The future of a disused cement works will be decided by a ten-day public inquiry starting today.

Controversy surrounds the former Blue Circle cement works at Upper Beeding, near Steyning, as it lies in an area of the South Downs designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.

West Sussex County Council has earmarked it as a possible site for a waste-to-energy incinerator.

Countryside campaigners want £9 million spent on restoring the disused quarry, in which the cement works sits, as a country park.

There are also plans to redevelop part of the site for 84 new homes, business and leisure facilities, including a hotel and a pub or restaurant.

In the past, there were plans to build a national winter sports centre, including dry ski slopes and an ice rink.