THE redevelopment of St Michael's Trading Estate in Bridport has been decades in the planning - and next week the public can find out what the scheme is likely to look like.

For the last five months, estate owner Hayward & Co has been talking to half a dozen of the Bridport’s local organisations including the town council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Neighbourhood Plan steering group with the aim of explaining its amended plans for the development and regeneration of St Michael’s Trading Estate.

Haywards spokesman Martin Ridley said: "But there has not yet been an opportunity for residents and members of the Bridport community, to hear about our plans, ask questions and generally find out more details.

"With that in mind we have arranged an ‘open day’ next Thursday December 15 at Mountfield, the Bridport Town Council offices in Rax Lane, Bridport. We will have drawings and plans and illustrations and other supporting material and will be available from 11am through to 6pm.

"If you are a long standing resident of Bridport you will be aware that we, as the owners and landlords of St Michael’s Trading Estate, have been seeking permission for some years to begin the development and regeneration of the estate.

"In the West Dorset Local Plan, our scheme is designated as ‘mixed use’ which in the case of St Michael’s means the local planning authority wishes to introduce an element of much needed residential housing, while ensuring the long term future of the trading estate as a significant provider of local jobs.

"We will be happy to discuss these and any other issues during the day and so offer an invitation to all residents to visit us at Mountfield during the day.

Clive Hayward of Hayward & Co added: “Our aim is quite simple - to update residents on recent amendments to the scheme, to revisit some of the history of the estate, and clarify the key aims of the development of St Michael’s.”

The planning history of the site is complicated and was mired in controversy when in 2012 West Dorset District Council approved plans, including for 105 homes, despite planning officer Andrew Martin's recommendations they be refused.

Despite the permission the scheme faltered with English Heritage listing one of the buildings and complex negotiations on planning conditions and a 106 agreement.

Campaigners who wanted to see alternative plans for the site, including a new community hall, business units, a warehouse and community garden, formed an Industrial and Provident Society, Enterprise St Michael’s and had hopes to try and buy part of the site.

When the Haywards bought the site in 1968 it had existing outline planning permission to build houses.

But their father Norman senior, decided against that option in order to create a ‘seed bed’ to enable small local businesses to set up on their own at low rents.