Councillors have welcomed the arrangements for the consultation process on the Issues and Options paper relating to the Dunfermline and West Fife Local Plan.

The Local Plan will set out a detailed picture of how West Fife should be developed over the next 10 years, provide protection for our environment and encourage the regeneration of our communities.

The public consultation period for the Issues and Options document will run from May 21 until July 21. The comments received will be taken into consideration as the Local Plan is prepared over the coming months. The proposed plan for the area is due to be published in spring 2010.

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There are a number of ways in which people will be able to make their comments. The document will be available on the council website and comments can be fed back through an online form or via email.

Drop-in events are being arranged for Dunfermline, Rosyth, the West Villages, Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay details of which will be confirmed and publicised nearer the time. There will be a number of workshops held with representatives from communities, community partner, statutory agencies, business, landowner and other interested partners. A number of exhibitions will also be made available, at locations which will be advertised nearer the time.

A telephone survey is being commissioned to widen the spread of consultation responses.

Councillor John Beare, Chair of Fife Council's Planning Committee, said: "The new Local Plan is really important for the future of the area as it will determine the location and the type of new development that may take place over the next ten years.

"By engaging with communities and all interested parties at the earliest possible stage, Fife is demonstrating a willingness to ensure that everyone who cares about the future of West Fife has the opportunity to participate in shaping the future."

(GK/JM)