A public inquiry into the blueprint for the future development of Bury St Edmunds - a plan which would pave the way for about 6,000 new homes - will start today.

Independent Inspector Roger Clews is holding the inquiry into St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s plans for the future growth of Bury, as well as Haverhill and the rural areas, called Vision 2031.

Starting today and finishing on February 12, the inspector will be examining whether the documents are legally compliant and sound (fit for purpose).

Tomorrow will look at issues including whether the development proposals for Bury are based on a sound analysis of the traffic consequences and will also focus on the five key sites around the town which have been allocated for housing.

Thursday will deal with matters including whether there should be any development at all on land west of Bury’s Rougham Road, known as the Leg of Mutton.

Both of the sessions tomorrow and on Thursday will take place at the Apex in Bury.

Previously, Terry Clements, cabinet member for planning at the borough council, said: “Once adopted, Vision 2031 will provide the structure for sustainable, acceptable growth in the borough and protect it from undesirable growth that we would otherwise not have grounds to refuse.

“The public consultation has revealed the deep allegiance of our residents to all that is good in the borough. This plan seeks to protect that by ensuring that inevitable future growth is desirable and appropriate.”

The Vision 2031 documents, compiled through three years of public consultation, were submitted for examination on October 24.

The examination hearings are open for the public to observe the proceedings, but they will not be able to take an active part unless the Inspector has previously invited them to do so. Once completed, he will report back his findings to St Edmundsbury and any modifications that he requires will have to be consulted on. The final stage is for a meeting of full borough council to adopt Vision 2031 as council policy.