A new planning guideline relating to the controversial PPS14 policy which restricts house building in the countryside is to be reviewed by the NI Executive, it has emerged.

Environment Minister Arlene Foster has announced a new planning policy will go out to consultation towards the end of April.

It is understood a number of ideas have been put forward including keeping restrictions in greenbelt areas and countryside policy areas.

-- Advertisement --

There is also speculation the Executive are prepared to relax planning restrictions for those suffering from poor health or with disabilities, while the emphasis is also on developing small clusters of affordable social housing.

The PPS14 policy was introduced in March in 2006 and it announced that almost all plans for single rural dwellings would no longer be considered.

See: Building Free-For-All Remains Unlikely

(JM)