A public inquiry into a controversial £90 million regeneration project in Tunbridge Wells is underway.

The borough council is looking to develop a new office building, theatre, underground car park and public square in the heart of the town centre and secured planning permission for the landmark scheme, named Calverley Square, last year.

However it has long been met with strong local opposition since the plans first emerged, with many concerned about the cost and the potential impact on the popular Calverley Gardens and neighbouring homes.

A public probe into the council's compulsory purchase order (CPO) of the land, conducted by an independent inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate, was launched on Tuesday at the Mercure Hotel in Pembury, and is set to run into next month.

Chief executive William Benson and head of economic development David Candlin are among those to have already faced questions during the inquiry.

More than 5,000 people signed a petition earlier this week, urging objectors to attend the hearings and voice their concerns.

The town hall insists the project will deliver around £34m of additional benefit to the local economy and much needed office space for new or existing businesses.

Meetings are being held each week day - except Mondays - until Friday, March 1.