief summary of their arguments, Mr Holt said he believed there were four main issues - whether or not the number of houses on the site would be contrary to various policies; whether there was adequate provision for affordable housing with regard to relative policies; whether there would be damaging consequences for highway safety and whether the benefits - compared to the existing plans for site - would outweigh any harm from the new proposals.
Mr Holt said there would also be a dispute between the two sides as to housing land supply in the Preston area and he appealed to both to "narrow the differences as far as possible".
Ian Ponter is acting for planning consultant Graham Bolton on behalf of the council and Roger Lancaster on behalf of Taylor Wimpey.
Although the public inquiry was originally expected to last for up to six days, there was talk that it may be over within three and during the first day an adjournment was made for a site visit to be carried out by the inspector.
The inquiry is open to any person or representative of a body which may be affected by the proposal or by any person who made representations when the application was originally considered by the council. Also, if anyone wishes to speak during the hearing they may still be allowed to do so if they turn up at the Town Hall by 10am.
Taylor Wimpey's plans also include a primary school, senior playing pitch, tennis court, relocation of the bowling green, recreational and play facilities, new access to Whittingham Lane and alterations to existing access to Cumeragh Lane, open space and landscaping and associated infrastructure (including retention of the existing cricket pitch and pavilion).
The Broughton by-pass remains financially dependant on development at Whittingham.