It's seven years in the making, and now the Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan is finally coming to a head. A six-week public consultation on the plan - which outlines the future development of the town - starts today.

Residents have been encouraged to have their say on the document, which outlines the allocation of more than 4,500 new homes over the next 20 years.

Town councillor Tony Perkins, who chairs the neighbourhood plan steering group, said it was an exciting time for Attleborough.

He said: 'Whether the community likes it or not we are witnessing an expansion of our town the like of which has not been seen since the early 1900s.

'This leads us to face challenges on an enormous scale.'

Mr Perkins said the plan sought to address issues such as traffic, schools and healthcare provision. He said: 'It's a fantastic opportunity to shape the town by influencing planning policy, within certain parameters of course, and deliver some much needed infrastructure'.

Mayor Jeremy Burton said: 'Attleborough needs to be in a position to fulfil expectations of those moving into the area, making it an attractive place to work rest and play, whilst also reassuring those already living in the town that any growth will see the necessary investment in schools, doctors, transport, leisure and employment areas.'

There will be an extraordinary meeting of the town council at the town hall on Thursday, July 14 at 7pm. The meeting is to update residents on the progress of the plan, how it fits in with the Attleborough Development Partnership, and to discuss Norfolk County Council's town centre improvement proposals.

If the community supports the neighbourhood plan, it will go up before the town council for adoption.

A copy of the plan is available online at www.attleboroughtc.org.uk and it can also be viewed at the library, doctors' surgery, town hall, heritage centre and the Tourist Information Board.