A PUBLIC inquiry into a decision to refuse planning permission for more than 30 homes has started today.

  • Reporter Robert Pritchard is at the inquiry today. <a href=#anchor><strong>Click here</strong></a> to follow live updates from him on Twitter

Story Homes has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after Barrow Borough Council’s planning committee rejected an application to build 38 homes on land off Rating Lane and Manor Road, close to Furness Abbey.

The inquiry is being held in Barrow Town Hall and is open to the public.

So far, the hearing has heard from Roger Lancaster on behalf of Story Homes who argued that the public benefits of the development outweigh any harm caused. 

However, Ruth Stockley from Barrow Borough Council disagreed and has claimed the houses will cause harm to the "proposed monument and several listed buildings".