24/07/2008
No Cross-Party Agreement On PPS14, Says Minister
Restrictions on building in rural areas look set to form another obstacle for the Stormont Executive, after Environment Minister Sammy Wilson conceded the controversial issue was unlikely to gain cross-party agreement.
Former DOE Minister Arlene Foster had outlined greater limits on rural developments, after the PPS14 building restrictions were ruled unlawful by the High Court last year.
Ms Foster recommended tighter restrictions in greenbelt areas, as well as the formation of clusters of affordable housing.
However, Mr Wilson has claimed the Executive cannot find a unilateral solution.
He said: "Primarily the SDLP and Sinn Féin feel that they want to have a far, far more relaxed policy."
"A policy which to be quite frank would be far more relaxed than the policy which Lord Rooker had to bring an end to because it had led to 14,000 successful applications in two years," added the Minister.
PPS14 clamps down on single rural dwelling, but now requires government attention after being defeated in the High Court in September 2007.
It was deemed unlawful as the restriction fell out of the remit of the Department of Regional Development, who introduced the guideline.
A High Court judge later ruled the law would not be overturned but it is due to be reviewed.
(PR/JM)
Former DOE Minister Arlene Foster had outlined greater limits on rural developments, after the PPS14 building restrictions were ruled unlawful by the High Court last year.
Ms Foster recommended tighter restrictions in greenbelt areas, as well as the formation of clusters of affordable housing.
However, Mr Wilson has claimed the Executive cannot find a unilateral solution.
He said: "Primarily the SDLP and Sinn Féin feel that they want to have a far, far more relaxed policy."
"A policy which to be quite frank would be far more relaxed than the policy which Lord Rooker had to bring an end to because it had led to 14,000 successful applications in two years," added the Minister.
PPS14 clamps down on single rural dwelling, but now requires government attention after being defeated in the High Court in September 2007.
It was deemed unlawful as the restriction fell out of the remit of the Department of Regional Development, who introduced the guideline.
A High Court judge later ruled the law would not be overturned but it is due to be reviewed.
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 October 2002
Nesbitt lifts planning restrictions caused by sewage problems
Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt has confirmed that widespread planning restrictions caused by sewage problems across Northern Ireland have been lifted. The Minister informed the Executive on Monday of his department's decision and said that after analysing the problems, a way forward had been found.
Nesbitt lifts planning restrictions caused by sewage problems
Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt has confirmed that widespread planning restrictions caused by sewage problems across Northern Ireland have been lifted. The Minister informed the Executive on Monday of his department's decision and said that after analysing the problems, a way forward had been found.
18 October 2010
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
28 October 2022
Remaining Visitor Restrictions To Be Lifted
All remaining visitor restrictions in NI's hospitals and hospices are to be lifted on 31 October, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
Remaining Visitor Restrictions To Be Lifted
All remaining visitor restrictions in NI's hospitals and hospices are to be lifted on 31 October, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
03 February 2022
First Minister Paul Givan Expected To Announce Resignation
The First Minister Paul Givan is planning to resign his position, as part of the DUPs "protest against the Protocol".
First Minister Paul Givan Expected To Announce Resignation
The First Minister Paul Givan is planning to resign his position, as part of the DUPs "protest against the Protocol".
03 October 2005
Government unveils renewable energy recommendations
Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Jeff Rooker has launched a consultation on recommendations for a Renewable Energy Policy. Speaking at the launch of 'Recommendations to DARD for a Renewable Energy Policy' the Minister said Government had set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% from the 1990 level within the next five years.
Government unveils renewable energy recommendations
Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Jeff Rooker has launched a consultation on recommendations for a Renewable Energy Policy. Speaking at the launch of 'Recommendations to DARD for a Renewable Energy Policy' the Minister said Government had set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% from the 1990 level within the next five years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.