The Welsh Government has set up a review of how planning services should be delivered in Wales as a prelude to new legislation.
The "independent" review will be conducted by a group appointed by ministers and chaired by former Planning Inspectorate Welsh director John Davies.
The other members will be announced shortly.
"The Welsh Government has made significant progress improving the planning system," said environment and sustainable development minister John Griffiths.
"Since devolution, national planning policies have been put in place to reflect our commitment to deliver sustainable development, economic renewal and affordable homes. To assist delivery at local level, a new local development plan system has been introduced. Work is also underway to improve the planning application process."
He said he wanted to ensure everyone with an interest in planning feeds in their views and for those views to be considered before the Welsh Government brings forward a planning white paper during 2013."
The Welsh Government is already committed to a Planning Bill to consolidate existing legislation and says it wants to make the system more transparent and accessible.
The review will report by June and will recommend a preferred approach, what legislation would be needed and an assessment of resources required.
