TRAVELLERS and residents are expected to descend on council offices next week for the start of a public inquiry into gipsy occupation of green-belt land.

A Government-appointed inspector will spend two days hearing from council lawyers, planners and traveller representatives before deciding whether three more families can stay at Waldens Farm, St Mary Cray.

Three people are currently allowed to live at the site after John Prescott's office overruled Bromley Council in 2003 but their permission is due to expire this month.

The latest inquiry will focus on planning applications for mobile homes and caravans refused by the council last year.

At last night's public meeting in St Mary Cray's Temple Hall, campaigners were urged to turn out in force for the inquiry, following the council's direct action last week.

On June 7 enforcement officers removed three mobile homes and a caravan from the Crockenhill Road site although News Shopper understands those evicted are now staying at another part of the farm, because they have nowhere else to go.

A spokesman for the Save Waldens Farm group said: "The council deserves applause for the action but it has taken four years and a lot of pressure from the people of Orpington to get it to act.

"It was only one site out of dozens that illegally occupy the green belt, the council must do more.

"We would ask local people to turn up to the enquiry to make their views and objections known, to protect the green belt in the area."

The council is not drafting in extra security for the enquiry and expects no trouble.

A spokesman said: "We would expect the planning issues to be discussed in a clear, rational and reasonable way by all parties involved."

The inquiry takes place on June 22 and June 23 at Bromley civic centre.