A MAJOR public inquiry begins this week into what is known as The South East Plan, a document which will shape how Kent and the rest of the south east develops over the next two decades.

One of the key questions for the inquiry will be the question of how many houses should be built in Kent, where they go and what kind they should be.

But the inquiry will also examine a range of other important policies affecting transport, our roads, the environment and the economic prospects for the region, including where jobs might come from.

The final recommendations inspectors make will be far-reaching, affecting the lives of everyone who lives in Kent.

examines what is at stake.

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Question: What is the South East Plan?

A document that sets out a 20-year framework for how the region should develop and respond to key changes, such as the substantial increase in house-building facing parts of Kent.

It has been drawn up over three years by the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA), a 112-strong body made up of local councillors, business representatives and other groups.

It also sets out policies and recommendations about jobs, transport, housing and the environment and the need for investment in roads, schools and health facilities.

Question: Why is it important?

Because every single authority in Kent will have to follow its policies when it comes to their own decisions on development, safeguarding the environment, transport and jobs.

Question: Is it just about housing?

No. But inevitably, the question of house-building targets will come under the spotlight.

The plan says the south east needs about 29,000 houses a year over two decades - 6,100 a year in Kent, although there are different targets for different areas.

Environmental campaigners are likely to use the inquiry to push for fewer homes and greater protection for the countryside; housing developers and businesses want more.

Question: Why are we having an inquiry if it has already been agreed?

The public inquiry is part of the statutory process.

Inspectors will decide whether, on the basis of evidence they take and representations they hear, if it is appropriate for the region. Their job will be to recommend to government any changes.

Question: Can the Government ignore recommendations from the inspectors?

Yes, it can. If, for example, the inquiry recommends lower housing figures for parts of Kent, ministers could simply choose not to accept the recommendation.

However, SEERA believes the detailed work that has gone into the plan and the wide consultation it carried out means would ministers would find it hard to overrule key recommendations.

Question: When will the plan take effect?

The inquiry will last about four months. Issues affecting Kent will be considered in February, when inspectors will come to Maidstone for 10 days to hear evidence.

The final report will probably be published in July 2007. The Government will then publish any changes it wants to see, followed by more consultation.

The definitive plan will take force in February 2008.