The new draft Local Environment Plan (LEP) places a number of regulations on future development in the shire and covers issues such as land zoning, what land can be used for, minimum lot sizes for subdivision and dwellings and heritage conservation.

Council says a new LEP is needed because the existing plan was developed 13 years ago and times have changed since then.

New state government guidelines that aim to ensure every council's LEP reads the same as well as changes to the laws and policies that govern development in the shire are the key reasons behind the creation of the new plan.

Council's director of environmental services Leon Rodwell said he expected some residents to be concerned about the new LEP but urged anyone with issues to contact council for assistance.

"This LEP has the potential to affect all land in the shire so it is important to understand the new LEP controls," he said.

But according to Mr Rodwell, key development outcomes for the majority of land owners will not change under the new LEP.

Council is eager to hear what residents think of the draft document, Mr Rodwell said.

"We want to hear what people would like considered for review.

"There are limitations on some things we can change because of some state regulations and consistency with Council's adopted land use strategies but there are local provisions we can discuss," he said.

The draft LEP was made public on Monday and residents can pick up a copy from Australia Post outlets across the shire or on council's website at www.blayney.nsw.gov.au.

Residen ts have until the close of business on Friday March 30 to write to council and voice their views on the draft document.

Council staff will host a number of informal information sessions at each shire village over the course of Wednesday February 29 to Friday March 2.

The information sessions will give interested residents an opportunity to ask questions that are of relevance to their particular situation. People can also arrange a time to meet with council staff to discuss their concerns.

After the public has had a chance to respond to the draft LEP, council staff will review the submissions and the plan will be put back to council for resolution.

Following resolution the draft will then be sent back to the NSW Department of Planning for final approval.

*** FULL COVERAGE INSIDE FEBRUARY 9 EDITION OF THE BLAYNEY CHRONICLE