Beggs welcomes announcement on new rural Planning Policy

Roy Beggs MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Spokesperson for the Environment has given a broad welcome to the Executive's agreement to bring forward a new Planning Policy to regulate development in the countryside. PPS 21 is set to replace the controversial PPS 14 which most rural dwellers considered to be too restrictive. Mr. Beggs has outlined his support for a more flexible policy that still maintains the fundamentals of sustainable development and environmental protection.

In a statement Mr. Beggs said.

"Whilst I have yet to learn all the details I broadly welcome the Executive's decision to move ahead with a replacement for PPS 14. And whilst I supported the general thrust of PPS 14 it was obvious that in some areas it was too restrictive. I understand this new planning policy will give the added flexibility needed whilst maintaining the fundamentals of sustainable development and environmental protection.

It is however, regrettable that it has taken so long to arrive at this outcome. There are currently over 2,000 applications waiting to be processed by planning authorities that will now be able to go ahead. In this difficult economic time it would have been better for the construction industry and the economy if the Executive had met sooner.

However, all parties must now support these reforms which represent a sensible compromise. I think PPS 21 as a solution will be broadly welcomed by rural dwellers, the construction industry and those of us committed to protecting Northern Ireland's rural environment".