Have your say to help shape planning document supporting growth and investment

Many of the big decisions, plans and work in the borough are supported by the Local Plan, which comprises two main planning documents that provide the starting point for deciding planning applications.

Following an initial consultation last year on the emerging Local Plan Part 2, the council continues to develop this part of the development plan and is consulting on proposed focussed changes to the draft document, which include new and amended policies for deciding planning applications.

The changes also include additional proposed allocations of sites for housing development, which will provide more flexibility in delivering homes to meet the borough's housing target. While the target is about 7,000 over the period 2013 to 2030, the council has already consulted on reducing this to around 5,000.

This draft document has been developed by council officers and the cross-party local plan working party of borough councillors. People can have their say between today (Monday, August 19) and Sunday, October 6.

There will be a number of public exhibitions with officers available to speak with throughout the consultation as follows:

• Gorleston Library - 1-7pm, Tuesday, September 10
• Market Gates Shopping Centre - 1-7pm, Wednesday, September 18
• Caister Council Hall, Tan Lane - 1-7pm, Monday, September 23

All comments must be received before midnight on Sunday, October 6. Comments can be made easily online at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/planning-consultations Hard copies of the consultation document and comments form are also available throughout the consultation period at the Town Hall and local libraries.

After the consultation, the draft document will be reviewed in light of the responses and there will be a further opportunity for people to have their say on a final draft before the plan is submitted for independent examination.

Cllr Carl Smith and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, leaders of the main political groups, said: "It's important that everyone has the opportunity to help shape this document, which will help ensure that growth and investment happens in a sustainable, coordinated way, meeting the needs and aspirations of communities.

"This is vital to ensure the borough's economy continues to grow and future generations have jobs and the right mix of good quality homes, in addition to infrastructure improvements such new roads and community facilities which benefit everyone.

"The suggested housing allocations aim at a sustainable and viable distribution of housing growth across the borough, when taking into account development already completed or permitted. The additional sites provide more flexibility in meeting the borough's overall housing target - individual planning applications will continue to be considered in detail on their own merits."