The article is devoted to the issue of planning and implementation of urban environment development based on the development and application of master plans in the perspective of their introduction into the urban planning documentation. The text contains an analysis of the master plan from the point of view of a strategic document for the development of the territory. The author describes the composition and structure of the master plan, and also suggests improving the sequence of document development by introducing an additional stage. The importance of building a system of competent and effective territorial planning for the purpose of integrated and sustainable development of the territory is noted. In conclusion, the positive aspects of using master planning are given.