NI News In Brief

No Skyscrapers For Belfast?

Announcing the details in advance of the Tall Buildings Conference, Arlene Foster, Minister of the Environment, has said that her intention is to provide design guidelines that will advise developers and the general public. She said the guidelines will also assist Planning Service in its assessment of development proposals that include taller buildings. Commenting, the Minister said: "There is an increasing trend in the demand for development to go higher than has previously been the case. Tall buildings can have an immense impact on our landscape, and my announcement will ensure that a more strategic approach is taken to this issue. The new guidelines will also ensure that proposals are not simply considered and determined on a purely ad-hoc basis. The guidelines will be a useful tool in helping to shape the form of development in Belfast over the forthcoming years." The Minister pointed out that the guidelines produced will be complementary to the urban design policy framework that is emerging through the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan. In light of this the Department of the Environment will be seeking the assistance of urban design consultants and will also be seeking relevant views through an appropriate consultation process.

Fire Bombers Hit Sports Shop

The PSNI has urged business owners to check their premises for firebombs after two devices were discovered in a store in Belfast city centre yesterday. Army bomb experts dealt with one incendiary bomb at JJB Sports in Royal Avenue yesterday afternoon and police revealed another device, which had not detonated, had been found. It is believed the initial device went off during the early hours of yesterday morning, but was spotted just before 2pm yesterday. Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers blamed dissident republicans for the attack.

Asbestos Women To Be Compensated

Recognising that between 40 and 50 people die annually in NI from mesothelioma - caused by asbestos - Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has introduced a mesothelioma compensation Bill to Stormont - which then passed its second stage towards legislation this week. Ms Richie said the bill was breaking new ground by extending payments to all sufferers as some women contracted mesothelioma from washing their husband's asbestos work clothes - and are now to be entitled to compensation under the new Bill.

Building Society Probe Document Find

A probe has been launched after documents containing names and mortgage details of Leeds Building Society customers were found by a group of young people waiting for a taxi on a Belfast city centre street. While the company said it was not possible to identify specific individuals from the papers, an investigation has begun.

Drink-Rider Inquest

A County Antrim man who died in a motorcycle crash after the North West 200 race last year was over the legal drink-drive limit, an inquest has heard. Trevor Connor, 39, from Ballymoney and his girlfriend Sadie McClarty, 36, were both killed instantly when the bike crashed into cars. The accident happened between Coleraine and Portstewart on 12 May 2007. A toxicology report found that Mr Connor was three-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit. The inquest into their deaths was held at Ballymena Courthouse

(BMcC)