Planning advice put forward for rural communities in Northern Ireland has been withdrawn after it sparked serious concern from local representatives.

The Planning Advice Note (PAN) – 'Implementation of Strategic Planning Policy on Development in the Countryside' was issued on 02 August, with MLAs voicing concerns it would make it harder for people in rural communities to build homes.

Issuing a statement explaining the decision to withdraw the advice, a spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said: "The intention of the advice note was to assist with ensuring a consistent interpretation of the policy by re-emphasising and clarifying certain fundamental aspects of it in order to have a positive impact on the planning system overall and our rural communities. The PAN did not add to or change existing planning policy.

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"The Department had not expected such a significant response to what is essentially an advice note to support the efficient and effective workings of the two-tier planning system.

"Regrettably, rather than bringing certainty and clarity, as was its intention, the PAN seems to have created confusion and uncertainty. The Department has listened carefully to and reflected on all the concerns and has decided to withdraw the PAN today to swiftly restore clarity to this situation.

"The SPPS does and should continue to provide opportunities for sustainable development in the countryside in general, including for farming families and other rural dwellers, striking a balance between supporting and sustaining rural communities and protecting the countryside from inappropriate development.

"All stakeholders in the planning system have an important role to play in achieving this objective in the long term public interest. However, there is a particularly important onus on local planning authorities to take all possible steps to ensure that in decision-taking and plan-making they properly and faithfully take account of the SPPS overall. Similarly, in relation to planning appeals and in terms of the independent examination of Local Development Plans the Planning Appeals Commission has an equally important responsibility.

"The Department will now take stock of the concerns raised and undertake further engagement and analysis on this important policy area, to include consideration of current and emerging issues, such as the climate emergency and a green recovery from this pandemic."