Archived press release

It's time for a root and branch rebuilding of the planning system not a rushed through Planning Bill

14 December 2010

Rushing through the Planning Bill will be bad for Northern Ireland, in the same way as  rushing through planning applications is bad for communities and the environment, Friends of the Earth said today (14 Dec 2010).

Friends of the Earth believes the Planning Bill, being discussed in the Assembly, goes nowhere near far enough.  The campaigning group claims good ideas are in danger of not  being discussed and fundamental problems ignored.

Friends of the Earth has set out three tests for the planning shake-up:

• Sustainable  development: all development must actively contribute to reducing carbon emissions, developing  the low carbon economy and restoring nature in Northern Ireland
• People power: all people must have a meaningful say in decisions both about their local area and about developments which shape Northern Ireland's entire future
• Transparency: we need to establish clear codes of conduct, protocols and rules to protect communities from inappropriate political interference

Friends of the Earth Director, James Orr said:

"We should not allow planning to be devolved to local authorities without having in place rules of good governance and good ethics.  At the very least we need a code of conduct for councillors before we consider devolving planning powers to local councils.

It is time to rebuild the planning system not reform it .  More than ever, we need a fair planning system able to build an energy secure, wildlife-rich and low-carbon future for Northern Ireland."

Friends of the Earth believes the draft Planning Bill:

• Does not  support the renewables industry by providing coherent planning for major infrastructure;
• Will not re-direct the planning system to create a cleaner greener Northern Ireland;
• Does not mention third party rights of appeal; and
• Provides no new  opportunities to stop out of town shopping centres and damaging incinerators.

James Orr continued:

"Planning has too often been a rigged game played out by developers and some politicians where the big guys win.  We don't want more of the same but a fundamental change in the purpose and ethics of the system, recognising first and foremost that it exists to serve the public interest.  A proper planning system holds the key to assisting communities with their aspirations, controlling damaging development and allowing planned change to happen.

The Government should be using planning reform to prove that it can meet the challenges of the new low carbon economy and restore biodiversity."

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust