A developer hoping to transform a disused cement works told a public inquiry the project would create almost 1,000 jobs.

Callstone wants to knock down the derelict old Blue Circle Cement works site at Upper Beeding, near Steyning, and build a business park, hotel and restaurant.

The proposal includes putting 84 houses on the site and landscaping an area by the quarry cliffs.

Barrister Jonathan Clay, speaking for Callstone, told the inquiry in Steyning yesterday just under 1,000 jobs would be provided by the development.

He then asked planning consultant Steven Fidgett, who is overseeing Callstone's application, how many of the people who found jobs at the development would also be able to live there.

Mr Fidgett said with an average of one full-time and one part-time worker in each house, about 170 people would be able to live near their place of work.

He said: "The housing side won't be completed before the business side. But the ongoing churn of house sales and job movements must be taken into account.

"There are new motivations for people in their choice of lifestyle and employment.

"People, especially with part-time jobs, are choosing to work locally to reduce travel.

"This site would be a mixed development and in keeping with the government's vision of sustainability."

Horsham District Council and Adur District Council are opposed to the housing.

A spokesman for Horsham said the council wanted a timetable for the landscaping proposal and would like a play area to be built if the housing went ahead.

He said the council was also concerned about plans for a convenience store on the site, especially as no size had been specified.

A spokesman for Adur council said any housing would need to be supported by a playgroup.