Meeting over first stage of Eye neighbourhood plan

A 20-strong turnout visited a town hall for the first stage of a consultation process into drawing up a town's neighbourhood plan.

The meeting at Eye Town Hall on Thursday, July 10 provided residents with the chance to discuss the blueprint for where future housing developments should take place within the town.

Jonathan Free, head of communities at Mid Suffolk District Council, explained the purpose of the plan in front of residents and Eye town councillors, as well as Suffolk county councillor Guy McGregor, who represents Hoxne and Eye.

He tried to clear up confusion over the status of Eye Airfield by explaining that the airfield was considered a strategic employment and housing site under planning policy and therefore should be excluded from the neighbourhood plan.

Mr Free added: 'The key point is, do you want development in the town to be led by the developers or do you want it to be led by you as a community?'

The residents expressed concerns about whether the whole of the town would be engaged with the plan and called on the councillors to ensure they visit neighbourhoods to consult residents on where they would like developments to take place.

The planners also have the chance to obtain a £7,000 government grant, which is being administered by the district council, to help cover the cost of using consultants to help draw up the plan.

It would also help with printing, distribution and other costs involved with engaging the community in the consultation.

Sites that could be considered as part of the plan include the 2 Sisters Food Group chicken factory, in Magdalen Street, Hartismere Hospital and Paddock House.