HOOKSETT, N.H. (AP) – The town will defend its growth control ordinance in court, despite doubts about the law.

Several town council and planning board members have criticized the ordinance and a local developer has sued to block it.

The ordinance started as a citizen petition and was passed by voters in May. It limits the number of new building permits each year to 2 percent of the current housing stock – 91 homes this year – and says only five permits a year can be issued to a single developer.

In June, the Zoning Board denied a request from Controlled Asset Investment Group to develop a 20-lot subdivision. The firm sued in Merrimack County Superior Court, saying the town failed to take the proper steps to study growth and didn’t follow state law in passing the ordinance.

But the town council says Hooksett’s master plan backs up the need for a moratorium on growth because town agencies can’t keep up with it. Some councilors also say they think it’s their duty to back up a law requested and supported by voters.