§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on954W co-ordination between the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland and the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) over the release of agricultural land for building development.
§ Mr. NeedhamBoth Departments are concerned to ensure that conditions favour a viable rural economy in Northern Ireland. Developments which will improve the quality of life, including employment prospects, in rural communities, while at the same time conserving the countryside are encouraged.
The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland as planning authority consults the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland on planning applications which affect agricultural land. The Department of the Environment when drawing up an area, local or subject plan also consults the Department of Agriculture to ensure that the development proposals in the plan are acceptable from an agricultural viewpoint.