A public inquiry is being held today to decide whether a major housing development can be built on the site of a derelict school in Seaford.

A Government inspector will rule on an application to build 38 homes on the site of the Micklefield School in Sutton Avenue.

The inquiry was called after Lewes District Council took more than six months to decide after McLean Homes submitted a planning application in July 2000.

Despite objections from the town council and residents, planning officers recommended the development for approval.

However district councillors took on board the concerns and deferred a decision.

When no decision had been made by February 2001, McLean Homes appealed to the Government to intervene and as a result the decision was taken away from the council to be decided at a public inquiry.

Members of the public may attend the inquiry and may, at the inspector's discretion, express their views.

It was due to start in The Conference Room, Corsica Hall, Cricketfield Road, Seaford, at 10am.