A document that will shape the future of Truro and Threemilestone for the next ten years and beyond has been officially launched.

The Truro and Threemilestone Area Action Plan sets the framework for the development of housing, highways, retail, employment and leisure uses up until 2016, but looking forward to 2026.

The plan recognises the current limitations of the city and problems such as infrastructure capacity and traffic congestion. It states that only a long-term vision can deliver solutions that will overcome these current problems. Suggested measures include 2,400 new homes in the city to reduce the shortage of housing compared to jobs that currently results in 14,000 workers being forced to commute into Truro everyday at peak times. Other key proposals include retail expansion as well as improvements to public transport, additional highway capacity and a park-and-ride system to reduce congestion and parking problems.

This is the first stage of public consultation and the issues identified in the plan present a major challenge. The consultation process presents an opportunity to start a full debate around the future of the city before the next stage of submitting the plan to the Secretary of State in early 2008.

Launching the consultation document, Sue Callen, portfolio holder for the environment said: "Truro is a fantastic and unique city with a rich history and a confident future. However, we cannot ignore that it also faces immense pressures for growth. We must have a strong planning framework for growth to ensure that it meets the needs of Truro, retaining what we value about our city, whilst addressing the problems that we currently face."

The draft plan will now be consulted upon until March 12. The council is asking all residents, users and visitors of the city for any comments, whether positive or negative, that can improve the plan for Truro and Threemilestone. A series of exhibitions will also be held across the city to explain the plan from today until January 31.