Planning inquiry into Wiltshire homes under way

An eight-day planning inquiry into proposals for 700 new homes on the outskirts of Swindon is under way.

Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council have both rejected plans for the Ridgeway Farm site.

The developer, Taylor Wimpey, is appealing against Wiltshire Council's decision to turn down the proposal earlier this year.

It says the authority did not rule on the planning application within the legal time limit.

A planning inspector will hold the inquiry before the final decision is made by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.