Following a period of public consultation in autumn 2007, the new Stowmarket Masterplan has now been published in draft and the people of Stowmarket are, once again, being asked what they think.

12,500 copies of a leaflet explaining the key proposals have been distributed to residents of Stowmarket and the surrounding area inside copies of local publication, In Touch. The leaflet and the full Masterplan can be viewed online at http://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk or in hard copy at Stowmarket Library and Stowmarket CSD.

Residents are then being asked to vote on whether they broadly agree or broadly disagree with the proposals put forward in the plan by returning the voting form on the leaflet or voting online at http://stowmarketblog.low-res.net

The aim now is not to seek detailed views on specific aspects of the Masterplan but to gauge views on the overall direction of the vision and whether there is a good balance between development, homes, working, education, health, leisure and informal recreation facilities for the town. If people would like to make comments on specific aspects of the proposal, they are invited to contribute to the Stowmarket blog at http://stowmarketblog.low-res.net

Masterplan highlights include:

Improved sport and leisure facilities

· A secure base for Stowmarket Football Club with the potential for new clubhouse facilities.
· Expanded and greatly improved indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities on a site in the west of Stowmarket.

· A potential location for new rugby and cricket pitches north of the A14 between Stowmarket and Stowupland.
· More use of the Millfields school playing field off Bury Road for out-of-hours sporting activities - possibly in association with the Football Club.

New housing and community facilities

· The west of Stowmarket is proposed as the preferred site for the development of a sustainable community with good transport links.

· A major greenfield long term housing site would be allocated on the northern part of this area accessed by a new road connection from the A14 to Chilton Way.

A more vibrant town centre

· Redevelopment, improvements and heritage repairs would combine to provide the 'heart of Stowmarket' with opportunities for a more diverse market-town retail offering and high quality restaurants and cafes.

· Four distinct 'quarters' would be created along the River Gipping, each with its own character. The Gipping Valley area would be developed to maximise the potential of its waterfront location and good links to the town centre and rail station.