Plans to shape the future growth of Wymondham will gather pace this week with the launch of a new consultation exercise.

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman will be chairing a public meeting in the town on Friday to mark the start of the Wymondham Area Action Plan.

The meeting will be held at 6.30pm at Ketts Park Community Centre in Harts Farm Road, which will follow a consultation exhibition that begins at 4.30pm at the same venue.

The South Norfolk Council-led consultation seeks residents' views on where future development should happen in the town, which is earmarked for 2,200 new homes by 2026 as part of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership's Joint Core Strategy.

When the consultation closes in March a draft document of the Wymondham Area Action Plan will be published for public comment. Once finally agreed in 2013, it will be used by residents, developers, local government and others as the blueprint for growth, jobs and improvements in the town.

Mr Freeman urged residents to get involved in the consultation.

'Too often planning can seem to be something done to communities rather than by them, and I hope as many people as possible will come along to the exhibition and have their say,' he said.

The consultation form can be filled in at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/wymondham or posted to Planning Policy Team, South Norfolk Council, Swan Lane, Long Stratton, NR15 2XE or left at Wymondham Town Council.