The importance of attracting industry to the town was highlighted by town councillors at a public meeting.

Members of Holt Town Council raised the concerns about a lack of jobs in the town during its monthly meeting in the community centre last night.

Members spoke about the need to fill the five hectares of employment land off Heath Farm and Hempstead Road.

This area is part of the HO9 development plot which is 18.5 hectares and could be used for up to 290 homes; public open space; a new link road and a new roundabout.

Martin Batey said: 'We need more jobs in the town.'

Another member Ray Moore said: 'We need to provide the young people of this town with work and new housing and HO9 can do both.'

A North Norfolk District Council working party will be discussing the development brief on June 24, which will influence the outline application.

Comments from a consultation carried out in St Andrew's Church Hall will be used to influence the proposal.

Councillors learned at the same meeting that Sheringham firm Norfolk Homes would develop about 86 homes on land off Cley Road and Woodfield Road, Holt, known as the HO1 site.

Outline planning permission was granted about 18 months ago.