Allister points a way ahead for PPS 14 debacle
10 September 2007
Jim Allister who, as a lawyer, had years of experience in planning law has entered the PPS 14 debate and suggested the way ahead is to have necessary restrictions across the Province but, critically, with special provision for the children of established rural dwellers.
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:-
“With the judicial declaration that PPS 14 is unlawful, it is obvious that it cannot and should not be taken into account in evaluating planning applications. Likewise, a mechanism must be swiftly put in place to review rejection decisions based upon the now defunct PPS 14. This should be a priority for DOE.
In terms of the future, we certainly can’t afford a free-for-all in the countryside, which would be a danger outside policy areas, or green belts, which are mostly in the east of the Province. There must be geographical equality in any new policy, with concessions equally applicable to those living within policy areas.
I believe the way ahead is to major on the introduction of a “kinship” exception, so that the families of established rural dwellers, where they have enough land to provide a site, can build, but with an enforceable penalty clause to prevent profit-making through early sale. This would be in addition to the existing exceptions pertaining to necessary farm dwellings.
The people who have really hurt, under the restraint of policy areas and who were feeling the pinch under PPS14, are the sons and daughters of farmers and genuine rural dwellers. It is these people, not the profiteers, who deserve consideration. Hence, the merit in developing a “kinship” exception in any even-handed restriction on building in the countryside.”
