More than 100 people packed Soham's Walter Gidney Pavilion on Saturday to view plans by developer Hopkins Homes to build houses for families and first-time buyers, a care home for the frail and elderly and a new food store on vacant land off Fordham Road.

Following the public consultation, a strong majority of people said they would welcome the new development, with 81 per cent generally supporting the plans.

Around 84 per cent of people said they supported the provision of new housing and 65 per cent claimed they would use a food store on the site.

Simon Bryan, development director of Hopkins Homes, said they would review all the comments received and amend proposals where possible before submitting a final planning application.

"Our exhibition was very well attended and we are encouraged by the number of positive comments received throughout the day," said Mr Bryan.

"It was clear that the majority of people felt more beneficial use could be made of the currently neglected site.

"We feel our proposals would benefit both the local and wider community by providing facilities and employment opportunities which would encourage the continued regeneration of the town."

He added: "All feedback is important as we want to introduce a suitable development for the future of the site which is shaped by local comment."

Anyone who would like to comment should contact Laura Wyatt at Hopkins Homes on 0800 298 7040 or visit www.consultation-online.co.uk/soham.