Menu
16/12/2009
MLA 'Disappointed On Occupancy Impasse'
Northern Ireland's Planning Service, along with the country's lending institutions, have failed to reach any form of agreement on the issue of planning approvals that contain occupancy conditions, according to a South Down MLA.
Expressing disappointment, the SDLP's PJ Bradley said: "I am aware of a number of cases where planning permission has been granted on the grounds of special needs. These may be health related or work related needs considered as special circumstances.
"When the approval documentation is issued a clause is inserted that states that only the special needs applicant can reside in the property and this is where the difficulties arise.
"Lending institutions will not offer mortgage facilities to the applicant because of the more-or-less prohibitive clause.
"They as a body trust no one, they base their decisions on the assumption that the borrower will default on their payments. Should such an unlikely situation arise thus leading to repossession the lenders are legally unable to sell the property to anyone else because of the occupancy clause," he said.
Mr Bradley continued: "What I fail to understand is why the Planning Service is unable to come up with a form of words that would offset the perceived problem. The attitude of the lending institutions has the effect of rendering the approval to the status of a useless document.
"I have tried in vain to have the Minister for the Environment (Edwin Poots) address the issue but without success.
"It is now my intention to raise the matter on the floor of the Assembly in the hope that a better understanding of the issue can emerge and that the matter can be resolved."
(NS/BMcc)
Expressing disappointment, the SDLP's PJ Bradley said: "I am aware of a number of cases where planning permission has been granted on the grounds of special needs. These may be health related or work related needs considered as special circumstances.
"When the approval documentation is issued a clause is inserted that states that only the special needs applicant can reside in the property and this is where the difficulties arise.
"Lending institutions will not offer mortgage facilities to the applicant because of the more-or-less prohibitive clause.
"They as a body trust no one, they base their decisions on the assumption that the borrower will default on their payments. Should such an unlikely situation arise thus leading to repossession the lenders are legally unable to sell the property to anyone else because of the occupancy clause," he said.
Mr Bradley continued: "What I fail to understand is why the Planning Service is unable to come up with a form of words that would offset the perceived problem. The attitude of the lending institutions has the effect of rendering the approval to the status of a useless document.
"I have tried in vain to have the Minister for the Environment (Edwin Poots) address the issue but without success.
"It is now my intention to raise the matter on the floor of the Assembly in the hope that a better understanding of the issue can emerge and that the matter can be resolved."
(NS/BMcc)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
Ministers Recognise Work Of US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy
The First Minister and deputy First Minister has thanked U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III, for his contribution to furthering economic links with the U.S. The Special Envoy is in Belfast for a series of events marking his term in office.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
04 January 2018
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
23 April 2013
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
29 April 2010
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
-
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.
