COUNCILLORS last night decided to visit the former R&K Wise bakery site in Stratton St Margaret before approving plans to build 52 homes there.

After concerns raised by several residents at the planning meeting, members decided it was necessary to see the impact the development would have on the neighbours for themselves. Outline planning permission has already been granted for the scheme, but the details submitted by Bellwinch Homes for the 2.4 acre site are now being scrutinised.

The firm wants to build a mix of two-bedroom flats and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. They also propose a play area and open space.

Residents raised worries about many aspects of the plans, notably the provision for parking, the location of social housing within the site and doubt as to whether the design and density of the development is in keeping with the area.

The bakery closed last year with the loss of 540 jobs and debts of £5 million. Founded in 1938, the firm specialised in making cakes for high street shops such as Marks and Spencer.

Redundancies were spread between the Headlands Grove site and the bakery's other location on the Groundwell Industrial Estate.

The application will now be brought back to the committee later for a decision.