CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new stud farm on land near the village of Ford are under investigation this week.

An appeal hearing into the scheme, rejected by district councillors, started in Temple Guiting village hall on Tuesday. It is expected to last four days.

The scheme was put forward by Wessex Ltd, run by Mr Colin Smith, owner of the nearby Jackdaw's Castle racing stables.

Planning inspector Philip Ware said at the start of the inquiry he would be looking at a number of issues, including sustainability, the visual effect of the development in the area of outstanding natural beauty and whether residential units could be justified.