Housing developers, agents and Registered Social Landlords met at County Buildings to explore the key themes of the Council’s main Issue Report.
South Ayrshire Council is urging local residents to have their say on the future of local planning and development as a series of public discussions are set to close.
Consultation on the Main Issues Report, which is part of the Local Development Plan, has already attracted excellent public attendances during a series of meetings in recent weeks.
Each public meeting gave members of the local community their chance to have a say in shaping policy in coming years.
In addition, South Ayrshire Council has recently hosted a well attended meeting with representatives of the housebuilding industry to discuss future economic development and a growth strategy for South Ayrshire.
The lively group discussions, with housing developers, agents and Registered Social Landlords, generated some excellent feedback and comments.
Feedback, responses and ideas received at these events, and from the whole consultation process, will be used to shape the next stage in the preparation of the Local Development Plan for South Ayrshire.
Ideas and opinions are still welcome, but the consultation exercise on the Main Issues Report, which has been running since May, is due to finish on Monday 12 July, so time is running out.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure and Chair of the Local Development Plan Project Board, is stressing the importance of local people making their views known, before the deadline.
She said: "I'd urge anyone with an interest to download a copy of the Main Issues Report or go along to Council offices, libraries and other public locations to study it there.
"This is a significant opportunity to have a direct input into the shape and the future direction of local planning and development in South Ayrshire and covers issues such as housing, economic development and the transport infrastructure.
"The community events, which began in May, have focused on where planning policy change is required, as well as where future development should and should not take place and all opinions are welcome."
Councillor Toner concluded: "We've been delighted that so many people want to come forward and express their views, ideas and concerns on local planning policy and this has been extremely useful in helping us to set key priorities.
"South Ayrshire Council is eager that as many people as possible have their say on this important document and there's still just enough time for those views to be made known, but you will need to be quick."
Copies of the Main Issues Report can be downloaded from: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/planning
Written comments are welcome and should be sent, by 12 July 2010, to the Development Planning & Customers Team, Burns House, Burns Statue Square, Ayr, KA7 1UT or by e-mail to: localdevelopmentplans@south-ayrshire.gov.uk