A Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) for Northern Ireland for all involved in the planning system has been published by the Environment Minister.

The SPPS reduces 20 separate planning policy statements to one. This provides the policy on key issues such as town centres and retail development, building in the countryside, creating and enhancing shared space, tourism, telecommunications and housing.

It also sets in black and white, for the first time, as policy, no to unconventional hydrocarbon extraction, often referred to as fracking.

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Minister Mark H Durkan said: "Publishing the SPPS unlocks development potential, supports job creation and will aid economic recovery but not at the expense of our planet, environment and people. It consolidates over 800 pages of existing policy in to a single document and brings clarity and certainty to important planning matters throughout the North.

"Significantly for the first time, no to fracking is actually enshrined in policy unless there is sufficient and robust evidence of its safety on all environmental impacts. I believe this is a sensible and reasonable approach.

"The SPPS introduces a revised strategic direction for Town Centre and Retailing Policy. It advocates a 'town centres first' approach to the location of future retailing and town centre uses which will support and sustain vibrant town centres across the North.

"The SPPS will enable councils to be flexible in bringing forward planning policy tailored to local circumstances through their new Local Development Plans."

(CD/MH)