Hundreds of protesters have shown their opposition to a massive warehouse they warn will ruin the area.

About 400 people filled Fleet’s Hart Leisure Centre for the first day of a month-long public inquiry into plans to build the mega-depot on the former Pyestock site between Fleet and Farnborough.

The scheme was unanimously thrown out by Hart District council’s planning committee during a packed meeting in the Princes Hall, Aldershot, in March.

But joint developers Prupim and Astral have appealed and the issue is being thrashed out before government-appointed planning inspector Christina Downes.

Christopher Katkowski QC, representing the developer, said the appeal site is largely screened by dense woodland and has been described by the council as ‘ideal’ for warehouse use.

He added: "Our case is simple, namely that redevelopment of this existing, major, previously developed site will not have a materially adverse effect on the rural character of the area or the function of the strategic gap."

Neil King QC, representing Hart District Council, said the proposal would harm the rural character of the area and the open nature of the Fleet and Farnborough-Aldershot strategic gap.

He added a new Ively Road roundabout would add to the urbanising effect of the development.

Bob Schofield, chairman of SPLAT (Stop Pyestock bLot Act Today) said the proposed logistics park would have a built floorspace of over 1.4million square feet in buildings up to 60 feet high, within the strategic gap separating Fleet, Yateley, Farnborough and Aldershot.

He added it would be close to homes in the Pondtail area of Fleet and the Southwood area of Farnborough and within an area of high ecological value.

Mr Schofield told the inquiry: "It would adjoin tranquil woodland and open fields which are much enjoyed by local residents for dog walking, rambling, bird spotting and general recreation.

"And in that rural locality, the logistics park would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, bringing countless thousands of heavy goods vehicles to the site, with all the attendant air pollutants and noise arising from the movements.

"[This would be] alongside all of the noise of operations within the site itself."

The inquiry continues.