THE major inquiry to decide where development should take place in the borough in the years up to 2016 and beyond will begin in the new year.

From January 11, three government planning inspectors will be sitting in the Eastlands building on London Road to hear objections to the Local Plan.

The plan was agreed by Bas-ingstoke and Deane Borough Council after a lengthy process, which began in 2001.

The borough council is legally obliged to draw up 10-year planning blueprints that fit in with Hampshire County Council and central government plans.

The inquiry is expected to last until the end of May, and the final report will not be produced until the end of 2005.

The objectors at the inquiry will include the Save Manydown Group, whose members are battling to stop thousands of houses being built to the west of Basingstoke.

A calendar has already been agreed for the inquiry, and sites are allotted specific days for examination.

The programme is available to view on the borough council's website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk

The majority of objections will be made by developers and property-owners, who are unhappy that certain sites have been omitted from, or included in, the list of areas permitted for development.

Altogether, 3,300 objections have been received - 900 on Manydown alone. The influx of objections caused the inquiry to be moved from its original start date in November to January.

Roy Thompson, the borough council's head of planning and transport, said: "A lot of people think it's about where houses go, but, actually, it is a lot more than that. It's also about affordable housing provision and employment land."

The inquiry will be chaired by an inspector and two assistant inspectors, and objectors will be able to take part in three ways - through round table sessions, informal hearings and written representations.

Mr Thompson said each will carry the same weight with the inspectors. Only people who have registered beforehand will be allowed to participate.

All queries should be directed to Gloria Alexander, who is the programme officer, on 01256 845758.