Deputy Dave Barrett and his wife Kay took the IDC to court over plans for a herb-processing plant at the Sandpiper Vinery Site, which is on land next to their house.

Now Deputy Mary Lowe wants a public inquiry after the court's decision to overturn planning permission in principle for the site.

Deputy Barrett argued that the plant was industrial rather than horticultural and took his case to the Court of Appeal after a Royal Court decision ruled in favour of the IDC.

The question has to be asked why Deputy Mary Lowe

He was concerned that the site was designated as Green Zone Three and the Rural Area Plan states that that land should be restricted to agriculture, horticulture and recreation.

Deputy Lowe has asked Advisory and Finance to hold an inquiry which she says is necessary to restore public confidence in the IDC.

Deputy Lowe said: "The words of the Judges of Appeal quite categorically state that the IDC did not have sufficient information to enable it to reasonably conclude that the eventual application for planning permission was likely to be granted and yet they approved it.

"The question has to be asked why?"

Changes to the planning system have now been put in place to make it easier to understand how decisions are reached.