NI's Infrastructure Minister has been called to "present evidence" or "apologise" over complaints against councils in relation to new planning regulations.

Alliance Councillor David Armitage challenged Minister Chris Hazzard after he said a number of Councils had fallen foul of their own rules.

Mr Armitage said: "If the Minister has any evidence about Councillors from Belfast or elsewhere falling foul of regulations, then he should bring it forward and share with the public.

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"While it is true to say Councils have only had planning powers for a short period and many Councillors are still on a learning curve as regards the rules, I feel it does them a disservice to say they are falling foul of them.

"Local Councillors are more than capable of dealing with high-level planning issues - I would urge the Minister to look at the actions of Belfast City Councillors around the proposed Lidl development at the Connswater Shopping Centre to see the mature level of debate and the ability to use planning to promote and strengthen an area."

(CD)