A PUBLIC inquiry starts on Tuesday, July 18, into proposals to demolish some buildings and build several buildings including offices and flats at Shipston.

Barbara Byrne has appealed against Stratford District Council's rejection of the planning application to develop the site with three proposals for land at rear of The Bakery, off Telegraph Street.

The plan includes the demolition of existing buildings; the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of two and three-storey buildings comprising offices at ground level with seven one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroomed flat and one bedsit; demolition of existing buildings and the construction of two two-storey buildings comprising of offices and three one-bed and three two bedroomed flats.

The district council refused the applications on grounds that the scale of the proposals would harm the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, that the proposals would exacerbate parking and congestion problems in the area and that the demolition without a replacement building scheme would leave a vacant and harmful site in the Conservation Area.

The inquiry, expected to last for two days, will be held at the district council offices at Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford, starting at 10am. A Government Planning Inspector will preside over the inquiry.

Members of the public may attend the inquiry and express their views - at the discretion of the inspector.