IPSWICH: RESIDENTS are today being urged to have their say on the future growth of the town.

IPSWICH: RESIDENTS are today being urged to have their say on the future growth of the town.

A consultation is beginning on Ipswich Borough Council's core strategy and local development framework including the controversial proposal that a new town for around 15,000 people, with shops, a school, and health facilities, could be built on the northern fringe.

The council wants to involve all residents, asking them to comment before the document is finalised and sent to the government which will organise an examination in public next year.

Only those who comment on the document in the next eight weeks will be able to appear in person at the inquiry.

At the same time as the consultation, the East of England regional assembly is seeking public comment for its housing numbers plans for the six counties area for the years up to 2031. These vary from 6,000 to 9,000 additional homes in the wider Ipswich area on top of the Government's current target of 15,400 for the borough.

n. The first public consultation on Ipswich's core strategy will be on Tuesday October 13 in the Town Hall council chamber between 5pm-8pm.

Other meetings will be held at Chantry High School, Ipswich Institute Reading Room & Library, Cliff Lane primary school, the central library in Northgate Street, the council's Grafton House offices in Russell Street, the St Lawrence Centre in Dial Lane, Copleston High School, Whitehouse Junior School and Thurleston High School.

Dates and times can be found on the council's web site www.ipswich.gov.uk or by calling the planning policy team on 01473 432019. The consultation period ends on November 27.