A vision for Holt intended to guide the north Norfolk town's development until the year 2038 has been opened up to public discussion.

Eastern Daily Press: Holt mayor Maggie Prior. Picture: Archant LibraryHolt mayor Maggie Prior. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant)

The Holt Neighbourhood Plan steering group has started a six-week consultation period allowing people to have their say on the document.

This is the final chance to comment on the draft neighbourhood plan before it is submitted to North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) and onward for formal examination.

Maggie Prior, chairman of the steering group - and Holt's mayor - said in her forward to the plan the document would help manage the town's growth.

She said: 'We have to be realistic about housing in that the necessity for more homes is nationwide and we shall not escape certain numbers being allocated to Holt.

'However, with the Holt Neighbourhood Plan addressing topics such as character, style and size, at least we have the opportunity to guide planning to suit the needs of our own residents and necessary infrastructure, as our plan will be a document which gives legal weight.'

Goals of the plan include preserving the 'special character' of Holt, promoting the integration of new housing developments into the social and physical fabric of the town and ensuring housing is affordable and made available to 'local people' first.

The plan also aims to promote tourism, develop community facilities and services and reduce the negative impact of traffic.

The document notes that the town - with a population of about 3,800 - has a much older percentage of over 65s than the national average - 38pc compared with 19pc for all England.

It states between 650 and 700 new homes were due to be built in Holt between 2001 and 2021, and of these, 250-300 are earmarked for newly identified greenfield development sites.

The plan says that while the median salary for North Norfolk is £18,008, the average house price in the town is £401,137.

After the plan is put to NNDC and further examination, it will go to a referendum - possibly over summer - where residents will be able to vote on whether it formally adopted.

The consultation period runs until February 23, for more information, visit www.holttowncouncil.org