COMMUNITY leaders have agreed to visit the site of a controversial care home proposed at Purdis Farm before deciding whether it should be given the go-ahead or refused.

COMMUNITY leaders have agreed to visit the site of a controversial care home proposed at Purdis Farm before deciding whether it should be given the go-ahead or refused.

Suffolk Coastal councillors were told there had been a number of objections to the plans for the 55-bedroom home in Bucklesham Road with people concerned that it will ruin the area's tranquillity and cause extra traffic.

Residents felt the plans were being rushed through and will be pleased that the south area development control sub committee has now agreed to visit the site.

It is now likely to come back before the committee next month for a decision.

Planning case officer Michaelle Coupe said it was suitable for a care home to be sited in a residential area.

“By its very nature the proposed development will be different in appearance to the existing development around it,” she said.

“But, given the size of the site and that a significant part of the building will not be prominent from the road, it would not, it is felt, cause significant harm to the appearance of the area.”

Developer Cameron Hamilton Homes said there was a need for care homes and two or three operators are interested in the project.