The Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs is stressing the importance of professional land use planning.

Minister Krista Lynn Howell says over half of municipalities in the province have municipal plans and development regulations, while other municipalities are working toward their first plans.

After meeting with the Professional Planners Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Howell says it is clear that land use planning is critical to the growth of communities.

She says her department will start working towards preparing Professional Planners legislation to help the association better self-regulate.