Churches in Northern Ireland may be exempt from paying planning fees.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said he is currently reviewing the plans.

Not for profit clubs and societies are already exempt.

Mr Durkan said: "We need though to take on board councils' experiences of operating as the local planning authorities. Any future changes in fee exemptions may impact on the amount of cost they recover in processing planning applications. Councils will therefore be well placed to inform the review."

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The work of the review will be taken forward in conjunction with the recently established Strategic Planning Group.

(CD/LM)