The rate of yearly housebuilding in Waveney will need to double over the next 20 years so at least 7,000 new homes can be built to meet the needs of the area's changing population.

In a consultation launched today, Waveney District Council (WDC) says the area's increasing popularity and 5,500 expected new jobs – many in the offshore energy sector – mean that without new homes, demand will exceed supply. If growth in the renewable energy industry is as high as expected, up to 9,500 homes may be needed by 2036. The minimum required will be 7,700, although 630 of those have already been built since 2011.

WDC has proposed a series of solutions, with one focusing on creating growth near to existing facilities in Lowestoft and another even suggesting that a new settlement is created to meet the demand.

In each case, the district would have to at least double its rate of growth to a rate of more than 300 new homes a year.

Residents are now being urged to have their say about where they think the new homes should be by responding online and at a series of exhibitions in Halesworth, Bungay, Reydon, Beccles and Lowestoft.

However Brian Hunter, chairman of Oulton Parish Council, said: 'Whatever you do, look forward and assess the effect it is going to have on things like road structure, education and community facilities.'

David Ritchie, Waveney District Council's cabinet member for planning and coastal management, said: 'Where and how these are delivered is the key question.'

WDC has reassured people it has no preconceived ideas about which option is best and will make a final judgement based on the views people put forward in the consultation, which runs until June 17.

What do you think? Email edpletters@archant.co.uk