CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build hundreds of new homes on green-belt land in Failand are to outline their objections to a Government inspector at a public inquiry this week.

The inquiry into whether Cheshire-based land speculator FLP can build 500 homes on 55 acres of land at the top of Belmont Hill in the village started on Tuesday and finishes on March 19.

The development would also include a new school, village green, care home, shop and surgery and business units.

There are also plans to build a new community hall, children's play area, some affordable homes and install a new gas supply to the village.

Councillors voted overwhelmingly against plans on the grounds it is contrary to the local plan, on green belt land and the development would have a detrimental affect on the village.

Planning chiefs also said the development could have an impact on road safety and result in the loss of several protected trees in the area.

The application attracted 344 letters of objection, plus one of support from a housing association.

In its application FLP said it would not develop the land itself, but sell it to developers should permission for the scheme be granted.

North Somerset Council recommended the plans should be refused, but because it did not decide the application within the set time frame dictated by planning law, FLP lodged an appeal.

The inspector arrived in Failand on Monday, taking a tour of the area before the developers, North Somerset Council, local residents, planning experts and lawyers start to give their evidence.

Local residents formed the Hands Off Failand Green Belt action group to fight off the application.

The action group, members of which are due to speak at the hearing, set up a fighting fund, collecting around £11,000 to pay for legal and planning experts to help them battle the proposal.

This money has been bolstered by Wraxall and Failand Parish Council which is to collect an extra £50 on this year's parish precept to be used in fighting off developments threatening both villages.

The action group has appointed a team of planning experts, lawyer, transport expert and ecologist to support its bid to get the plans thrown out.

Hands Off Failand Green Belt spokesman, John Chapman, said: "We are confident that we have strong arguments against this proposal to put to the inquiry.

"Everyone has come together to do their bit to protect our precious green belt."

A report from the inquiry will go to the Secretary of State for decision, with an outcome expected in May.