SAY No To Mereham protesters braved the elements on Tuesday morning to show their support as the first day of the planning enquiry got under way. Planning Inspector Richard Ogier formally opened the enquiry in Haddenham s Arkenstall centre at 10am this mo

SAY No To Mereham protesters braved the elements on Tuesday morning to show their support as the first day of the planning enquiry got under way.

Planning Inspector Richard Ogier formally opened the enquiry in Haddenham's Arkenstall centre at 10am this morning. He promised as part of his investigation to brave the A10 in rush hour and visit the site of proposed development between Wilburton and Stretham.

Barrister Simon Bird, acting on behalf of East Cambridgeshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, said Mereham was a "planning equivalent of smash and grab".

He continued: "One of the remaining issues is whether the A10 works would be harmful to highway safety and satisfactorily mitigate for the effects of the traffic generated by the Mereham proposal."

Robin Purchase QC, acting on behalf of the developer Multiplex, said in his opening statement: "The layout of the site will encourage sustainable travel." He added that park-and-ride bus service would be on the doorstep and the layout of the site would encourage cycling or walking, which was greeted with laughter from the public.

Mr Ogier reassured the public that all evidence would be available to view. The enquiry is expected to last for six weeks.