Menu
07/10/2009
'Gerrymandering' Fears On Planning
Planning issues could be hindered by the review of Northern Ireland's local authorities, it has been claimed.
Foyle assemblywoman Mary Bradley suggested the reallocation of council areas could lead to unbalanced political representation, or "gerrymandering".
The SDLP MLA said the boundaries agreed by Stormont will see more than 100,000 nationalists moved into predominantly unionist council areas, after the Review of Public Administration is implemented.
Mrs Bradley has tabled an Assembly question to the Environment Minister Edwin Poots, asking for assurances the reformed planning policy will contain a strong governance framework.
She said this is necessary to ensure that, where one political party dominates a given council, this party will not have undue influence over planning decisions.
"There is a real danger that because of new council boundaries agreed by Sinn Fein and DUP, many nationalists will be moved into unionist controlled councils," said the MLA.
"This raises further concerns that after the reform of the planning policy, councils dominated by a particular council will be unduly influenced in planning decisions.
"Three out of 26 councils that are currently, or will be, under nationalist majority are going to be under unionist control because of that deal.
"No council areas will be moving from majority unionist control to majority nationalist control."
Ms Bradley added: "The SDLP will work hard to ensure that the planning system is not open to abuse from this gerrymandering and I call on the Environment Minister to make clear those assurances."
(PR/KMcA)
Foyle assemblywoman Mary Bradley suggested the reallocation of council areas could lead to unbalanced political representation, or "gerrymandering".
The SDLP MLA said the boundaries agreed by Stormont will see more than 100,000 nationalists moved into predominantly unionist council areas, after the Review of Public Administration is implemented.
Mrs Bradley has tabled an Assembly question to the Environment Minister Edwin Poots, asking for assurances the reformed planning policy will contain a strong governance framework.
She said this is necessary to ensure that, where one political party dominates a given council, this party will not have undue influence over planning decisions.
"There is a real danger that because of new council boundaries agreed by Sinn Fein and DUP, many nationalists will be moved into unionist controlled councils," said the MLA.
"This raises further concerns that after the reform of the planning policy, councils dominated by a particular council will be unduly influenced in planning decisions.
"Three out of 26 councils that are currently, or will be, under nationalist majority are going to be under unionist control because of that deal.
"No council areas will be moving from majority unionist control to majority nationalist control."
Ms Bradley added: "The SDLP will work hard to ensure that the planning system is not open to abuse from this gerrymandering and I call on the Environment Minister to make clear those assurances."
(PR/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 September 2016
Belfast Bike Scheme Wins At Cycle Planning Awards
The Coca-Cola Zero Belfast Bikes scheme has been named 'Best Integrated Community Hub or Cycle Scheme' at the annual Cycle Planning Awards, held in London. The bike hire scheme was launched by Belfast City Council in April 2015 and so far has attracted more than 4,000 annual subscribers.
Belfast Bike Scheme Wins At Cycle Planning Awards
The Coca-Cola Zero Belfast Bikes scheme has been named 'Best Integrated Community Hub or Cycle Scheme' at the annual Cycle Planning Awards, held in London. The bike hire scheme was launched by Belfast City Council in April 2015 and so far has attracted more than 4,000 annual subscribers.
11 August 2011
Scenic Mourne's Coastal Towns Set For Fillip
A strategic plan for the regeneration of three picturesque towns on Northern Ireland's south east coast has been unveiled. A well-known consultancy, URS Scott Wilson, has been chosen to produce the plan that will take around 12 months to produce.
Scenic Mourne's Coastal Towns Set For Fillip
A strategic plan for the regeneration of three picturesque towns on Northern Ireland's south east coast has been unveiled. A well-known consultancy, URS Scott Wilson, has been chosen to produce the plan that will take around 12 months to produce.
26 August 2009
Developer Committed To Monastery Apartments
The developer behind an ambitious Dublin apartment scheme, on the site of a former monastery, has said it will push ahead with the proposals if full planning permission is granted. Twinlite said it intends to build the project at Mount Argus provided the planning appeals board gives it the green light.
Developer Committed To Monastery Apartments
The developer behind an ambitious Dublin apartment scheme, on the site of a former monastery, has said it will push ahead with the proposals if full planning permission is granted. Twinlite said it intends to build the project at Mount Argus provided the planning appeals board gives it the green light.
18 November 2011
Elliott Highlights UUP Role In PfG Strategy
There has been further reaction to yesterday's publication of draft Programme for Government (PfG) at Stormont. The Ulster Unionist Leader Tom Elliott has given his reaction: "The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) was foremost in calling for the agreed Programme for Government.
Elliott Highlights UUP Role In PfG Strategy
There has been further reaction to yesterday's publication of draft Programme for Government (PfG) at Stormont. The Ulster Unionist Leader Tom Elliott has given his reaction: "The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) was foremost in calling for the agreed Programme for Government.
22 July 2015
Council Launches Community Planning Consultations
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has organised a series of community engagement sessions to take place across the area to give local communities the opportunity to shape a Community Plan for public services in the new Council area. The first event will be held on 27 July in Dromara Hall from 7-9pm.
Council Launches Community Planning Consultations
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has organised a series of community engagement sessions to take place across the area to give local communities the opportunity to shape a Community Plan for public services in the new Council area. The first event will be held on 27 July in Dromara Hall from 7-9pm.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
