HC Deb 16 December 2002 vol 396 c548W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Consultation Paper on Third Party Planning Appeals will be issued; and if he will make a statement. [86815]

Angela Smith

I am aware of Dermot Nesbitt's commitment to publish a consultation paper before the end of 2002. However, I am also conscious of the potential implications which the introduction of a third party appeal right has for the operation of Northern Ireland's planning system and economy. I therefore wish to have a regulatory impact assessment carried out. I will wish to give this matter the most careful consideration, before I make a decision how to best deal with this important issue.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Implementation Plan for Modernising Planning Processes will be published; and if he will make a statement. [86814]

Angela Smith

While the 2002–03 Programme for Government target for publication of the Implementation Plan was November 2002, prior to suspension of the Assembly, the Planning Service had been awaiting the Environment Committee's response to the Modernising Planning Processes Consultation Paper.

Suspension occurred before any representation was received from the Environment Committee, however over 160 responses were received to the consultation. These responses have been carefully analysed by Planning Service to inform and assist with the drafting of the Implementation Plan, publication of which is expected shortly.