Green Blog
08 February 2011
Interesting times for planning
For many people planning is unimaginably dull. But for me here in Northern Ireland it's actually quite exciting. No, really. It's a battleground of conflicting interests as progressive ideas clash with the status quo.
The idea that planning should be for the public good has never really caught on here. A potent mix of rebellious disregard for the authority of the state, and bulldog individuality means an attitude of, 'it's my property and I'll do what I like with it' prevails. So the dominant belief is that planning is burdensome red-tape that needs to be slashed.
We also have a highly developed, and vocal, community sector that wants to be involved in everything going on in its area. From their viewpoint planning is an important safeguard against inappropriate development.
In this battle of wills, the pro-development lobby usually wins.
But progress is being made. A reform of the planning system is under way. We have the opportunity to bring in some very radical ideas - like third party appeals, community infrastructure levies, and placing sustainable development at the heart of planning.
In following blogs I'll look at these ideas and planning reform in more detail. Is that a collective groan I hear?
There's a well know Chinese curse that goes 'May you live in interesting times'. Here in Northern Ireland we are living in interesting times, but for once it's a blessing.
- Declan Allison, Campaigns Team, Northern Ireland
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