A Town Planning expert has told a Public Inquiry in Weston-super-Mare how people living in Backwell have “been heavily involved in 40 years of resisting unpopular proposals on Farleigh Fields”.

Michael Muston was called as an expert witness to the inquiry and outlined to the inspector how important it is for the inquiry to take into account the views of local people.

Local people had been involved in producing a Neighbourhood Plan for Backwell which did not include building on Farleigh Fields. The Inquiry is hearing an appeal after Persimmon Homes proposed 125 houses on a new estate, accessed by demolishing two houses on the A370.

Mr Muston said: “Local people have invested much time and effort in getting involved the planning process as urged by the national policy making framework.

“It would be very unfortunate if despite their heavy involvement this were to be allowed. It would significantly harm confidence in the system and make it considerably less likely that they would continue to engage in the plan making process in the future.”

Mr Muston said the Government was keen for local people to have a real say on where development takes place and he said the Persimmon plan would significantly harm the character of the area.

He said that North Somerset Council could demonstrate a five-year supply of housing for the area and the development of Farleigh Fields would have an unacceptable impact and would see the loss of most versatile agricultural land.

Local people are expected to start having their say at the inquiry on Friday March 18. The Inquiry has been scheduled for seven days.