The Ulster Unionist Party's Environment Spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA, has welcomed the news that increasing permitted development rights will come into being from August 2013, describing the arrival as a "massive boost for the agricultural community".

The legislative changes, which were announced by Environment Minister Alex Attwood, will increase the number of agricultural developments that will no longer require planning permission. This includes new build or extended agricultural buildings such as sheds for hay and straw, storage and maintenance of agricultural machinery and plant, milking parlours, slurry storage tanks and chicken and other livestock sheds.

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Mr Elliott said: "The arrival of permitted development rights will be welcomed by farmers’'across Northern Ireland. Many will have endured negative experiences when dealing with the planning process in the past due to the time and complications involved. Understandably, this resulted in much anxiety, confusion and frustration. To know that they will now be able to enhance their businesses in certain ways, without having to seek planning permission and fight their way through extensive amounts of red tape, is a massive step forwards.

"Notably, the changes come with safeguards to ensure that the rights of neighbours will be protected, and that any developments will be of an appropriate nature and style. This is vitally important as people outside the farming community need to know that they will not suffer as a result of the new legislation.

"Happily, the new rights also allow for the installation of structures of up to 500 square metres to house an anaerobic digestion plant. This is a step forward in terms of our use of renewable energies, and I'm sure many farmers will explore this option for their businesses in the future."

(CD/MH)