Public consultation begins later this month on draft proposals for up to 290 new homes on an edge-of-Holt site.

The 18-hectare plot, at Heath Farm and Hempstead Road, has also been earmarked by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) for employment uses, public open space and community facilities including new allotments.

The consultation, which begins on Monday April 22 and runs until Monday May 20, includes an opportunity to discuss proposals with NNDC planning officers at a drop-in exhibition at St Andrew's Church Hall, Holt, on Tuesday April 30, from 3pm-7pm.

NNDC wants to hear the public's views to help officers prepare a 'development brief' for the site, telling would-be developers what is required and covering aspects including layout, open space, access arrangements and the appearance of the development.

Representatives from the two largest landowners will also be at the exhibition, presenting rough plans for the development on their part of the site, which it is proposed will include 200-215 homes along with five hectares of employment land and public open space. They will be seeking the public's views on an outline planning application, due to be submitted by the end of May.

? Anyone unable to attend the drop-in event can see details of the draft development brief at Holt Library from May 1 until the end of the consultation period.

The document and further information can be found at: www.northnorfolk.org/majordevelopments