Thousands of extra new homes will be built across east Suffolk in the next two decades, according to a blueprint drawn up to shape the future of the area.

Original plans for the district envisaged around 7,900 new homes over 15 years, but now the need is for at least 10,900 homes in the next 18 years.

Hundreds of homes have already been granted permission over the last two years, including nearly 1,000 in the Felixstowe area, and around 550 at both Leiston and Framlingham, while Saxmundham has seen hundreds of new homes built.

Of the new allocation, Felixstowe will see an extra 1,670, Saxmundham 800 units plus 345 in other communities alongside the A12, 515 in rural settlements, and another 50 each in Framlingham and Leiston.

Suffolk Coastal council has now launched an eight-week public consultation on its First Draft Local Plan for public consultation.

As well as providing for 545 new homes a year, the plan also aims to create 7,220 new jobs and includes policies for transport, tourism, environment, community facilities and other issues.

Tony Fryatt, cabinet member for planning, said: “This is an ambitious document, which lays out how we see the district developing in the future, so it is important that local people take this opportunity to have their say on the first draft plan, before the proposals go any further.

“As a council, we see this Local Plan providing the framework to deliver continued economic growth and much-needed new homes, as well as the infrastructure to support them, targeting young people but also taking into account our ageing population.

“However, this is just a draft document. This consultation period is another opportunity for the local community to shape their district’s future, as well as providing other options for development should they wish.”

People have until September 14 to respond.

Drop-in sessions to find out more about the proposals will be held at Kirton Pavilion on July 24; Saxmundham Market Hall, July 31; Felixstowe Town Hall, August 2; East Suffolk House, Suffolk Coastal council’s HQ, August 6; Wenhaston village hall, August 8; Rushmere St Andrew village hall, August 16; and Yoxford village hall, August 23.

They all take place from 4pm to 7.30pm.