A plebiscite posted to 56,000 ratepayers recently has returned more than 2000 positive responses.

The proposed changes take planning powers from local government and increase the role of private certifiers.

"We have received no negative comments at all," Mayor Sonya Phillips said.

"There is an inherent conflict of interest as private certifiers are employed by the developer and naturally act in their own commercial interest instead of the public interest."

Cr Phillips said Planning Minister Frank Sartor intends to have 50per cent of development applications up to $1million in value approved by private certifiers .

"Community involvement in having a say on objectionable developments will be non-existent," she said.

"The issues we face here are whether local communities trust their council or the State Government to play by the rules in granting approvals and certifying construction standards. Why risk it?

"Support the opinion poll now being distributed among Baulkham Hills Shire ratepayers.

"I urge the community to insist that local councils retain planning control in their area."

Blacktown and Holroyd councils are to follow Baulkham Hills' poll plan.