A PUBLIC inquiry into a council’s maladministration of a County Durham farm has been unexpectedly adjourned.

Inspector Richard McCoy opened proceedings at the council offices in Spennymoor on Tuesday to focus on Mill House Farm, in Windmill, near Bishop Auckland and a long-running planning dispute over three barns.

During the “hybrid” case, evidence was to be heard from Durham County Council, Janet Sewell, of BJS Farms and Robert Potts, who represents the Windmill Residents’ Group.

Each party gave their opening statements on Tuesday, but the inquiry had to be adjourned as further evidence was submitted.

It started again yesterday but had to be adjourned again as Mr Potts said he needed to submit more evidence.

Mr McCoy said he "did not want to see this drag on" and said there could be consequences in terms of costs depending on the outcome but agreed to adjourn, with all evidence now having to be submitted by November 17.

It is expected the inquiry will open again sometime in December or January.