AN inquiry into controversial plans for 150 homes in Mayland will begin next week.

Gladman Developments’ plans for the new homes and children’s play area off Nipsells Chase was rejected by Maldon District Council last September.

The outline scheme had been recommended for refusal and was opposed by Mayland Parish Council and residents.

They were concerned the scheme would create “traffic chaos” in an already congested area.

In December Gladman appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

An inquiry will now start on Tuesday and is expected to last six days.

Councillors refused the application on the grounds it was outside the defined settlement boundary and would not meet the requirement of 40 per cent affordable housing in that part of the district.

They added there was insufficient information on the sustainable drainage system scheme.

Essex Highways were also criticised for failing to assess the affect the increase in people and cars would have on Nipsells Chase.

The inquiry will be held at the Maldon District Council offices in Princes Road, Maldon, from 10am on Tuesday.