A public inquiry into the fate of a proposed Maidstone secondary school starts today.

Valley Invicta Academies Trust had hoped to open Maidstone School of Science and Technology in September this year.

But a council deferral last August prompted the trust to launch an appeal to government.

The inquiry to the proposed school off New Cut Road is expected to last six days at Maidstone Town Hall, hearing arguments from Maidstone Borough Council and the academies trust.

Once complete, planning inspector John Felgate will make a suggestion to secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, James Brokenshire.

Mr Brokenshire then has three months to make a final decision on the school's future.

VIAT hopes to open the secondary school in September 2019.