Mid Ulster District Council has welcomed the withdrawal of controversial planning advice which they believed would have had "severe and far-reaching" consequences for rural communities.

The 'Planning Advice Note for Development in the Countryside' was withdrawn following significant objections by elected representatives and other interested parties, including the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Committee, Councillors Kyle Black and Sean McPeake.

They jointly wrote to Minister Mallon outlining their view that the advice would have serious ramifications for rural communities and the Council's ability to make planning decisions which accommodate rural dwellings.

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Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Kyle Black, said: "The level of concern locally was extremely high, given the strict limitations the proposed policy would have placed on our ability to allow sustainable development in rural areas.

"I welcome the withdrawal of the policy, an action which demonstrates that a blanket approach to planning affecting rural communities is not appropriate."

Deputy Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Sean McPeake, agreed: "We believe strongly that we are best placed to make planning decisions which reflect local need and can be tailored to our rural communities.

"This advice, had it remained in place, would have impacted our ability to do so long into the future.

"I welcome its withdrawal and thank all those who took the time to voice their objections."