A new planning policy - developed to replace the controversial PPS14, introduced by direct rule minister Lord Rooker two years ago - has been welcomed by the incumbent Environment Minister.

Sammy Wilson lauded the Executive's endorsement of the new policy for sustainable development in the countryside.

Draft PPS21 will replace the draft PPS14, which imposed severe restrictions on building in the countryside.

Mr Wilson said: "Draft PPS21 does away with this over restrictive direct rule policy but by no means will it allow a building free-for-all in the countryside.

"It is a balanced policy which will address the need to protect the countryside from unnecessary development and the need to enable rural communities to flourish socially and economically.

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"The new policy will end the uncertainty around the policy context for rural planning, and allow people to benefit from the less restrictive but sustainable policies proposed in the document."

The Minister said the new policy would provide more scope for the reuse and replacement of buildings.

This, he said, could provide a much-needed boost to the building trade, which has been under immense pressure during the economic downturn.

"The new policy will also help support the rural economy by modernising planning policy on farm diversification to bring it into line with DARD rural development policies," said Mr Wilson.

"I will bring this before the Assembly as soon as possible," he added.

However, the SDLP's Patsy McGlone, who chairs the Stormont Environment Committee, said that it does not go far enough.

Mr McGlone claimed that the relaxation of the rules would not be of benefit to 80% of rural dwellers, who he said, do not fit into the category of having a proven case or a case for replacement dwelling.

"Where I come from, where people are largely of small farm holdings the only significant change from the original PPS 14 is the name," he said.

(PR)(BMcC)