THE final whistle has blown on the public inquiry to decide the future of Worcester City Football Club's stadium dream.

But not before David Hallmark, who represented the club throughout the four-day hearing, was given a grilling over the club's claims that "no B&Q meant no new stadium".

Land in Nunnery Way has already been earmarked in the Local Plan for a new football ground, but the need for large units to fund its construction has proved controversial.

In December, Worcester City Council backed the move to change the Local Plan - which is the blueprint for future development in the city - to allow commercial development on the site.

But this decision was challenged by local residents, including Spetchley Road Residents' Association, local branches of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, Wychavon District Council and representatives from the Spetchley estate.

The mood in the Court Room at the Guildhall was tense as the barrister for the Spetchley estate, Peter Goatley, put Mr Hallmark under pressure to prove the need for the enabling development.

He went on to quiz him about whether retail development in this area would be contrary to planning policy guidance.

Independent planning inspector, Clive Richardson, repeatedly asked Mr Hallmark to give a "simple yes or no answer" and when he failed to do so on several occasions his answers were recorded by the inspector as "no response".

But he hammered home the club's case in his closing speech.

"This is an opportunity that has been presented to us by the city council," he said. "That has come about as a result of extensive deliberations.

"It has not been made casually or with indifference to planning policy, but with expert professional advice."

Speaking at the end of the inquiry, club secretary Brain Lancaster said he thought the hearing had gone well.

"We need a positive result for the people of Worcester."

The inspector's decision is due in December.