The members of Galway County Council have decided to hire their own planning consultant - at a cost of €305 each - because of their unhappiness with elements of the proposed county draft plan.
The plan proposes limitations on the construction of one-off houses in rural areas.
Councillors have hired their own consultant out of concern that the draft plan would force people in rural areas to move into towns and villages.
A total of 23 of the 30 elected members voiced their concerns when they attended a private meeting this week without any council officials being present. The resolution to hire a consultant was made across party lines.
"There is particular concern about the one-off housing issue," the Mayor of Galway, Mr Michael Regan, said.
"If there was such a rule 20 years ago, half the schools and churches in Co Galway would be closed by now.
"We cannot accept a rule which simply bans houses in rural areas."
• Last month the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, said he would investigate a number of planning refusals in Co Mayo.
Mr Fahey gave this commitment to members of the newly formed Rural Planning Action Committee, when he met them at a special meeting in Galway.