UUP welcomes overturn on PPS 14
Ulster Unionist Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott today welcomed the decision in the courts to overturn the controversial PPS 14 ruling which affects planning and development in rural areas.
In a statement Mr Elliott said,
“I always felt that Lord Rooker’s decision to impose PPS 14 was akin to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It was an affront to rural communities and an insult to local government decision makers who ultimately have their areas best interests at heart.
Nobody wants to see a mushrooming of properties in our countryside but equally imposing an effective blanket ban is no solution. The right balance has to be struck and this proposal did not offer any balance.
We want to protect the countryside from random and unsightly development whilst allowing for sustainable development and the enrichment of rural communities. Many are already feeling isolated as it is with school and post office closures.
It will be up to the Assembly and Executive to find a middle way that ensures that country people have an opportunity to build within certain parameters whilst the unique beauty that our countryside offers is protected and has integrity.”