CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for nearly 100 homes in Otterbourne can now mark a vital date in their diary.

A public enquiry date has been announced, which will see Winchester City Council argue against Gladman Developments about a 90 home development in the village.

As reported in the Chronicle, hundreds of campaigners have rallied against the plans, which was originally thrown out by planners at the city council.

However the developer has appealed the plans and it is now up to the Planning Inspectorate to decide.

On August 1, the Otterbourne public enquiry will start.

The proposed scheme at Otterbourne coincides with another controversial development at Vale Farm, this will also have a public enquiry which is likely to be in the Autumn.

The result of the appeal will be watched closely by those fighting the plans at Vale Farm, as both appeals are arguing on the same lines that the developers proposals are against Winchester's local plan, which sets out where planned development will be.