Plans for a major housing and office development at the entrance to Wallingford are to go under the microscope.

The plan for the land in Castle Street behind the Lamb Arcade was rejected by South Oxfordshire District Council planners.

But now it is going to appeal and a Government planning inspector will examine the plans and visit the site.

A date for the appeal has yet to be fixed but it is expected to be early in 2005.

The plan by Wallingford company Castle and Partners took years to draw up because the land is in different ownerships.

Wallingford town councillors, who supported the scheme, plan to speak in its favour when the appeal date is announced.

The scheme proposes the transformation of the dilapidated buildings behind the Lamb Arcade -- consisting of a former garage, a listed former coach house, and an area used for many years as an unofficial car park.

Architect Opindar Liddar said it would enhance the entrance to Wallingford from the Shillingford direction.

If planning permission is given, the development would include six town houses and three apartments on the garage site.

The former coach house would become offices and there would be an easier access from Castle Street to the George Hotel.

The plan also includes designated and secure parking for the National Westminster Bank.

A spokesman for South Oxfordshire District Council confirmed an appeal has been lodged but said a date and venue for it had yet to be fixed.