Menu
02/11/2007
Apartment Blight Targeted By Minister
Developers who buy the gardens of existing homes to cram in houses or apartments are being targeted by fresh guidelines.
Environment Minister Arlene Foster said she recognised the "public concern on this matter" and, pending the outcome of a policy consideration, planners had been issued with a new circular on the need to preserve the character of neighbourhoods.
News of the guidelines has emerged amid mounting concern at cramming and garden grabbing – which can prove irresistible to homeowners who find that their house and garden is worth many hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The Province's policy on developing brownfield sites - which at present includes gardens - is set to be changed in line with a similar policy in Great Britain.
Politicians across the UK have been pushing to change this designation so that gardens are not considered brownfield.
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo – who lodged written questions to the minister in the Assembly – claims the practice, and a general trend of over- development, is rife in her constituency area and wants to see it tackled - starting with a change in policy.
Ms Foster said she recognised the "public concern on this matter," and said that pending the outcome of the policy consideration by a joint group of officials within both the Department of the Environment and the Department for Regional Development, she had asked some months ago that all Planning Service staff be reminded of the need to consider fully the impact on the established residential character when processing applications for new residential development.
"To this end a planning circular on the assessment of planning applications for residential development in urban areas, villages and other small settlements was issued to
Planning Service operational staff in August 2007."
Ms Lo welcomed Mrs Foster's circular but said policy "needs to go a lot further" to stop over development in residential areas.
She said she wanted to see "restricted planning permission for apartments," to kerb developers aiming at the buy-to-rent market.
(BMcC)
Environment Minister Arlene Foster said she recognised the "public concern on this matter" and, pending the outcome of a policy consideration, planners had been issued with a new circular on the need to preserve the character of neighbourhoods.
News of the guidelines has emerged amid mounting concern at cramming and garden grabbing – which can prove irresistible to homeowners who find that their house and garden is worth many hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The Province's policy on developing brownfield sites - which at present includes gardens - is set to be changed in line with a similar policy in Great Britain.
Politicians across the UK have been pushing to change this designation so that gardens are not considered brownfield.
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo – who lodged written questions to the minister in the Assembly – claims the practice, and a general trend of over- development, is rife in her constituency area and wants to see it tackled - starting with a change in policy.
Ms Foster said she recognised the "public concern on this matter," and said that pending the outcome of the policy consideration by a joint group of officials within both the Department of the Environment and the Department for Regional Development, she had asked some months ago that all Planning Service staff be reminded of the need to consider fully the impact on the established residential character when processing applications for new residential development.
"To this end a planning circular on the assessment of planning applications for residential development in urban areas, villages and other small settlements was issued to
Planning Service operational staff in August 2007."
Ms Lo welcomed Mrs Foster's circular but said policy "needs to go a lot further" to stop over development in residential areas.
She said she wanted to see "restricted planning permission for apartments," to kerb developers aiming at the buy-to-rent market.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 April 2014
Public Urged To Shape Planning Policy
The public has been urged to contribute their views to help shape the new planning policy framework. In February, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan launched a public consultation on the single Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS), described as "a clear expression of how the new planning system will work.
Public Urged To Shape Planning Policy
The public has been urged to contribute their views to help shape the new planning policy framework. In February, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan launched a public consultation on the single Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS), described as "a clear expression of how the new planning system will work.
04 February 2014
NI Planning To Adopt 'Town Centres First' Policy
The Department of the Environment has said Northern Ireland's planning system could be reformed to adopt a "town centres first" policy. Environment Minister Mark Durkan has announced a 12-week public consultation on issues such as building in the countryside, tourism, transport, telecommunications and housing.
NI Planning To Adopt 'Town Centres First' Policy
The Department of the Environment has said Northern Ireland's planning system could be reformed to adopt a "town centres first" policy. Environment Minister Mark Durkan has announced a 12-week public consultation on issues such as building in the countryside, tourism, transport, telecommunications and housing.
05 May 2011
Residents Alarmed Over City Runway Plans
East Belfast residents have expressed alarm at a draft planning policy document which they said could pave the way for George Best Belfast City Airport to be permitted its long-sought runway extension.
Residents Alarmed Over City Runway Plans
East Belfast residents have expressed alarm at a draft planning policy document which they said could pave the way for George Best Belfast City Airport to be permitted its long-sought runway extension.
01 February 2010
'Flawed' Planning Process Criticised
Judgement in a case that will have far-reaching implications for the planning process in NI is not expected to be delivered until a later date.
'Flawed' Planning Process Criticised
Judgement in a case that will have far-reaching implications for the planning process in NI is not expected to be delivered until a later date.
22 September 2021
£15m Investment In NI Farming Industry
The farming sector in NI is set to benefit from an investment of £15 million, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced. Speaking to key industry stakeholders at a reception at the Balmoral Show, Minister Poots said the extra cash would be paid out next month.
£15m Investment In NI Farming Industry
The farming sector in NI is set to benefit from an investment of £15 million, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced. Speaking to key industry stakeholders at a reception at the Balmoral Show, Minister Poots said the extra cash would be paid out next month.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
