RUSHCLIFFE is failing to provide affordable homes for its residents – so the Sharphill development must go ahead, a public inquiry heard yesterday.

It was argued that because Rushcliffe Borough Council has no local plan identifying areas for future development, there is a special case for development on the green belt.

Planning consultant Mike Downes, of Antony Aspbury Associates, said: "They don't have a plan so they don't have time to sit back – they need the housing now."

The council says that it should be allowed to complete its local development framework, which will outline areas for future housing.

But this will not be ready until 2012, and Government figures show Rushcliffe needs to build 11,500 homes by 2026.

The council threw out its local plan in 2006, after disputes over whether the Sharphill land should be included.

The application, led by David Wilson Homes, proposes to build 1,200 homes at Sharphill, near Edwalton. Mr Downes said: "This is 11% of this [the 11,500 homes] and it would leave the best part of 90% to be considered under the local development framework."

He added: "The greater the delay the greater the requirement.

"If it [the Sharphill development] doesn't happen you're looking at unrealistic completion rates. You're planning for failure."

Earlier residents said they were baffled by the Highway Agency's decision to withdraw their objections to building the 1,200 homes.

The agency has resolved its concerns over traffic congestion at the Wheatcroft and Nottingham Knight roundabouts.

Speaking at the public inquiry at West Bridgford Community Hall yesterday, William Buxton, of Landmere Lane, said: ''We are now expected to accept the appellant's assertion that approximately 10,000 additional traffic movements per day generated by Sharphill will not add to the general traffic congestion.

''This is unacceptable and both Rushcliffe Borough Council and local residents should demand convincing proof and guarantees of 'nil-detriment' as a condition of any planning consent.''

Coun Rod Jones, who represents Musters ward for the Liberal Democrats, said the plans are premature and should not go ahead until Rushcliffe has completed its plans for future housing. He said: "It would be unfortunate if this proposal for an urban dormitory blocked other options where the word sustainable was a little more applicable."

The inquiry continues.

delia.monk@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk