PEOPLE will be able to find out the full consequences of the development proposals which will shape the future of the Suffolk Coastal area at a series of roadshows and exhibitions.

PEOPLE will be able to find out the full consequences of the development proposals which will shape the future of the Suffolk Coastal area at a series of roadshows and exhibitions.

The events are part of the public consultation on the new Local Development Framework (LDF) - which will see thousands of new homes built across the district.

They include controversial proposals for nearly 2,000 new homes in the Felixstowe area with campaigners worried greenfield sites will be concreted over for housing.

The LDF also outlines plans for 2,000 homes and a massive new business enterprise park at Martlesham Heath, potential new sites for port-related business, plus the policies for caring for the environment, tourism and other issues from now until 2025.

Suffolk Coastal is trying to encourage as many people as possible to have their say on the proposals.

Deputy council leader Andy Smith said: “After a great deal of public consultation and work by our officers and councillors, we have now published this council's preferred options for the future, our vision of how our district should develop - which has been shaped by the views we have received to date.

“From now until February 20, we would like as many people as possible to give us their views on our core strategy, and tell us where they think we have got it right or where it needs improving.

“It is their future that this document will help shape and this is their latest chance to help make sure it meets the real needs of our district.

“These exhibitions and road shows will give them the chance to find out more before they have their say.”

People can give their views online or by post to LDF Consultations, Planning Services, Council Offices, Melton Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1AU.

Copies of the core strategy are available from the council for �10 and the site allocations document for �15 (or �9 for the north area and �6 for the south area). If people want particular pages, they will be charged accordingly but the odd page is usually provided free.

Planning officer Steve Brown said: “We never seek to make money out of public consultation or prevent people reading the documents by charging exorbitant prices. If a charge is made it is normally the minimum necessary to cover production costs.”

FASTFACTS: Roadshows and exhibitions

Information roadshows will take place:

Kesgrave library - Thursday January 8 from 3pm to 6pm.

Leiston library - Tuesday January 13 from 3pm to 6pm.

Walton Community Hall, Felixstowe - Thursday January 22 from 3pm to 9pm.

St Felix Parish Hall, Felixstowe - Saturday January 24 from 9am to 1pm.

Trimley St Martin Memorial Hall - Friday January 30 from 3pm to 7pm.

Martlesham Heath Pavilion - Monday February 2 from 3pm to 7pm.

Aldeburgh Library - Friday February 6 from 3pm to 6pm.

Exhibitions of the plans will be held at:

Kesgrave Library until January 9.

Felixstowe Library January 5 to January 16.

Leiston Library January 5 to January 23.

Aldeburgh Library January 25 to February 6.

Suffolk Coastal council's Melton Hill offices in Woodbridge until February 20.