News
9th April 09
4/9/2009
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has branded as "unhelpful" the reluctance of Planning Service’s policy staff to meet with a delegation of architects and planning agents to discuss a number of concerns regarding the reformulation of the replacement
Elliott Criticises PPS21 Policy Team Over Unwillingness to Meet
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has branded as “unhelpful” the reluctance of Planning Service’s policy staff to meet with a delegation of architects and planning agents to discuss a number of concerns regarding the reformulation of the replacement for Draft PPS14.
In a statement the Fermanagh and South Tyrone assemblyman said: “The introduction of Draft PPS14 without consultation and with its raft of draconian, knee jerk reaction policies was damaging to the rural communities it sought to protect.
“The replacement of this now discredited policy, Draft PPS21 is an improvement but is by no means perfect hence the level of interest in the recent period of consultation and my desire to ensure that we as policy makers get it right this time.”
Tom continued by adding: “I along with several of my UUP colleagues have facilitated a number of meetings to engage directly with architects and planning agents to gauge the opinions of these key practitioners within the planning system. Although Planning Service have conducted a formal consultation on Draft PPS 21, and have held a number of road shows on the issue I had felt that some further direct contact was required between those charged with redrafting the policy and those who would be expected to work within its boundaries on the ground.
“My efforts to facilitate such a meeting have however been rebuked by the policy team.”
In conclusion Tom added: “I feel strongly that this further direct contact is vital to ensure that what replaces Draft PPS21actually makes a positive difference in rural
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