PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns said the news that 1500 planning applications remain deferred as a result of PPS14 will add to the frustration felt by those in rural communities.  

He also called on the Minister for the Environment to introduce a replacement to PPS14 as soon as possible and to ensure the planning authorities have sufficient resources to clear the backlog.

He said: “This is a staggering amount of outstanding applications and will add to the ongoing difficulties faced by people living in rural areas.

“Young people in rural communities are already facing a frustrating future thanks to PPS14 and the news that 1500 applications have to be dealt with under a system that is already creaking will only add to their worries.

“The Minister needs to introduce a new policy as soon as possible.

“We were told this would have happened already but it is unacceptable for this situation to continue to drift.

“And as soon as any new policy is in place it is essential that the planning authorities are given the resources to deal with the backlog."

ENDS

29.05.08