Coulter Calls For Uniform Planning Rules

A North Antrim assemblyman has called on the three councils in his constituency to adopt a united front on building regulations.

MLA Robert Coulter made his call after receiving an assurance from the Minister for Finance and Personnel that there must be consistency across all councils in Northern Ireland .

The UUP member and Stormont Commissioner, Dr Coulter (pictured) said: "I asked the Minister in the Stormont Chamber what measures are in place to ensure that there is uniformity of practice between councils in matters of building regulation, and how does the Department oversee that uniformity?

"In his response, the Minister said his Department's role in this matter is to propose regulations, which are passed by the Assembly in subordinate legislation; they set out the context and framework within which all the work has to happen.

"The Minister told me it is then up to councils and others who are charged with enforcement and regulation to interpret them."

He insisted it is "vitally important" there is consistency between councils across the board.

"I was pleased to hear the Minister say the review of public administration should make that work easier and more consistent across Northern Ireland," said the Ulster Unionist assemblyman.

"I was equally pleased by the Minister's assurance that this important issue which I raised about consistency of application would be drawn to the attention of the appropriate officials in his Department," added Dr Coulter.

(PR/BMcc)