The Welsh Assembly Government has announced that 2DPP Shape, part of Welsh planning consultancy DPP, has been appointed to draw up a new masterplan for the redevelopment of West Rhyl, Denbighshire.

Architects, urban designers and regeneration specialists will form part of a team that will be tasked with developing new proposals for the regeneration of the area to the west of Rhyl's town centre, including the creation of new green spaces and street refurbishment. Leighton Andrews, the Welsh deputy minister for regeneration, said: "DPP Shape will be carrying out a great deal of work to engage with local people to gauge their views and thoughts in order to develop an agreed vision to improve housing and the environment for Rhyl.

"The Masterplan will be developed through a community planning exercise and the involvement and buy- in of local people is absolutely vital for success and I hope as many people as possible will take advantage of this opportunity." Meanwhile, Denbighshire County Council (DCC) plans to launch an eight-week public consultation into the next stage of its Local Development Plan (LDP), which will start in October to gather views from local residents on development proposals for the county over the next 15 years.

DCC head of planning and public protection, Graham Boase, said: "The LDP takes into account a number of factors, including the impact of developments on the Welsh language and culture, protecting existing open space, enhancing and sustaining tourism in the rural and coastal areas of the county."