The region will see thousands of houses built in the next 20 years

Consultation on the 2006-2016 development plan set out by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) runs until 17 February 2006.

The agency has said it is "a strategy for all with an interest in the future performance of the South East economy".

Seeda wants organisations to outline what challenges are most important to the region and what the key issues are.

It also wants to hear consultees' inspiration and visions for the South East economy.

The consultation is focusing on the region's economy, and is separate from the housing plans being considered by the regional assembly.

House building plans

At the Seeda annual meeting this year, chief executive Pam Alexander said: "The future prosperity of the South East, and the UK's economy as a whole, depends on investment and continued sustainable growth in our region."

She said the South East's key strength was "the high quality of life it offers".

Priorities already outlined for 2006 and onwards include managing house growth in the region under the South East Plan, the development of facilities for the 2012 Olympics and the regeneration of the Thames Gateway area.