The first meeting of an Independent Working Group which will explore options for non-farming rural dwellers under the draft planning policy PPS21 has taken place at Stormont.

Executive ministers welcomed the inaugural meeting of the group, which is chaired by Jim McKinnon, Chief Planner for Scotland, and involves experts from the fields of planning, the environment, rural development and legal profession.

Its members are Patrick Casement, Martin McDonald, Bill Morrison and Seamus Caulfield.

The group met ministers who had been involved in the review of rural planning policy which resulted in draft PPS 21 announced by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson in November.

Mr Wilson, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy and Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister junior ministers Jeffrey Donaldson and Gerry Kelly wished the group well as it embarked on its work.

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Mr Wilson said: "Draft PPS21, which balances the needs of rural communities and the environment, is a major advance in rural planning.

"We have more work to do in relation to non-farming rural dwellers. We are delighted this group of able and distinguished people have agreed to consider the complexities of the issue and to give us the benefit of their expertise."

Minister Gildernew said: "The issue of non-farming rural dwellers is a vital one. As ministers we recognise that this issue needs to be resolved and a solution found. There are different options and views and we have discussed these together round the table.

"The Independent Working Group has a vital job to do to advise us and I look forward to seeing its report."

Ms Ritchie added: "PPS21 is very important to the delivery of housing. It contains much needed flexibility for building new social housing in rural areas which is central to the success of the new housing agenda. I welcome the Independent Working Group which will take a fresh look at the issues."

The group will examine rural planning policies across the UK and Ireland, the outcome of the draft PPS21 consultation and domestic and EU law.

The chair of the working group, Jim McKinnon said: "This is a fascinating piece of work and I relish the challenge. I was delighted to be invited to chair the Independent Working Group and am pleased that we are now getting the work up and running."

The Independent Working Group will report at the end of June.

(PR/JM)