DISTRICT planners will visit the controversial Barnes Meadow estate at Uplyme before deciding whether to allow work on the final phase to begin.

Members of the development control committee decided on Tuesday to call for a site meeting after hearing there was massive opposition to the scheme.

Wykeham Homes Ltd have submitted amended plans for the remaining 14 houses on the hillside estate, in the village centre.

But the committee heard that the parish council is "totally appalled" by the design of the proposed three and four bedroom homes, some of which would be constructed in a known landslip area.

"The dwellings will dominate the valley and no effort has been made to consider the local vernacular," they complained.

"The site is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there is an expectation that the design and style of house should be of a much higher order than is shown in this application.

"The parish council feels that the plans submitted for 14 houses are of an 'anywhere estate' and have no sympathy with the site and the area.

"The Parish Council has recommended that the planning officers refer to the original plans passed showing the original contours and levels of the site and very much more pleasing selection of design."

Although recommended to approve the application by its planning experts the committee agreed to see the site for themselves before making a decision.