AN appeal against the council's decision to refuse a masterplan for 1,200 homes on Peel Hall is under way.

The public inquiry into the decision opened at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub this afternoon, Monday.

Planning inspector Richard Schofield will hear evidence from both sides throughout the hearing, which is listed for 14 days.

However, the days are not scheduled to be consecutive, with the inquiry possibly running until May 18.

Residents objecting Satnam's proposals will get to put their views forward next Friday, May 4.

And once the inquiry is closed, the planning inspector will submit a report to secretary of state Sajid Javid, before he makes a decision.

Mr Schofield will be carrying out a site visit on Thursday.

He said: "Everyone needs to hear what is being said, myself particularly.

"Those of you who wish to speak will certainly have opportunity to do so."

The 'main considerations' Mr Javid wants to 'know about' are the proposed effects on the highway network, air quality and infrastructure, as well as whether the development would provide 'appropriate' living conditions for future occupiers, in regards to highways and air quality.

Warrington North MP Helen Jones joined campaigners at the opening of the inquiry.

Shortly before it started, she said: "I think we all want to make it clear that we are not against housing but there is enough housing land already allocated in Warrington.

"What we don't want to do is lose the last green space in north Warrington, with all the consequent increases in traffic that it will bring with it.

"We don't believe, in the long term, that affordable housing will be delivered on this site.

"And we think quality of life is just as important as building new homes, the two go together.

"This will destroy the quality of life for many people in the north of the town."

Following opening statements from the legal teams of the council and Satnam, planning director Colin Robinson highlighted the 'economic and social benefits' that the scheme could deliver.

He said the 'sustainable' development would 'address' all types of housing, including affordable.

"My analysis indicated the proposed development will have a positive impact on the local economy," he added.

"There remains considerable uncertainty of where the town's housing need and objective lies.

"I consider, therefore, in the next few years there is a very real risk that Warrington's housing land supply could run out.

"There remains substantial unmet need for housing, which Peel Hall would go someway to addressing."

Mr Robinson was questioned on whether the future jobs would actually 'benefit Warrington at all'.

He added: "I think there will certainly be opportunity for local residents to take up those jobs during construction.

"And it will help sustain jobs already here."

The inquiry will reopen at 9.30am tomorrow.