MORE planning problems for Jim Wells, who single-handedly constitutes the DUP’s environmental wing. Today (sadly, not online), he highlights how developers are bypassing the Planning Service exploiting a loophole and going almost directly to the Planning Appeals Commission to get applications approved.
The PAC is seen as more sympathetic to developers, and there is no right to appeal its decisions. Even making a case to the PAC can be an expensive business for members of the public who object to planning applications.
The News Letter reports: [Jim Wells] said that developers appealing directly to the Planning Appeals Commission intentionally bypass the democratic input into applications.
“Once these apeals go to the PAC there is no council discussion of an application,” he said.
“No meetings with residents and no site meetings with elected officials and stakeholders.
“All these checks and balances are essential for balanced democratic decisions.
“Developers can also afford to employ consultants, architects and lawyers to act on their behalf at the PAC hearing but the man in the street who has objections can’t afford any of that.
“That is why the statistics show the PAC makes far more decisions in favour of developers than residents.
“And that is why developers are so keen to bypass the normal planning procedures at the earliest opportunity.”
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With civil servants on strike, causing delays to applications processed by the Planning Service, developers will no doubt feel justified in going straight to the PAC at the present time.
In other planning news, the lignite mine proposals for Ballymoney appear to have been abandoned after massive public opposition.
And finally, the Irish News reports that a row of B1 listed houses in Newcastle “no longer meet the criteria” for listed buildings, according to the Environmental and Heritage Service, thereby removing protection.
No doubt some property developer is already rubbing his hands together at the prospect of more soulless apartments on the Co Down coast.
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