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MP chairs key meeting on future of Wymondham

Too often planning can seem to be something done to communities rather than by them, and I hope as many people as possible will come along to the exhibition and have their say
George Freeman MP

Mid Norfolk MP, George Freeman, will be chairing a major public meeting on the future of Wymondham next week, launching one of the most important consultations with residents for years. The public meeting is at 6.30pm on Friday 20 January at Ketts Park Community Centre, Harts Farm Road. There is a consultation exhibition at 4.30pm on the same day and at the same venue.

Both exhibition and public meeting mark the opening of the consultation on the Wymondham part of the South Norfolk development plan, by organisers South Norfolk Council.

When the consultation closes in March a draft document known as the Wymondham Area Action Plan will be published for public comment, probably this summer.

Once finally agreed in 2013, it will be used by residents, developers, local government and others as the blueprint for growth, jobs and improvements in the town up to 2026. George Freeman MP has urged residents to try and come to both events, and get involved in the consultation.

He said: "I'm delighted to have been asked to Chair this important meeting. There are some important questions about the long term needs of Wymondham and what the appropriate approach to development should be and this meeting is about making sure that the views of local people are heard. "As the local MP I have no proposals or responsibility for planning, which is rightly the job of local councillors, but I am keen to do all I can to support public involvement.

"Too often planning can seem to be something done to communities rather than by them, and I hope as many people as possible will come along to the exhibition and have their say." The consultation takes the form of a survey which can be filled in at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/wymondham.

It can also be posted to Planning Policy Team, South Norfolk Council, Swan Lane, Long Stratton, NR15 2XE.

And it can be filled in and left at Wymondham Town Council's offices in Middleton Street. The closing date for the survey is Friday 16 March 2012. There are also three South Norfolk Council organised consultation exhibitions: - Wymondham Town Council, Middleton Street, Monday 23 January to Friday 16 March, with South Norfolk Council staff attending on Friday 10 February from 9.30am to 1.30pm - Wymondham Leisure Centre, Norwich Road, Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February, with South Norfolk Council staff attending on Wednesday 15 February from 1pm to 5pm - Wymondham Library, Back Lane, Monday 20 February to Friday 24 February, with South Norfolk Council staff attending on Thursday 23 February from 3pm to 7pm In the next decade and a half, the town is expected to have: - At least 2,200 new houses - a 33% increase in the number of houses already in the town. The Plan will ensure there is easy access to jobs, services and facilities with the green land between Wymondham and Hethersett protected. - About 50 acres of employment land to provide jobs for local people - about the same size as the area near Waitrose and the Norfolk Police HQ. - Town centre improvements protecting its historic character so it remains a popular and attractive place for shopping, events and visitors. - A new “Ketts Country Park” of grass, woodland, hedgerows and wetlands, strengthening the importance of the River Tiffey valley and protecting the important open spaces and views around the town. - Better bus and train services with new pedestrian and cycle routes to Hethersett and the world class Norwich Research Park at Colney. - More school places, including a new primary school and more pre-school and secondary school places. - More household waste recycling facilities – building on the commitment townspeople have shown to recycling.

Web links

• Wymondham Area Action Plan

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