THE inspector heading the inquiry into Stratford District Council's draft Local Plan is to visit the former Maudslay site in Great Alne before deciding on its status.

Owners Maudslay Park Ltd want the green belt site to be deemed suitable for development as a retirement village, instead of solely for industrial use and have been working with district council officers to find a solution.

John Sheppard complimented both parties on their cooperation with each other when the matter was discussed at the inquiry on Wednesday, April 28, at Stratford Racecourse.

Five residents attended, including representatives of the parish and district council.

Local consultation has revealed villagers would prefer the site to have mixed use and one proposal is that as well as the retirement village, there should be some low-cost housing for general use and some light industrial units.

The district council is anxious any change agreed for the Great Alne site does not give the go-ahead for similar development at other derelict industrial sites in green belt in the district.

Much of Wednesday's hearing was spent finding suitable wording, though Mr Sheppard made it clear he had not reached a decision.

The retirement village would consist of 150-175 units, administrative buildings and sporting facilities. There would also be a shop and medical facilities on site.

Bill Gair, of Maudslay Park Ltd, told the inquiry he would expect the majority of buyers to already live within a 10-12 mile radius of the site, therefore freeing up other homes in the district.

The inquiry will conclude in the summer and the results known later in the year.