A public consultation asking how the Council should develop and protect Edinburgh's communities as the city grows is now open and runs until 30 September.

The 'Call for Ideas' gives people who live and work in the city an early chance to help set the direction of the next local development plan, City Plan 2040. Residents (including young people), community councils and groups, businesses and social enterprises, public and private sector organisations, developers and landowners are being invited to share their visions and proposals, and every idea will be considered.

Anyone eager to influence how their area looks in the years ahead—and how City Plan 2040 can help protect what matters—should get involved. Suggestions must relate to a specific place, but can range in scale from a whole district or neighbourhood to a single plot or building.

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Planning Convener, Councillor Joan Griffiths said: "Your idea could cover proposals for new buildings and homes, improving how you get around, additional spaces for playing, sports or growing food or ideas to reuse important buildings. It would be good to know why you think it's important for your area and why it would a make a difference. Your local knowledge will help us focus on making change where it is needed.

"I'd encourage you to find out what others think by reaching out to your community to find out what is most important to them. You could ask about the changes you'd like to make, what you'd like to protect, what they think is missing in the community and you can point out planning policies you think could be changed. You could do this through surveys and questionnaires, drop in events, exhibitions and by attending planned local events.

"My vision is that you can help us create City Plan 2040 to strengthen communities and make sure that they look after the wellbeing of their residents. We want to build attractive places where people can afford to buy or rent their homes, walk to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access sustainable transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh."