The North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan (NLLDP) sets out the policies and proposals to guide future development of the area, creating the environment for new housing, local services and business growth.

The seven-week consultation is inviting comments from the public, community groups and businesses on the Proposed LDP and an associated Strategic Environmental Assessment Report.

Any unresolved objections to the Proposed Plan, along with the final Plan documentation, will be sent for Examination by Scottish Government Reporters later this year. Following the examination, the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan is expected to be adopted next year.

“We want to make sure the right development happens in the right place,” said Councillor James Coyle, convener of the planning and transportation committee.

“The North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan identifies sites that are suitable for development for housing or business and will benefit local communities as well as sites and environments that we need to protect. This will ensure that North Lanarkshire is an attractive, thriving place where people want to live, work, visit and invest.”

The deadline for comments is 4.45pm on Monday 20 March 2017.