Fakenham's new mayor is urging residents to give their views on plans to bring 950 homes, a new primary school and hotel to the town at a meeting tonight.

Eastern Daily Press: There are plans to build 950 new homes off Rudham Stile Lane in Fakenham. Picture: Ian BurtThere are plans to build 950 new homes off Rudham Stile Lane in Fakenham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

A lively debate is expected at Fakenham Town Council's development and market committee meeting, which will be held at Fakenham Community Centre at 7pm.

The proposals for land north of Rudham Stile Lane, in the north of Fakenham, are the biggest in the town's recent history and have polarised opinions.

If approved, the development could see Fakenham's population increase by around 20pc.

Town councillors formally discussed the proposals for the first time since a planning application was submitted last month, on Monday.

Fakenham mayor George Acheson said: 'We were due to give our feedback to North Norfolk District Council after that meeting but feel it is important to hear people's views before we do that, so I hope lots of people will attend this meeting and give their thoughts.

'It is very important that people have their say and local views are heard on this proposal, as it is one of the biggest in the town's history.

'The town council has some issues, which will be listed as bullet points for people to see when they arrive at the meeting and we want people to ask questions and raise their own concerns and views.'

Some people welcome the prospect of much-needed new homes and the boost to the economy while others feel it could threaten Fakenham residents' way of life.

Concerns over infrastructure have been raised.

Mr Acheson said: 'This development was first talked about 25 years ago.

'It is not a new thing and the town has been expecting it.

'I don't think that everyone is flatly opposed to it, but people want to see things done correctly.

'Now things are moving forward it is important to have that debate locally and for people to have their say.'

What do you think of the proposals? Do think this could be a good thing for Fakenham or do you have concerns about the impact it could have on the town?

E mail adam.lazzari@archant, remembering to include your name and address.