THE public inquiry which will decide whether more than 460 homes should be built on Old Sarum airfield has been adjourned until December.

Seven days of hearings by a government inspector at the City Hall proved insufficient to cover all the disputed territory between Wiltshire Council planners and the would-be developers, who are the airfield’s operators, and to submit both sides’ closing statements.

The Key questions facing inspector Frances Mahoney included whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character of the airfield conservation area with its listed hangars, and the impact on the setting of the Old Sarum ancient monument. Other issues were the effect of the development on the road network and on pedestrians, on residents of Ford, and on wildlife, as well as the specific impact of noise from aircraft.

A ‘viability’ assessment by Old Sarum Airfield Ltd suggested that it would not be able to include any affordable homes in the development.

The inquiry heard evidence from Historic England, representatives of shooting clubs that use the airfield's rifle range on the airfield, from Laverstock and Ford parish council and from the area’s Wiltshire councillor, Ian McLennan, as well as individual residents and expert witnesses drafted in by both sides.

The hearings will resume on December 18 and 19.