Planning Legislation (Northern Ireland) (Hansard, 28 October 2003)

§ Lembit Öpik
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the role of the planning system in delivering sustainable development in Northern Ireland. [100175]

§ Angela Smith
I have been asked to reply.
The Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025, which was formulated by the Northern Ireland Assembly on 20 September 2001, sets new directions to achieve a more sustainable pattern of development in the interests of future generations. The Department of Environment in Northern Ireland has a programme to provide a full suite of Planning Policy Statements by the end of 2005 and complete up-to-date Area Plan coverage by the end of 2006.
The Planning (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires all Planning Policy Statements and Area Plans to be in general conformity with the Regional Development Strategy.
In Northern Ireland, statutory provisions therefore ensure that the promotion of more sustainable forms of development is embedded in all emerging Planning Policy Statements and Area Plans.

§ Lembit Öpik
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to introduce a statutory Purpose for Planning requirement into Northern Ireland planning legislation based on principles of sustainable development; and if he will make a statement. [100176]

§ Angela Smith
I have been asked to reply.
The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill imposes a statutory duty on persons and bodies responsible for preparing Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents in England and Wales to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
In Northern Ireland, statutory provisions already require Planning Policy Statements and Area Plans to be in general conformity with the Regional Development Strategy 2025, which was formulated by the Northern Ireland Assembly in September 2001 and sets new directions to achieve a more sustainable pattern of development.
I can assure you, however, that consideration will be given to the need to include further provision in future planning legislation for Northern Ireland.