Minister sets out rural design guide hopes

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today set out his vision for how a new design guide for homes in the countryside could be shaped.

During a discussion in Newcastle on the design guide involving rural organisations, housing associations, built heritage groups, farming leaders and architects, Mr Wilson said he would like to ensure people’s views were heard before it was commissioned.

The Minister told the workshop: “Often in my work, I hear about what people don’t want or don’t like about decisions which have already been made.

“So I want to make sure I hear people’s views about a design guide before it is commissioned.

“That’s why we are having today’s discussion. Today I am asking all of you to help me by telling me what you want from the design guide.

“I am interested in what you think good design is.

“Is it simply about looking good? Or is it also about working well?

“Is it enough for a house to look good in its environment, to sit comfortably in its surroundings and enhance the landscape?

“Or must it also enhance and support the lifestyles of its inhabitants through their lifetime?

Last November Mr Wilson published draft rural planning policy PPS21 on sustainable development in the countryside.

The draft policy replaced with immediate effect draft PPS14 which was introduced under Direct Rule and was also put out to consultation until March 31.

The Minister told the workshop draft PPS21 had thrown up a number of challenges in relation to design.

He noted: “It encourages the reuse and sympathetic conversion of existing buildings. It places new builds close to existing houses or other buildings or in the footprint of dwellings which are being replaced.

“This raises questions about the relationship between the old and the new. In our designs, we cannot ignore the challenges and opportunities offered by what is already there.

“Should we be limited to imitating the form or details of the older building? Or should we exploit the opportunities of new materials and techniques to design a new building which is valuable in its own right and which complements and flatters its older companion?

“Draft PPS 21 also allows clusters of houses in dispersed rural communities and to provide social rented and affordable housing.

“What are our ideas for these? Do they stem from suburban or even urban design experience? Or can we think confidently about new styles of clusters which are right for the countryside?”

Mr Wilson said ministers should not dictate or create successful design but should bring about the conditions for successful design to flourish.

He told the discussion forum: “The development of a new design guide is an important first step. We need to think carefully about the kind of guide we want, what it should cover and how it should be presented

“I would like to see the design guide completed within nine months of it being commissioned.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Environment Minister Sammy Wilson published draft PPS21 Sustainable Development in the Countryside with immediate effect and for consultation on 25 November 2008. Consultation closes on 31 March 2009.
2. Draft PPS 21 replaces draft PPS14 which was introduced under Direct Rule and which imposed a presumption against development outside settlements right across Northern Ireland.
3. Publication of the draft policy marked the culmination of a review of rural planning policy launched on 25 October 2007 by the previous Environment Minister, Arlene Foster.
4. The work of the review was carried forward by a subgroup of the Executive comprising the Ministers for Agriculture and Rural Development, Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Regional Development, Social Development and both Junior Ministers.
5. Draft PPS21 applies outside settlements across Northern Ireland except in Special Countryside Areas. These are exceptional landscapes, such as the High Mournes, stretches of the coast or lough shores, and certain views or vistas, wherein the quality of the landscape and unique amenity value is such that development should only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
6. During his statement to the Assembly, the Minister announced he had commissioned work on a new rural design guide.
7. Draft PPS21 and the Minister’s 25 November Assembly statement can be viewed online at the Planning Service Website or obtained from Draft PPS21 Consultation on 028 9025 7374.
8. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440.