Restrictions on building in rural areas look set to form another obstacle for the Stormont Executive, after Environment Minister Sammy Wilson conceded the controversial issue was unlikely to gain cross-party agreement.

Former DOE Minister Arlene Foster had outlined greater limits on rural developments, after the PPS14 building restrictions were ruled unlawful by the High Court last year.

Ms Foster recommended tighter restrictions in greenbelt areas, as well as the formation of clusters of affordable housing.

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However, Mr Wilson has claimed the Executive cannot find a unilateral solution.

He said: "Primarily the SDLP and Sinn Féin feel that they want to have a far, far more relaxed policy."

"A policy which to be quite frank would be far more relaxed than the policy which Lord Rooker had to bring an end to because it had led to 14,000 successful applications in two years," added the Minister.

PPS14 clamps down on single rural dwelling, but now requires government attention after being defeated in the High Court in September 2007.

It was deemed unlawful as the restriction fell out of the remit of the Department of Regional Development, who introduced the guideline.

A High Court judge later ruled the law would not be overturned but it is due to be reviewed.

(PR/JM)