24 May 2012 Last updated at 05:11 ET

Padworth Common fence plan public inquiry begins

A public inquiry has begun into whether part of a Berkshire common can be fenced off.

West Berkshire Council wants to graze cattle and ponies on Padworth Common, near Tadley, to help conserve the heathland.

The authority says the fencing is needed to contain the animals because the land is currently unfenced.

The two-day inquiry was called following objections by residents and will be held at the council offices.

The council wants to erect 4,032m (4,409 yards) of 1.1m-high (3ft 7in) fencing along the perimeter of both sides of the common to enclose 22.5 ha (55.6 acres) of land.

It would include three bridle gates, three field gates, seven kissing gates and two cattle pens. Public access to the land would remain unchanged.

Among the objectors are members of the horse-riding community who say their access to the land would be compromised.