Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on the rural public to respond to the consultation on draft PPS21, associated with planning in the countryside.

Speaking after chairing a public meeting on Rural Planning, Mr McKay said: "In November the Department of Environment published new proposals on Rural Planning (called PPS 21) which will replace the previous disastrous plans drawn up by Direct Rule Minister Jeff Rooker.

"Sinn Féin has worked hard to achieve progress on a number of key issues including a relaxation of the replacement dwelling criteria including the removal of the current abandonment test; removal of agricultural need and the farm viability test with opportunities for additional dwellings on farms; more potential for 'infill' gap sites; replacement or conversion of traditional style farm buildings to dwellings; the reinstatement of Health and Personal circumstances; the reinstatement of Dispersed Rural Communities,

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"And groups of up to 14 social/affordable houses will be permitted in the countryside where there are identified areas of housing need," he said.

However, the MLA said that while these changes are very welcome there continues to be a gap which must be addressed.

"Sinn Féin has lobbied continuously on behalf of the non-farming rural dweller and we believe that a mechanism can be devised through the work of the Independent Working Group set up to provide planning approval opportunities for this important sector of the community.

"It is vitally important that members of the public respond to this consultation on PPS21 as it could detrimentally affect the sustainability of rural communities which will have a knock-on effect on rural businesses, post offices and GAA clubs," he added.

(PR/JM)