Members of the public are being encouraged to make their voices heard regarding the new Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans.

Recently published by Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke, the county or city development plan is the principal planning strategy document for the development of a local authority area over the six year statutory time period of the plan.

A development plan sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the development plan and consists of a written statement and a plan or plans indicating the development objectives for the area in question.

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Minister Burke commented: "The plan-making function of a planning authority now operates in a much changed and continually changing policy, institutional and regulatory framework to that which prevailed in 2007 when the Guidelines were last published and this public consultation is a timely and welcome opportunity to reflect such issues."

The Draft Guidelines are intended to provide clarity to assist planning authorities in the preparation of and variation to city and county development plans, and the Office of the Planning Regulator in undertaking the statutory evaluation and assessing plans. Ultimately, the aim is to secure the best possible outcomes for citizens through integrated planning objectives that can be matched by investment and lead to decision-making that delivers the right development in the right place at the right time.

"This consultation process offers the opportunity to all stakeholders to submit their views on the draft guidelines and I urge all interested parties to make a submission," Minister Burke added.

Public consultation on the Draft Guidelines is open from Friday 13 August until 5pm on Friday 08 October.