PEOPLE are being urged to make the most of a once in a generation opportunity and help shape the future of their community for the next 15 years.

Framlingham Town Council is currently in the process of putting together a Neighbourhood Plan.

Later this month it will be holding a public meeting where people can learn more about what is involved and ask questions.

Members are keen for as many residents as possible to attend so that the whole community can help shape the document.

More than 4,000 leaflets will also be distributed to households via the town’s community news, while others will be delivered by hand to ensure as many people as possible are given the chance to have their say.

A number of places in Suffolk are looking at the possibility of implementing a Neighbourhood Plan, which has been made possible because of new planning powers handed to town and parish councils by the Government.

The aim is to allow local people to have more of an influence over what happens in their communities over the next 15 or so years.

The document can cover everything from housing, employment, retail and transport through to parking, town centre improvements, education, recreation and health.

Future planning applications will be judged against the plan and it will therefore influence whether they are approved or refused.

Eileen Coe, clerk to the town council, said: “Although the process is being led by the town council it is not the town council’s plan - it is very much about what the community wants.

“Without the involvement of residents, business, community groups, landowners etc we have no Neighbourhood Plan. We need their help.

“We are trying to advertise the public meeting as much as possible and I would urge anyone interested to come along.

“We have already had a very positive response from an initial meeting but we want to hear from as many people as we can. As a result we have also invited representatives from parish councils surrounding Framlingham because we’re keen to hear their views.

“We hope to get a good cross section because its a fantastic chance for people to help shape the issues they feel passionate about.”

N The meeting is being held on Thursday, November 29, starting at 7pm in the St John Westbury Centre, Fairfield Road.