Consultation on a planning blueprint for Bermuda will end in March, Walter Roban, the home affairs minister, announced today.

The draft Bermuda Plan was published in December and after the consultation period will go to a tribunal to be finalised.

Mr Roban told the House of Assembly: “Once the plan is finished, we intend to fulfil our Throne Speech commitment to introduce legislation to protect the designation of the island’s important conservation and agricultural areas and open spaces.”

In the inaugural Throne Speech, the Progressive Labour Party pledged to “identify the open spaces that must be protected for generations to come”, and bring legislation that would “take this protection beyond ministerial discretion”.

The Bermuda Plan will also dovetail with plans for local food production and community gardens, and the use of open spaces for recreation, Mr Roban said.

Public consultation is to wrap up on March 15.

•To read the minister’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”.