Local municipalities are being asked to review the County of Lambton's draft official plan.
The direction was given at county council's meeting in Wyoming Wednesday morning.
The document outlines county policy for land use as well as environmental, social and economic matters.
Lambton National Farmer's Union Board member Elizabeth Davis-Dagg believes the draft threatens private property rights.
"What they're giving themselves authority to do in this official plan is to actually require environmental impact statements for 120 m or 400 ft around woodlots, wetlands or bodies of water," says Davis-Dagg. "These environmental impact statements are quite onerous. I've heard costs between $10,000 and $50,000 depending on what the area is that's covered."
The farmers union had previously requested a third party review of the draft official plan.
A sub-committee comprised of county councillors and staff from the county's planning and development services department will report back to county council with recommendations February 1.
County council will then decide whether to approve the document or send it back for further revisions.
