The plan has been developed by the South East England Regional Assembly to identify requirements for housing, jobs, transport and the environment.

It will become the statutory document that local authorities across the south east will have to follow.

The four-month independent inquiry begins on 28 November.

Paul Bevan, chief executive of SEERA, said it would be debated by experts, council representatives, people who are objectors on behalf of developers, and residents from groups.

We dare the government to change it - it's a well researched robust plan Paul Bevan, SEERA

"This is the inquiry - we've done the public consultation and we've got all the input that the assembly have taken from the public... and submitted it to government."

He said the panel would be making a report to government and saying whether any changes to the plan were needed.

"The hearing is an important milestone in getting that plan approved.

"We dare the government to change it - it's a well researched robust plan," Mr Bevan said.

Affordable homes

The South East England Regional Assembly was established to give a representative voice to the South East covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

Objectives in the 20-year plan include building more affordable homes, investing in public transport, improving water and energy efficiency, enhancing workforce skills, and helping poorer areas become more economically successful.

Once approved by the government, local authorities and other agencies will be obliged to follow them.

The South East Plan was put out to public consultation earlier this year, prompting more than 95,000 responses.