A PUBLIC inquiry into controversial proposals for a new village near historic Combermere Abbey is expected to reach its conclusion this week.

The inquiry into plans for a 100-home estate next to Brickbank Wood was reconvened on Tuesday after a three-month delay for investigations into Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's visit to the site earlier this year.

Inquiries found that Mr Prescott had visited the abbey for reasons unrelated to the appeal, allowing the hearing to proceed as planned.

The appeal was launched after borough council planners rejected Crosby Homes' and Sarah Callander Beckett's plans for a £29-million village to fund the restoration of the nearby abbey.

The applicants claim the new village is the only way to finance the £4-million-plus renovations of the grade-I listed landmark.

But the plans were rejected by councillors after fierce opposition from several parish councils and a host of nearby residents.

On Tuesday, Anthony Crean, representing Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, said there were more suitable sites in the borough for such a village.

He also refuted English Heritage's claim that the village would not have a visual impact, saying this was in direct contrast to the design concept.

Peter De Figueiredo, historic buildings inspector for English Heritage, told the inquiry: "I don't believe the village would be visible from the parkland.

"There would be a physical separation from the village due to the area of woodland, and the only convincing suggestion is that people may get a glimpse of it if they were walking through the woodland."

But Mr Crean told him: "The design concept expressely states that a physical and visual link is fundamental to its philosophy.

"It says there would be visual and physical views, and physical linkages.

"There is room for disagreement between expert witnesses, but that is different from a witness who obstinately refuses to state the obvious.

"The criteria for determining over 'enabling' developments is that they must not materially detract from the landscape or materially harm the setting."

Following the conclusion of the inquiry, planning inspector John Papworth will complete a report with recommendations for consideration by the Deputy Prime Minister.

The inquiry was continuing today and is expected to finish next Monday.

amorrison@guardiangrp.co.uk