FOUR weeks of public hearings into the South Shropshire Local Plan began in Ludlow yesterday (Wednesday).

Among the items to be considered by the inspector, John Mattocks, is the much-debated Eco Business Park, due to be built off the A49 at the Sheet roundabout.

However, the hearings are not expected to affect the go-ahead for the scheme since Secretary of State John Prescott decided not to call the plan in last month.

The public inquiry, at South Shropshire District Council HQ, began with a round table discussion over general issues about land supply for housing and jobs.

Representatives of the House Builders' Federation, Church Stretton Chamber of Trade, Bennett Homes and Ludlow Civic Society were among those due to take part.

Further round table meetings about affordable housing and the conversion and adaptation of rural buildings were expected to follow this week.

The Eco Business Park and allied issues about industrial and business development in Ludlow and park and ride facilities are scheduled for February 12.

The inquiry is expected to finish on February 13, with representations about traffic management and protection of Ludlow's historic setting.

l A separate public inquiry, which will look at waste management in Ludford, also opened yesterday (Wednesday) in Shrewsbury.

The Waste Local Plan for Shropshire, which includes a site at Ludford, has already resulted in about 1,200 objections.