A public meeting is to be held in July as the consultation process gets under way for the Eye neighbourhood plan.

The meeting will be held at Eye town hall on July 10 and will give the public the chance to have a say on which parts of the town should be developed as planning policies are drawn up for the use of the land.

Suffolk county councillor Guy McGregor, pictured, who represents Hoxne and Eye, met town councillors on Wednesday to discuss potential proposals that could be made within the plan.

He said the planners had the chance to obtain a £7,000 government grant, which is being administered by Mid-Suffolk District Council, to help cover the cost of using consultants to help draw up the plan, but also printing, distribution and other costs involved with engaging the community in the consultation.

Mr McGregor said one possible area for development could be Eye airfield, which is already being targeted for the potential development of a new £200m gas fired power station.

The 299MW plant could provide electricity for 400,000 homes and provide 30 jobs.

He said one possibility was that the 2 Sisters Food Group chicken factory, in Magdalen Street, could move to the airfield site, though this would need lengthy negotiations with the food manufacturer.

Mr McGregor was concerned about the amount of traffic and lorries generated by the chicken factory around the town centre's narrow streets.

Other sites that could be discussed during the consultation process included Hartismere Hospital and Paddock House.

Mr McGregor added: 'This is about making Eye a special place so people can enjoy coming to the town. This plan is part of that particular vision and we must make sure everybody prospers from it.'

Where would you like to see development take place in Eye? Email dominic.bareham2@archant.co.uk