Hot on the heels of my post yesterday, I am delighted to report that today the Northern Ireland Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, has withdrawn the Planning Bill. He cited concerns that the bill was unlawful and would breach human rights. As I said yesterday, this is exactly what the RSPB’s own legal advice concluded.
The BBC reported it here.
Mr Durkan said: I intend to continue to make prompt and sound planning decisions and through the development of a [Single Planning Policy Statement] to create a Planning System that is fast, fair and fit for purpose. One that delivers for business - but not at the expense of our planet or our people. As Environment Minister I want to help create a better environment AND a stronger economy – regrettably, this Bill as it stands does neither.
This is a victory for commonsense and for all those who have been campaigning on the issue, including the RSPB, the National Trust, Northern Ireland Environment Link, Friends of the Earth, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and Community Places.
Congratulations to our colleagues in Northern Ireland!
We look forward to working with the minister and his colleagues to make sure that the planning system does exactly what he says.