Wilson reflects on a significant year for planning
Tuesday, 30 June 2009On his final day as Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson took stock of his year in post reflecting on the many changes he has successfully driven through in relation to planning.
Minister Wilson said: “When I took over the reins as Environment Minister, my chief aim was to carry forward the positive momentum for change, reform and improvement of the planning process.
“I made concerted efforts to steer change that was within my control, and have continued to take proposals for longer-term reform to the Executive.
“Reforms that I have implemented with the aid of Planning Service officials are designed to make a significant contribution during these challenging times for the benefit of all, not least the construction industry.
“By speeding up the planning process, my aim was to ensure that planning applications were not hindered. This in turn encourages inward investment, promotes local developers and provides the opportunity for much needed jobs.”
The Minister referred to the introduction of a number of short-term reforms to improve the speed of processing applications and the predictability of outcomes.
He commented: “The Streamlined Council Consultation Scheme is an excellent example of this in action having reduced approval decisions to an average of just 24 days for non-contentious small to medium-sized development proposals.
“With the speedier implementation of applications, the resultant economic and social benefits can be enjoyed more quickly. This is apparent in Ballymoney Rugby Football Club where an application to approve the extension of facilities took just four weeks. This quick turnaround enabled the Club to benefit from funding received from the Sports Council, which may otherwise have been lost.”
The Minister cited the establishment of two multi-disciplinary Strategic Project teams as another reform which benefits all of Northern Ireland. These teams focus specifically on large scale applications of social or economic significance (known as Article 31’s). A decision or recommendation was made on 25 of these Article 31 cases this year. Many of these were processed within six months, an achievement which is proof that they are working successfully.
These projects will not only bring vital services and regeneration to many areas of the province but significant investment such as the new Acute Hospital in Enniskillen (£250million), the Titanic Quarter Signature project (£90million) and more recently the new factory for Bombardier (part of an overall £520million investment).
The Minister also recognised the benefits of the Pre-Application Discussion process that has resulted in speedier processing and decision making. By engaging all the relevant stakeholders at the pre application stage, this has significantly increased the quality of applications to facilitate a quicker turnaround.
As a result of these changes the Planning Service has achieved many of its key business targets which translate directly into a better service to individual customers and the community at large.
Whilst economy is vital during this harsh climate, protection of the environment for future generations and the promotion of sustainability remain crucial factors in decision making.
Mr Wilson said: “In December 2008 I had the privilege of being given a personal tour of Poundbury, in Dorset, by HRH the Prince of Wales. This gave me the opportunity to see at first-hand how public spaces, use of local building styles, and mixed use neighbourhoods can provide people with a high quality urban environment.
“Sustainability and the economy are not mutually exclusive and it was great to see what can be achieved when the private and public sector work together with these key components in mind.
“In February past, I supported the RSPB/RTPI sustainable Planning Awards. These celebrated the best in innovative environmental design, and signalled a desire for more sustainability based design and investment.
“My recent announcement to approve the company Lafarge’s ambitious plans to build a £100million harbour eco-village on the site of a derelict cement works and quarry in Magheramorne, near Larne, was therefore particularly exciting. This development looks set to encapsulate the elements of sustainable design and could be a Poundbury in the making for Northern Ireland.”
Mr Wilson went on to review his work on policy framework and creating the stimulus to bring about positive change to Northern Ireland. This included two statements to the assembly to ensure that the planning system plays a full and positive role in encouraging investment. As Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson also introduced the draft PPS 21 which has had a measured and positive impact on the approval of single households in the countryside.
The Minister said: “The Planning Service has worked tirelessly to help bring these changes, most recently introducing a number of documented procedural changes that have involved all the stakeholders in the planning system, which have been designed to provide clarity and guidance in the planning system, and more importantly promote a speedy, efficient and transparent Planning System for Northern Ireland.”
Mr Wilson concluded: “As I look forward to my new brief, I am pleased to note the very positive impact that the Planning Service has delivered over the last year. Many of the outcomes are the result of the short-term reform measures put in place since my colleague, Arlene Foster, announced in November 2007 a wide-ranging reform of the Planning System under the Review of Public Administration.
“My reform proposals are currently with the Executive, and I am confident that the proposals will further contribute to developing a planning system which will meet future needs. No doubt there is a lot of hard work ahead to bring longer-term reform into reality, but, as anyone knows, anything worthwhile is worth the effort.”
Notes to Editors:
- For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 02890 540014 or out of office hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
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