Do you have a 20-year plan for Ipswich?

HOW do you think Ipswich should develop over the next twenty years? Businesses in Ipswich are invited to have their say on development plans in the East of England region.

As part of a series of special county consultation seminars the East of England Development Agency has launched a wide-ranging consultation process to provide input into the first ever regional planning guidance (RPG) for the whole of the region, which will set priorities and form a planning framework for future development.

The seminars have been organised by EEDA in conjunction with the East of England Business Group, a forum established in 1999 to represent businesses across the region.

The Ipswich session takes place next Tuesday, October 29, at the Courtyard Marriott on Ransomes Europark, from 5pm to 7pm.

"RPG provides guidance on the scale and location of development over the next 20 years, including housing, transport, infrastructure and land for businesses," said Roger Humber, chair of the EEBG.

"It will therefore have major implications for firms in the region. It is essential that businesses respond to this consultation and attend the seminars which offer companies an early opportunity to put their views forward."

Steve Cox, infrastructure development manager at EEDA, said: "As part of EEDA's role in influencing the planning process, it is important that we give businesses the chance to be part of the consultation process for the East of England RPG, which will be adopted in 2004.

"The seminars will allow representatives from firms the chance to discuss the planning issues which matter to them and comment on the emerging priorities of the RPG."

* All companies are welcome to attend next week's session in Ipswich, but are asked to confirm attendance beforehand to the SQW economic development consultants by emailing RPGconsultation@sqw.co.uk or phoning 01223 209400.