THE start date for the public inquiry into the compulsory purchase of land needed for the Silver Hill scheme in Winchester will be Tuesday, June 26.

The inquiry will be held in the Guildhall and should last between eight and 12 days.

If the order is confirmed by the secretary of state it will enable the city council to buy the land and property needed for the £135m redevelopment.

The CPO is being made by the council in partnership with Henderson Global Investors’ UK Property Fund who took over after the collapse of Thornfield Properties.

George Beckett, city council leader, said: “I am delighted that an early date has been set for the inquiry. The Silver Hill project has been many years in the making and the city needs this area regenerated on a comprehensive basis to ensure that all the benefits, economic and environmental, are delivered as soon as possible.”

Martin Perry, director of development for Henderson, said: “We are pleased to have a date for the inquiry and are working hard to negotiate with all owners and tenants of the property interests to resolve their issues.

“Wherever possible we will reach satisfactory commercial arrangements before the inquiry begins. As a result, as few interests as possible would be subject to compulsory acquisition if the order is confirmed.

“We believe the Silver Hill scheme will be of significant benefit to Winchester and we know it represents a sound commercial proposition for all involved,” added Mr Perry.

The inquiry will be held in public but only those who have made an objection to the order will be able to participate.

The Silver Hill scheme was granted planning consent in 2008.