§ Lawrie QuinnTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister when his Department will publish guidance on the better management and preparation of development plans. [68765]
§ Mr. McNultyToday I am pleased to announce that we are launching a document called "Making plans".
Development plans are a way of mapping the future for communities and are critical to improving our towns and cities. So it is vital these must be up-to-date to reflect the 878W changing aspirations and priorities of the community. Plans which do not have people at their heart are destined to fail.
It is time for councils to get on with these plans and not wait for any new legislation as the basic principles of good planning won't change. Plans need to be clear and they need to involve the community.
The guide makes it clear that many of the principles set out in last December's planning Green Paper can be acted on now. It emphasises the need for a clear strategy with an implementation programme.
But most of all it stresses a principle central to the Green Paper that real, proper participation by the community from the start of any planning process leads to much better plans at the end.
The report, produced by the consultants Baker Associates with BDOR and Gradwell Corporate Design, is available in the Library of the House.