Framlingham Castle April 2011

RESIDENTS living in a historic Suffolk market town are set to be given a say on how they think their community should grow over the next 20 years.

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Framlingham Town Council is now in the early stages of putting together a draft blueprint that will eventually be used to shape the town’s future development.

The authority has written to a number of groups and organisations to ask their opinion, while members of the public will be able to have their say at the parish meeting in May.

The Government is encouraging residents to have more influence on what should happen in their communities, especially with respect to planning for the future, and the town council is keen to be in a position where it can take full advantage.

Eileen Coe, clerk to the town council, said members wanted to ensure the plan represented the wishes and aspirations of the local community.

“Over the last 40 years there has been steady growth which has enabled Framlingham to maintain a vibrant social and cultural life,” she said. “Further growth is inevitable but brings its own challenges.

“To maintain a balanced and sustainable community, attention must be paid to providing more employment opportunities, upgrading the town’s infrastructure and ensuring that development maintains the character of the town and meets its housing needs.

“We have written to 44 organisations in the town asking two questions – how would an increase in population affect the organisation and what would the organisation like to see changed, improved, removed or retained over the next 20 years?

“The idea is that the town council will then compile a preliminary draft plan in time for the annual parish meeting in May. That is when everyone will have a chance to have their input.

“It may seem like a slightly longer process than the way other towns are doing it, but we are trying to make sure that we get everyone as involved as possible.

“No-one knows better what the town needs than those who live and work here.

“As a result we want to put together a plan that truly represents the wishes and aspirations of the local community.”