§ Mr. ForsytheTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the Northern Ireland Planning Appeals Commission. [87689]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyFollowing the transfer of responsibility for planning from local to central government in 1973, The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) was established under the Planning (NI) Order 1972, to provide an independent appeals mechanism for decisions made by the then Ministry of Development (later to become the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland).
The Commission also has a hearing/reporting role where it holds hearings and inquiries as requested by the Department in respect of specific matters. In this role, the Commission hears evidence and reports its findings and recommendations to the Department. The final decision on these matters is taken by the Department following consideration of the Commission's report.
The PAC conducts its business using the principles of impartiality, openness and fairness.