THE public inquiry into the Hunts Grove housing development got underway today.

Stroud District Council's chamber was packed as a coach of 50 protesters against the application arrived from Hardwicke.

The first day of the four-week inquiry included Mary Travers, the government inspector in charge of proceedings, hearing the opening statements from all the interested parties.

During the next four weeks Ms Travers will hear evidence from Stroud District Council and developers Crest Nicholson, who are both in favour of the Hunts Grove scheme.

They will be followed by Gloucester City Council, which is opposed to the 1,750 dwelling development.

At today's hearing Ms Travers also took submissions from any other third parties who want to be heard during the inquiry, including David Drew, Labour MP for Stroud, who was behind the application being called in by Government inspectors.

For the rest of this week, Crest Nicholson will present its evidence, calling seven witnesses in total.

It is expected that the district council will present its case to the inquiry next week, starting Tuesday, January 29.

Gloucester City Council will present its case against the application in the week starting Tuesday, February 5.

A site inspection is expected on February 15, with final submissions being heard on February 18.

However, this timetable is likely to change after both Gloucestershire County Council and rival developers Robert Hitchins, who want to build a development north of Gloucester, said they were unsure whether or not they would be calling their witnesses and may just act in advisory roles during the inquiry.