THE findings of a public inquiry into the remaining objections to the proposed new version of Hartlepool's Local Plan are expected to be announced at the end of the year.

Local plans are a blueprint drawn up by councils for controlling and guiding future use of land in their areas.

During the past couple of years, there has been lengthy public consultation on updating Hartlepool's existing plan.

The two-week public inquiry, at Hartlepool College of Further Education in July, focused mainly on objections to the provision of sites for housing and other developments, and to policies regarding pubs, clubs and takeaways.

The Government Planning Inspector, who held the inquiry, is expected to recommend to Hartlepool Borough Council in December whether the proposed new version of the plan should be amended in light of any of the objections.