A question and answer session is being held in Beccles tonight to give residents another chance to have their say on the Waveney Local Plan.
Organised by Beccles Town Council and Waveney District Council, the meeting aims to ensure all residents and businesses in the Beccles area are able to discuss and help shape the planning decisions that will affect the area for years to come.
The meeting will be held at Blyburgate Hall in Beccles from 7pm.
A spokesman from Beccles Town Council said: 'The Local Plan shapes not only how and where the town and surrounding area is allowed to develop over the next 20 years, but also sets planning policy for existing and new developments.
'From events already held, Beccles Town Council is aware of your key concerns such as the impact on existing facilities and ability of the town to cope without increased infrastructure such as more schools, medical facilities, parking etc. This evening is a further opportunity for you to help shape the future of your town.'
The first draft of the Local Plan was released on July 28 by Waveney District Council, setting out potential sites in Lowestoft, Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Southwold and the rural areas in between. The council needs to plan for 9,000 new homes, 5,000 jobs and 13,000 sqm of new retail development by 2036.
The majority of the development, nearly 5,000 homes, is expected to be in Lowestoft with Carlton Colville, Oulton and Oulton Broad. Beccles and Worlingham could see 1,473 new homes, with 740 planned for Halesworth and Holton, 527 for Bungay and 325 for Southwold/Reydon.
The meeting will start with an introduction by Beccles mayor Richard Stubbings.
There will then be presentations on the proposed strategy for Beccles and Worlingham by Dickon Povey and Sam Hubbard of Waveney District Council, followed by a question and answer session.
The meeting will finish around 8.30pm.
Residents have been given eight weeks to have their say online or at special exhibitions across the district, with the consultation closing on September 22.
Exhibitions have already been held in Beccles, Halesworth, Bungay and Lowestoft, with one final event planned at Lowestoft Library on September 2, from 9.30am to 1pm.
To comment online visit www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/newwaveneylocalplan
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