Archived press release

Progress in planning

28 October 2005

Environmentalists welcomed three measures in the Government's proposals for new planning laws announced today [1].

The draft legislation contains a commitment to involve communities in planning issues in their local areas. John Woods, Northern Ireland Director of Friends of the Earth said:

"The new 'Statements of Community Involvement' oblige Planning Service to set out in detail how and when local communities and others will be involved in the planning process. This is a vital means of moving towards a fairer, open and more inclusive planning system".

Activists also welcomed a new legal duty to promote sustainable development. John Woods commented:

"In future the planners' key objective will be to contribute to sustainable development. This means that environmental and social issues will no longer come a poor second to economic development considerations. While much will depend on new planning guidance yet to be published, this is a fundamental shift in Government policy and has been one of Friends of the Earth's key demands."

Environmental and community activists [2] were also celebrating the fact that they have successfully defended the right of individuals to be heard at inquiries into development plans. Earlier proposals from Government had suggested withdrawing this right in order to speed up the planning process. John Woods said:

"Government had threatened to deprive citizens of a fundamental right to be heard in the name of efficiency. We made it clear to Planning Service that such basic rights are not negotiable and they have wisely had second thoughts."

Notes

[1] DOE press release today

[2] Friends of the Earth have been working with Community Technical Aid, RSPB, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and others on rights in planning issues.

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: [email protected]

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust