Menu
01/12/2004
Tighter demolition planning controls introduced
Environment Minister Angela Smith has announced the introduction of major changes to planning controls regarding demolition of buildings in Northern Ireland.
The Minister said: “From today, planning permission is required for the demolition of any building within an Area of Townscape Character or an Area of Village Character.
“This is a major change for our planning system and underlines the great importance I attach to the protection of built heritage in Northern Ireland. There is also a consequent need to reinforce local identity in these areas. I want to ensure that sensitive planning controls will operate so that new building proposals respect the appearance and qualities of each area and do not detract from their distinctive character."
Accompanying these new controls on demolition in distinctive townscape areas, the Department of the Environment (DoE) has issued new draft planning policy for public comment.
The Minister said that the views of people living in such areas were particularly welcome as these would help inform the production of the final policy.
Article 18 of the Planning (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 brings demolition within the meaning of development for planning purposes.
While this Article became operational on December 1 this year for the moment only buildings in Areas of Townscape or Village Character will be subject to this new regime.
This is achieved by specifying in a departmental direction, under Article 11(2)(f) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, those buildings whose demolition does not come within the meaning of development for planning purposes and those buildings that do.
Those buildings whose demolition is already controlled such as historic monuments, listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas will continue to be subject to their specific control regimes.
The new policy to accompany this legislative change is contained in a Consultation Draft Addendum to Planning Policy Statement 6 ‘Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage’ entitled ‘Areas of Townscape Character’. This sets out the Planning Service policies for new development, the control of advertisements and demolition within Areas of Townscape and Village Character.
It aims to ensure that development proposals respect the appearance and qualities of each townscape area and maintain or enhance their distinctive character.
The DoE will be undertaking consultation on the Draft Addendum to PPS 6 for a period of four months ending on March 31, 2005.
(SP)
The Minister said: “From today, planning permission is required for the demolition of any building within an Area of Townscape Character or an Area of Village Character.
“This is a major change for our planning system and underlines the great importance I attach to the protection of built heritage in Northern Ireland. There is also a consequent need to reinforce local identity in these areas. I want to ensure that sensitive planning controls will operate so that new building proposals respect the appearance and qualities of each area and do not detract from their distinctive character."
Accompanying these new controls on demolition in distinctive townscape areas, the Department of the Environment (DoE) has issued new draft planning policy for public comment.
The Minister said that the views of people living in such areas were particularly welcome as these would help inform the production of the final policy.
Article 18 of the Planning (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 brings demolition within the meaning of development for planning purposes.
While this Article became operational on December 1 this year for the moment only buildings in Areas of Townscape or Village Character will be subject to this new regime.
This is achieved by specifying in a departmental direction, under Article 11(2)(f) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, those buildings whose demolition does not come within the meaning of development for planning purposes and those buildings that do.
Those buildings whose demolition is already controlled such as historic monuments, listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas will continue to be subject to their specific control regimes.
The new policy to accompany this legislative change is contained in a Consultation Draft Addendum to Planning Policy Statement 6 ‘Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage’ entitled ‘Areas of Townscape Character’. This sets out the Planning Service policies for new development, the control of advertisements and demolition within Areas of Townscape and Village Character.
It aims to ensure that development proposals respect the appearance and qualities of each townscape area and maintain or enhance their distinctive character.
The DoE will be undertaking consultation on the Draft Addendum to PPS 6 for a period of four months ending on March 31, 2005.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
21 November 2024
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
19 November 2024
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
15 November 2024
New £4.3m Grant To Boost Business Innovation
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has launched the Business Innovation Grant (BIG), a new £4.3 million initiative designed to stimulate innovation and enhance productivity among Northern Irish businesses. The scheme, developed by Invest Northern Ireland and delivered in partnership with Innovate NI, is open to micro-businesses, sole traders, and SMEs.
New £4.3m Grant To Boost Business Innovation
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has launched the Business Innovation Grant (BIG), a new £4.3 million initiative designed to stimulate innovation and enhance productivity among Northern Irish businesses. The scheme, developed by Invest Northern Ireland and delivered in partnership with Innovate NI, is open to micro-businesses, sole traders, and SMEs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
