CIVIC Centre leaders were today drawing up a timetable to ask Ipswich residents about the future development of the town.

CIVIC Centre leaders were today drawing up a timetable to ask Ipswich residents about the future development of the town.

Ipswich Borough Council's executive committee was due to approve proposals to consult members of the public about the plans for new developments over the next few months.

Today's meeting was not discussing the proposals to develop the town and it was not considering changing council policy.

Economic spokesman Richard Atkins said: “Some people, especially those concerned about developing the northern greenbelt around the town seem to think we're about to give planning permission.

“That's not the case. This does not in itself bring the development any further forward. What it does is set out a timetable for members of the public to have their say.”

The council is planning to have five drop-in consultation events at the Corn Exchange between July 4 and July 13 for people to give their views.

And the proposals will also be discussed at neighbourhood forums around the town between tomorrow and July 18.

Mr Atkins said: “We are aware that we won't be able to satisfy everyone. There are many difficult questions to be resolved.

“Last year 98 per cent of the new homes built in Ipswich were on brownfield sites. That is a phenomenal figure which is far better than any targets.

“But we are aware that there are concerns about the number of one and two-bedroomed flats being built when there is a need for more family homes.

“The problem is that family homes, especially if they have gardens, take up more space and you have to put them somewhere.

“That is not to say they will definitely go on one site or another - certainly the northern fringe of the town is a long-term prospect.”