Controversial plans for a 3,000-home extension of Wymondham will go on display next week with a developer promising to create new jobs, schools and recreational facilities.

Controversial plans for a 3,000-home extension of Wymondham will go on display next week with a developer promising to create new jobs, schools and recreational facilities.

Local councillors have already pledged to fight the 'inappropriate' and 'unwelcome' greenfield development being put forward by London-based planning consultant Barton Willmore.

But townsfolk will get a chance to quiz the promoters, landowners and designers behind the large north-east 'urban' extension next Friday when a detailed masterplan will be unveiled at a public exhibition.

The event at the Fairland Church Centre on Friday and Saturday will show where 2,200 new homes could be built over the next 16 years, with a further 800 proposed after 2026.

The 'Vision Wymondham' by Barton Willmore and promoter Landstock Estates also includes new education, employment, transport and community facilities over the next 20 years.

The public consultation comes as officials from the two companies aim to submit a formal planning application in the summer, which could see work start in 2013.

The masterplan, which will include a mix of market family houses, flats and affordable homes on the 287ha site, also includes:

the creation of 2,500 jobs and community hub that will provide offices, a community and arts centre, including a cinema, caf�s, gastro pub and a hotel.

a Rapid Bus Transit system that will link existing and new services, as well as a fast and direct link to Norwich.

two new primary schools together with a dedicated sixth form college and pre-schools.

a new town park, recreational facilities and a community allotment.

improvements to the A11/B1135 junction.

Wymondham's new Rugby Club complex and retirement and care village, which already have planning permission.

Lee Newlyn, partner at Barton Willmore said: 'Wymondham is regarded as an attractive place to live and work due to its strong housing market and good local facilities. However, it is also recognised that infrastructure shortfalls are emerging in the town. Left unchecked these issues will diminish the quality and therefore success of this market town.

'Looking to the next 20 years, Wymondham's future is now being carefully considered so that it can grow in concord with the existing town and added facilities we aim to deliver.'

South Norfolk councillors have criticised the proposals, which pre-empt the final approval of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership Joint Core Strategy, which has earmarked 2,200 homes for Wymondham by 2026.

The public exhibition will take place at the Fairland Church Centre, Fairland Hill, from 4.30pm to 8pm on Friday, March 19 and between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, March 20.

More information will be available at www.visionwymondham.co.uk from March 19 or call the community hotline number on 01603 813923.