A PLANNING inspector will visit Hartford today, Wednesday, as an inquiry into plans for two new housing estates draws to a close.

The public inquiry started on Tuesday last week after developers appealed against Cheshire West and Chester Council’s (CWAC) decision to refuse their applications.

Bridgemere Land PLC and Bridgemere JV Ltd are behind plans for 350 homes on land off School Lane, and Harrow Estates Plc have proposed 300 houses on land at Grange Farm.

Hartford Parish Council and Hartford Civic Society joined forces to form the Joint Action Group (JAG), chaired by Rita Hollens, to fight the proposals.

In June, CWAC’s planning committee refused the plans on the grounds that they would add far too much traffic to the village’s already-congested roads.

Pat Hatfield, a member of JAG and the civic society, said: “The inspector will not announce his decision at the inquiry.

“Once he's made it though, whatever he recommends, our case then goes to the Secretary of State who makes the final judgement.

“We don't expect a decision from him until Spring 2013 and it’s anybody's guess about the decision.

“It's been a roller coaster ride.

“Whatever the outcome, we have run a fantastic campaign under Rita Hollens' leadership and have had great support from residents.”