Several Fant residents are preparing to go head to head with a developer’s barristers.

A planning inquiry into a proposal by Gleeson Homes to build 225 homes on Fant Farm opens today.

The Save Fant Farm Community Group has been granted Rule 6 status meaning it has an equal place at the table with the developer and the borough council, which refused planning permission last March.

The residents’ representatives will be able to cross-examine the developer’s witnesses and will be cross examined.

The difference is the other two parties will be represented by lawyers, whereas the Fant residents are doing it all themselves.

Maidstone council refused planning permission on three grounds – the effect on the local landscape, a lack of agreed 106 payments such as to schools and libraries and a failure to offer 40% affordable homes. Residents have concerns about traffic.

The inquiry starts at 10am at the Hilton Hotel, Bearsted Road, Maidstone. The public may attend but can only speak at the invitation of the inspector.