A PUBLIC inquiry into plans for homes on a factory site will take place next month, a council has confirmed.

A hearing into the future of the Catkin Way site was adjourned in February after last-minute material was submitted.

The hearing had been called after Barratt Homes Ltd appealed against Wear Valley District Council's decision to turn the land, in Tindale Crescent, into a housing development.

A new date was set at the end of the postponed hearing, but a spokeswoman for the council has verified the date.

She said: "The inquiry is anticipated to last three days and will take place in the Council Chamber, Fourth Floor, Civic Centre, Crook, on April 29 and 30, and May 1 2008, commencing at 10am.

"A planning inspector has been appointed to conduct this appeal. The public and press can attend, and at the discretion of the inspector take part in the discussions.

"If anyone wishes to speak they must be there when the inquiry opens."