A date has been set for the planning inquiry which will determine which development will be built on Croydon's Gateway site.

Croydon Council has said it will maintain its staunch support of Arrowcroft's scheme to build an arena on the 12.4 acre site by East Croydon station at the inquiry which starts on September 17.

A rival scheme by developer Stanhope and Schroder - which already has planning permission - is considered by the council to be inferior in terms of its long-term regeneration of the town.

The council also says it has concerns that Stanhope's proposals to develop the site in phases could leave much of the land untouched for years to come.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: "We welcome this early opportunity for a final resolution of all matters relating to the redevelopment of this important town centre site."

He added: "As we approach the final straight, our sights are set on delivering the ultimate prize. We will ensure our team of legal representatives and expert witnesses make a compelling case for the arena proposal which we are convinced is in the best long term interests of the town as a whole. We have never wavered in our belief that this one-off opportunity for an arena-led mixed use scheme is crucial to retaining Croydon's advantage in an increasingly competitive commercial world."

The inquiry is expected to last six weeks and a verdict could be announced next summer.