Høringsmateriale

Høringsmateriale is material prepared by a public authority, a municipality, or a project sponsor to inform and invite input during a public consultation phase of a decision-making process. It typically includes a concrete proposal or plan (such as a zoning plan, regulatory change, or policy draft), background information, problem description, and descriptions of alternatives. Supporting documents often comprise impact assessments, data tables, maps, technical reports, and a draft decision or regulation.

The purpose of høringsmateriale is to provide transparent information that helps stakeholders understand potential consequences and to gather comments, questions, and suggestions before a final decision is made. It enables the public, organizations, businesses, and other interested parties to influence the outcome and to ensure that various perspectives are considered.

Distribution and format vary, but høringsmateriale is usually published for a defined consultation period (for example, several weeks) on official websites and through other local channels, such as libraries or public offices. Responses to the material, known as høringssvar, are collected and reviewed by the authority. After the consultation, the authority may revise the proposal and publish a summary of received feedback and the final decision.

Legal and institutional context is country-specific but broadly locates høringsmateriale within open governance and participatory planning processes. Accessibility, clarity, and timely dissemination are emphasized, with emphasis on ensuring that the material is comprehensible to non-specialists and available in necessary languages or formats. Examples include municipal master plans, regulatory amendments, environmental impact statements, and major procurement or infrastructure proposals.