A date has been set for the great debate which will help shape West Sussex's future over the next 14 years.

Housing and the threat to greenfield sites is expected to dominate the public examination of West Sussex County Council's proposed structure plan policies.

The hearing could decide if greenfield land in many parts of West Sussex is finally allocated for housing, including sites west of East Grinstead, west of Burgess Hill and in the south-west of Horsham.

A total of 11,000 new homes are due to be built on greenfield sites and Tex Pemberton, Cabinet member for the environment, admits the figure is higher than the council would like.

An independent panel will start hearing arguments for and against the county council's planning policies at The Venue in Quarry Lane, Chichester, on November 26.

The hearing is expected to last three weeks and organisations due to give evidence include district and borough councils, amenity and conservation groups and house-building companies.

The panel is not expected to publish its report until March.