Meeting over 2,500 planned homes

The town will see thousands of new homes built under the plans

Planned roads and sites for the building of 2,500 houses in East Grinstead are being put to residents.

Consultation on the East Grinstead Area Action Plan starts on Friday with a public meeting in the West Sussex town, followed by exhibitions from Monday.

"As yet there are no firm proposals," a Mid Sussex District Council spokesman said. He said people could comment on existing plans and offer other options.

Leaflets inviting people to be involved had already been sent out, he added.

The council said responses to the plans would be made public and alternative options considered.

I hope that everyone with an interest in the future of east Grinstead... will take the opportunity to respond Councillor Gordon Marples

Preferred housing options and a preferred route for the relief road will be submitted to the government next year, with the plans likely to be finalised in 2008.

Councillor Gordon Marples, cabinet member for environmental services, said: "This consultation is about how, and exactly where, the development is delivered.

"For such a significant development, it is essential that we hear the views of those most affected - the people who live and work in east Grinstead and its nearby communities.

"I hope that everyone with an interest in the future of east Grinstead and the surrounding area - residents, visitors, businesses, employees and local organisations will take the opportunity to respond."

Objections to the plans have already included a 10,000-signature petition, but West Sussex County Council has said the town must take on its share of the homes earmarked for the county by the government.