PREFERRED sites to take 8,000 new homes in Suffolk have today been revealed.

Laurence Cawley

PREFERRED sites to take 8,000 new homes in Suffolk have today been revealed.

St Edmundsbury Borough Council is calling on residents to voice their views over its Local Development Framework, a document which will shape how the borough will develop over the next 23 years.

A further 8,000 homes are earmarked for the borough in the lead up to 2031.

This preferred option outlined in the draft document would see Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill each getting 40% of new housing and villages taking the remaining 20%.

Terry Clements, council cabinet member responsible for transport and planning, said: “We hope as many people as possible give us their views at this critical and exciting stage. We are planning for the needs of the current and next generations in the period to 2031 and even though there are short term difficulties, it is important to also focus on the long-term planning for this area. This document provides clear guidance on how new development of homes and jobs should be distributed in St Edmundsbury, but it is also seeking views on where the development should go.”

People can view and comment on both documents online at http://stedsbcconsult.limehouse.co.uk Hard copies are available by calling 01284 757368 or emailing ldf@stedsbc.gov.uk The deadline for feedback on both documents is January 5, 2009.

For the full story see tomorrow's East Anglian Daily Times.