As of June 6, all new planning applications will be subject to the policies of the new Draft Bermuda Plan 2008.

The outline affects the rules of a number of planning Acts including the Bermuda Plan 1992 Planning Statement, the Bermuda Plan 1992 Maps, the West End Development Plan 1984, the Pembroke Marsh Plan 1987 and the Base Lands Plan 1996.

Announced by Minister of Environment and Sports Elvin James, the Draft Bermuda Plan 2008 will be the subject of a four month public consultation period starting on June 6.

The consultations, which will end on October 3, will allow the public to object or comment on any zoning or policy issue in the new Draft Plan. A news statement from Government yesterday said: "The Draft Bermuda Plan 2008 can be inspected on or after June 6th in person at the Department of Planning during regular business hours and online at www.planning.gov.bm.

"Technical Officers from the Department of Planning will be available to assist members of the public in their review of the new Plan.

"The Draft Bermuda Plan 2008 will also be on display at Parish Post Offices and the Bermuda National Library. Public exhibitions will also be held across the Island."

A product of significant consultation with the public, the scheme will call upon key stakeholders and statutory bodies and a variety of research.

"It sets out the planning policies and land use zonings based on the future needs of the Island and how to best accommodate those needs in a sustainable and responsible manner," the statement continued.

"The Draft Bermuda Plan 2008 is intended to guide the development of the Island up to the year 2015.

"The Draft Bermuda Plan 2008 strives to balance the need to accommodate development with the need to conserve and protect natural areas for future generations.

"And it is based on three strategies to promote and provide for conservation, development and social opportunity." For information, visit www.planning.gov.bm.