Area Plans (Hansard, 1 February 1999)

§ Mr. McGrady
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial and staff resources will be provided to the Planning Agency to undertake work on the area plan for Newry and Mourne; and when work will commence on it. [67752]

§ Mr. Paul Murphy
Responsibility for these issues has been delegated to the Planning Service under its chief executive, Mr. T. W. Stewart. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from T. W. Stewart to Mr. Eddie McGrady, dated 29 January 1999: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the commencement of work on the Newry and Mourne Area Plan. There is no individual Newry and Mourne Area Plan proposed rather, a combined plan for the Banbridge and Newry and Mourne District Council areas. The Development Plan Programme is currently under review, and will be approved by the Minister with responsibility for the Department of the Environment. I will write to the hon. Gentleman when the timing of commencement of the Banbridge/Newry and Mourne Area Plan has been decided.

§ Mr. McGrady
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when work is planned to commence on the new Down Area Plan; and what consultation will be held in respect of it. [67751]

§ Mr. Paul Murphy
Responsibility for these issues has been delegated to the Planning Service under its chief executive, Mr. T. W. Stewart. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from T. W. Stewart to Mr. Eddie McGrady, dated 29 January 1999: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the commencement of work on the Down Area Plan. I can confirm that work on the Ards/Down Area Plan commenced in December 1998. Throughout the Plan preparation process there will be opportunities for regular consultation with both Ards and Down District Councils in accordance with a programme to be agreed with each of them. There will also be ongoing consultation with a range of statutory consultees and, at key stages of the project, community groups, interested parties and members of the general public will also be consulted. I do hope this clarifies the position.