Published Monday, 09 January 2012
The process has been streamlined from three steps to two to make it easier to complain and "lead to speedier resolutions".
Mr Attwood said: "Planning is complex. The easier we make it for the public to navigate, the better.
"The winding up of the Planning Service and the integration of planning into the DoE has provided an excellent opportunity to introduce a more customer-focused and streamlined complaints procedure."
The minister explained how the changes would impact the complaints process.
"First, speed because the process will be short and therefore quicker.
"Secondly, certainty that people will know they may complain locally and then it can be referred to a higher level and thirdly I'm not ruling out - and I'm very much generally inclined - to building independence, or independent elements into complaints systems.
"That's what I'm going to look at next in terms of how best to have a complaints system fit for purpose for the planning service into the next 10 to 20 years," said Mr Attwood.
He added that many problems could be dealt with informally.
"The new procedure I am introducing is intended to manage more formal complaints which would normally be made in writing to the relevant Planning Officer," he added.
"Any complainant who still remains dissatisfied can ask an MLA to take the complaint to the Assembly Ombudsman."
Alliance environment spokesperson Anna Lo said: "I sincerely hope that these new procedures make it much easier and speedier for people to register their concerns about any plans.
"People deserve a strong say in planning as the issue can have such a massive impact on people's lives," the South Belfast MLA said.