A blueprint for the future growth of East Cambridgeshire up to 2031 is set to go out to consultation next week for residents, businesses and others to have their say.

The Local Plan looks at how much, where and when development should take place. It seeks to ensure development in the district is ‘sustainable’ by meeting the needs of the area.

The Local Plan will replace the ‘East Cambridgeshire Core strategy (2009)’ and will be the main basis for making decisions on planning applications. The Draft Plan proposes the District Council will:

* Provide for the delivery of 8,500 - 9,500 new homes

* Maximise opportunities for jobs growth with the aim of achieving a minimum of 9,200 additional jobs

* Make available at least 172.27 ha of employment land for business uses

* Make provision for at least an additional 1,984m² of convenience and 6,373m² of comparison retail floor space

Councillor Peter Moakes, Chairman of Development and Transport committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "Our Local Plan is split into two key parts. The first is called: ‘Spatial Strategy and Policies’. This section sets out a vision for future growth in the district, taking into account policies for housing, employment, environment as well as climate change, community services and infrastructure. The second part comprises of ‘Village/Town Visions’ for every place in the district. They sets out how each area should change and improve, and also identifies sites for development.

"All our work leading up to this point has been through an innovative ‘ground up’ approach to development which helped to produce the ‘Visions’. This involved the District Council working in close partnership with Parish and Town Councils to organise public consultations with every community in order to explore their local needs and priorities. This meant residents had the chance to influence the future of the place they live to become more involved in the planning process.

"We have now brought together all this work into the Local Plan for everyone to view, discuss and comment on. I have said this many times but your views are very important to us. Your opinions and thoughts can help develop, change and strengthen the direction of our policy so please take the time to be involved in a document which will determine your future."

Comments and views on the draft Local Plan and Village/Town Visions can be made in a number of ways:

* Comments should be made by 5pm on Monday 25 March 2013 by completing the online comments form at www.eastcambs.gov.uk

* Email comments toldf@eastcambs.gov.uk or write to the Forward Planning Team at East Cambridgeshire District Council, The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely Cambridgeshire. CB7 4EE.

* Attend one of the public exhibitions which will be held in communities where growth is proposed to give people the opportunity to come, view and comment on the proposals. These are:

- Monday 11 February Sutton, Glebe Hall 2.30 – 7pm

- Tuesday 12 February Burwell, Mandeville Hall 6.30 – 8.30pm

- Tuesday 12 February Littleport, Village Hall 2 – 6pm

- Tuesday 12 February Cheveley, Village Hall 7 – 7.30pm

- Wednesday 13 February Little Downham, Community Rooms 9 – 1.30pm

- Wednesday 13 February Soham (and Barway), The Pavilion 1 – 5pm

- Wednesday 13 February Pymoor, Social Club 2.30 – 5.30pm

- Thursday 14 February Ely, Lamb Hotel 9 – 1pm

- Friday 15 February Swaffham Prior, Village Hall 4 – 7pm

- Saturday 16 February Ely, Cathedral Centre 9.30 – 2pm

- Monday 18 February Wicken, Village Hall 4 – 7pm

- Tuesday 19 February Bottisham, British Legion 4 – 7pm

- Wednesday 20 February Isleham, Village Hall 4 – 7pm

- Wednesday 20 February Haddenham, Arkenstall 3.30 – 7pm

- Thursday 21 February Fordham, Victoria Hall 2.30 – 6.30pm

- Tuesday 26 February Prickwillow, Village Hall 4 – 7pm

- Wednesday 27 February Wentworth, Village Hall 4 – 7pm

If you have any questions on the draft Local Plan, please call the Forward Planning Team on 01353 665555, email ldf@eastcambs.gov.uk or for more details visit the website at www.eastcambs.gov.uk.