ENFIELD Council is to start work on its key planning strategy for developing the borough.

The Unitary Development Plan, covering major planning issues such as transport and conservation, is about to undergo a lengthy review.

As part of the review, council planners are to undertake a vast consultation with residents for what they hope will become 'the People's Plan'.

The UDP document, last drawn up in 1994, examines the authority's broad strategy and vision as well as detailed policies, and acts as a bible to the borough's planning committee.

A council spokesman said: 'It has to be a people's plan because it affects all the residents in the borough.

'We believe people need a clear say about their environment.

'We want to take on board local residents' vision of Enfield.

'The council is committed to using new and different forms of consultation to try and engage people.'

The UDP will tackle a number of complex issues such as sustainable development, green belt land and conservation areas.

A council spokesman insisted that the authority remains committed to protecting green belt land.

He said: 'There will be very strong safeguards. Green belt development will be very constrained.'

The council is in the process of drawing up a timetable which would have to be approved by the Government Office for London.

A draft plan should be ready for January 2002 and the process will be completed two years later.

The council spokesman added: 'We do want as much consultation as possible. The UDP is vital to the borough so the process will be completely transparent.'

The council is looking to introduce new ways of consultation by utilising focus groups, the council's Citizens Panel and holding discussions with residents groups, community organisations and businesses.