DEVELOPERS will go head-to-head with objectors today over plans to build 20 homes on a "sensitive" Fareham site.

During a three-year battle, Barratt, Southampton has been turned down three times by Fareham planners for failing to come up with an appropriate design for the site that overlooks Fareham Lake. Today Barratt will appeal against the decision at a public inquiry.

Councillors repeatedly threw out the plans after hearing from a number of local residents who live close to the former gas works site in Bath Lane.

They claimed the development would look out of place overlooking the lake that is a designated site of special scientific interest.

Brenda Clapperton from the Fareham Society who voiced concerns at the planning meetings said: "We are not opposed to them building houses there but we want to get the best possible scheme for the area. Not only for the residents for the number of walkers who regularly visit the lake.

"Our objection is all about what impact it will have on the area and the design they have just isn't suitable."

The plans were thrown out for a third time in June when councillors branded the design "spindly" and "institute-like".

After redesigning the layout twice developers Barratt said they had done their best to take into account the council's concerns.

Spokesman Graham Beck said: "We have addressed the members' concerns in an attempt to work with the council to secure a planning application.

"Members were uncomfortable with the height of the properties which we reduced and also amended the plans so the buildings are now a range of two and three-storey homes."

But despite the adjustments Barratt failed to win over planners who rejected the proposal on the grounds of poor design and that it was not in keeping with the area.

The inquiry at Fareham civic offices was due to last all day.