10/05/2004

Leaflet answers planning application queries

Environment Minister, Angela Smith today issued a new leaflet which aims to answer questions about what documents and other matters the Planning Service considers when making planning decisions.

The leaflet contains advice about the hierarchy of documents that informs the planning process, from the high level Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland, to local design guides.

It also provides information on a range of other considerations, such as Human Rights legislation, that might need be taken into account when assessing building schemes.

Commenting on the leaflet, the Minister said: "This delivers another key action in the plan to modernise the planning processes, which I launched in February 2003.

"The leaflet seeks to promote greater public awareness of all the matters that need to be considered when planning applications are being assessed, as well as providing a better overall understanding of the decision-making process. It underlines my determination to create a more efficient planning process for the public."

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