OPINIONS from Bridgwater residents are to be sought by Sedgemoor District Council ahead of any decision being made on redeveloping a key industrial site as a residential area.

The Wembdon Road site currently occupied by Gerber Juice Company is expected to become vacant early in 2009 when the drinks firm finishes transferring its operations to a purpose-built site at Express Park.

This will mean 6.5 hectares of brownfield land will be available for building on - and the council this week confirmed its wish to see it used for new housing.

But the authority's Executive agreed to consult with residents in the area and other stakeholders ahead of making a final decision on the future of the factory site.

While the land has already been identified in the Local Plan as a prime housing site, but specific development ideas have yet to come forward.

Physical characteristics such as the density, scale and layout of any development remain undecided, and public consultation could prove key to deciding these issues.

A design brief has now been prepared and can be viewed at www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/planningpolicy, or during an event being held at Victoria Community Centre between noon and 8pm on March 18.

Council planning officer Stuart Houlet said: "As the second largest housing site identified in the Local Plan (behind South Bridgwater) it is essential that the council sets out at an early stage what it wants to see for the site.

"The publication of the design brief builds on the positive discussions between council officers and Gerber representatives to date.

"It is hoped that by stressing key design principles for the site in advance of any final scheme it provides a real opportunity to influence future proposals and ensure that the redevelopment results in a high quality, well designed residential environment."

"It is vital that the local community has the opportunity to be involved and comment on the design principles currently outlined for the site, and it is hoped that as many people as possible will attend the public exhibition and take the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues with council officers."