A TWO-day public inquiry was held last week into the fate of the old Duke of Marlborough pub in Alcester Road, Studley.

Following months of wrangling over the fate of the pub, a planning inspector heard from prospective developers McCarthy and Stone as well as opponents of any new building on the site.

The developers have twice been refused planning permission for sheltered housing for the elderly on the land by Stratford Council's planning committee west.

The district council and Studley Parish Council both felt the plans were far too overbearing and would overshadow a neighbouring listed building.

Parish council chairman Bill McCarthy said: "Our main argument concentrated on the sheer size of the building they are proposing, which would be on a rise. It's enormous.

"I also mentioned the building would be in a particularly bad area with regards to air quality.

"Their counsel was particularly interested in this as they seemed to know nothing about it. I also mentioned the noise from the traffic.

"Both of these would be particularly unpleasant for an elderly person, especially in the heat of summer when you need windows open."

McCarthy and Stone propose to build 42 flats on the land, demolishing the 18th Century pub.

The outcome of the inquiry will not be known for weeks.