CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 300 new homes on the outskirts of Carlisle will now go to a public inquiry.

The application to build on land at Harker Industrial Estate was unanimously refused by members of Carlisle City Council's development control committee back in January.

Kingmoor Park Properties, which is behind the plans, said at the time it was "disappointed" by the decision.

It has since lodged an appeal, via specialist planning consultants HOW Planning.

Now the Planning Inspectorate has determined that a a public inquiry will be held to decide whether it should be upheld.

The 300-home planning application relates to a site that currently houses a number of former Ministry of Defence warehouses, which are in poor condition and also contain asbestos.

The application was recommended for approval by city council planning officers ahead of the development control committee.

However, members raised a number of concerns, including lack of affordable housing included in the scheme and uncertainty about investment in local school provision and school transport.

A motion to reject the plans was proposed by Heather Bradley, Labour councillor for Currock, and backed by fellow councillors.

But HOW Planning, on behalf of Kingmoor Park Properties, argues that the site is already earmarked for residential use.

"Harker Industrial Estate is a previously developed site which is allocated for housing development within the council's local plan.

"Should the appeal be allowed, the site will deliver housing within a sustainable location and will help towards the council meeting its housing delivery target," a spokesman explained.

"HOW Planning, on behalf of Kingmoor Park Properties Limited, has submitted an appeal against the decision of Carlisle City Council to refuse an outline planning application for up to 300 dwellings.

"The appeal has been validated by the Planning Inspectorate which has decided the appeal will be dealt with by way of a public inquiry."

The time, date and location of the hearing has yet to be confirmed.

However Christopher Hardman, city council development manager, has written to interested parties in advance, inviting them to express an interest in attending and possibly making submissions.

The deadline for written representations in October 5.

The inquiry will be overseen by a secretary of state-appointed inspector, who has the power to overturn the council's decision. They will hear evidence from both sides.

Mr Hardman said: "At the public inquiry the inspector will hear evidence presented on behalf of the council to the effect that planning permission should not be granted, and from the appellant's representatives in support of the proposal, and in due course give his decision.

"It is open for the inspector to grant planning permission for the development if he comes to the conclusion that it is the proper course of action."

The Planning Inspectorate deals with planning appeals, national infrastructure planning applications, examinations of local plans and other planning-related and specialist casework in England and Wales.