A public inquiry in east Devon which starts today will be watched closely by developers wanting to build in rural areas.
Three developers are appealing against the refusal of planning permission for a total of two hundred and 35 homes in Feniton, saying the village is a sustainable location for large-scale housing.
Local residents, who are fighting the appeal at the hearing, argue that it isn't, with inadequate roads and transport, sewerage and flooding problems, and schools already full to capacity.
They say if the developers win their case, that could set a precedent for other planning decisions elsewhere, leading to the loss of large areas of countryside.
The hearing is listed for eight days
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