Thousands urged to join big consultation

Tens of thousands of residents are being urged to join in a massive community consultation which will help shape the future of every town, village and rural part of South Norfolk for the next 15 years. The big consultation is part of South Norfolk Council's strategy for the future called the Local Development Framework or LDF.

Councillor John Peterson, who leads for the council on the LDF said:

"This is the big step in the development of plans for South Norfolk. If you care about the environment, want more affordable housing, and expect the best future for your community, this is your opportunity to talk to us.

"Help us decide where to put those extra homes, that new school, doctor's surgery or supermarket. More to the point, help us to decide where not to put them! All these issues generate huge controversy and argument when they are proposed. Why not get ahead of the game, and make your input to this consultation?

"Here at the council we are must complete a complicated jigsaw. What we want is your help in putting it together. We will record and note every comment you make. Every voice will be heard.

"We know people care - but we also suspect that many of them think they are powerless to influence their future. That's not true - the real enemy is apathy."

Alan Gomm, the council's Planning Policy Manager said:

"We want people to come forward and be part of this. It is vital they grab the opportunity with both hands over the next two months. There will be plenty of opportunities - we are organising market stalls, and public meetings, exhibitions and roadshows.

"Also look out for the council's magazine going to almost 51,000 homes in the district and a summary leaflet, both of which have a special survey inside, and give us your answers to just 10 top questions. There is also a more detailed document available for those who are interested which gives more background and asks more questions."

"People may not be big fans of surveys, they may not normally talk to us - but now is the time to break that habit, and open up. People can and will make a difference."

The council is also organising events aimed at engaging directly with young people, especially during Local Democracy Week. Eight schools from across South Norfolk are coming to the council to take part in group workshop sessions aimed at digging down into what young people really want for the future.

Council Leader and young person's champion Vivienne Clifford-Jackson said:

"It is a cliché but it is true: young people are our future and they will be playing a big part in this consultation. This is not about where to put 'skate parks' - this concerns jobs, homes, educational and training opportunities, leisure facilities, public transport and health. We want our young people to have a future in South Norfolk, and not have to quit the county because there is nothing for them here.

"But this consultation is for everyone and I am already visiting a number of parish councils across the district over the next weeks and months, and I am in touch with many more to set up meetings.

"I want people to check the local media, visit our website, look out for the adverts on the 'park and ride buses' going into Norwich, snap up the council's new magazine when it comes through the door at the beginning of November. This consultation is coming to a house, a village or a town, near you."

The consultation is taking place against a backdrop of huge changes in the East of England. Recent figures show an influx of new residents making Norfolk their home. This region is second only to the South West in popularity as people stream out of the cities. There is huge pressure from Government and from local people for more affordable housing. Our region is set to be one of the fastest growing in England over the next 15 years.

The Local Development Framework is a group of documents that will guide how that development takes place in this district over the next 15 years, how we will meet our share of that growth. Ordinary people now have a chance to influence that development:

Where should we put 4,000 new houses?

How do we accommodate 15,000 new jobs?

How can we reduce the effects of development on the environment?

How do we choose between the sites for new houses, leisure and employment that have already been suggested to us

Your answers will count.

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