§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what work has been undertaken in respect of the review of the Down Area Plan; and what consultations have taken place with(a) interested bodies and (b) public representatives in respect of the review of the plan. [59537]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyResponsibility for this matter 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 16 November 1998:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the review of the Down Area Plan.Work on a new Plan for the Ards and Down District Council areas is programmed in the Planning Service's Corporate and Business Plans 1998–99 to 2000–01 to commence in the 1998–99 business year. While it was originally envisaged that work would commence in the Autumn, unfortunately, there has been some slippage. The Planning Service now intends publishing the statutory notice initiating the Plan early in the New Year, and to make a presentation to, and commence discussions with, both Councils on or about the second week in January 1999.I do hope this is helpful.