"Less than 10 per cent of the general mass is above that which previously existed," said planning consultant, Murray Miller

But he had to admit that one block, rising four stories above Commercial Street and seven stories above Garden Street, was fairly unusual in the town.

The inquiry into plans by Hebden Royd Development LLP will determine whether 24 houses and 24 flats can be built along with 16 new business premises and an underground car park, increasing the total number of public and private spaces from about 55 to 112.

Calderdale Council Planning Committee turned down the controversial proposals because of the adverse impact it would have on the character of the town and questionable need for so much extra parking.

Mr Miller said the scheme would enhance the Hebden Bridge Conservation Area because the design responded to the sense of local identity. In addition, it conformed to the spirit of local and national planning policies and advice from English Heritage.

"The contemporary design is entirely appropriate in this setting," he said.

But local Calderdale Coun Janet Battye told the inquiry: "There should not be this development on this site at this time.

"It is too large, doesn't have public support and may not produce the amount of public parking it claims and which might not be needed anyway," she said.

Laura Wright, who runs a bed and breakfast business from her home in Crossley Terrace said the new buildings would block the views from her window, put her garden in the shade and deprive her of parking space.

"It will create terrific traffic congestion and turn Hebden Bridge into a ghost town," she said.

Pam Jordan, of Mytholmroyd, said the proposals were superb, would provide extra parking and enhance the town. "The scheme is visually stimulating, incredibly inventive and a credit to the architects and the developer who live in the town - I'm delighted we are going to get some modern architecture in the valley."