The result of a public inquiry into the refusal of planning permission for 125 homes to be built in Calne is expected today.

Robert Hitchens Ltd had its planning application for homes on the 6.7-hectare site south of Abberd Lane refused by Wiltshire Council in November.

The main issues for the inquiry revolve around the five year supply of housing land in Calne and where the development lies within the North Wiltshire Local Plan.

Planning inspector Paul Dignan opened the three day inquiry to a near empty council chamber at Wiltshire Council’s Monkton Park council offices on Tuesday. Mr Dignan was due to hear from witnesses for both parties and visit the site in the east of the town.

Hugh Richards, speaking on behalf of the council, said in his opening statement that the existing boundary for Calne had been maintained and would be carried forward into the emerging Wiltshire Core Strategy before it is reviewed at a later date.

He argued that the review would see no further greenfield land being allocated for housing.

Mr Richards said: “The policy H4 [which resists development in the open countryside] is not out-of-date as it applies to Calne.”

In his opening statement on behalf of the appellant, Anthony Crean QC argued that the settlement boundaries were out of date and the existing boundary was no longer fit for purpose.

Speaking on behalf of developers Robert Hitchins Ltd, he said: “The five year land supply is a second order consideration.”

The application has previously been opposed by Calne Town Council and Calne Without Parish Council over fears that the town’s infrastructure would be unable to support the subsequent rise in population.

Robert Hitchins won a High Court battle in 2010 to develop The Oaks and Steeplechase.