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11/05/2009

Consider Economic Impact Of Developments: Minister

Stormont Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has told the Assembly greater emphasis should be placed on the economic impact of developments seeking planning approval.

Mr Wilson said the Planning Service should play its role in helping economic recovery.

Earlier this year the minister publicly expressed his outrage at a decision to reject proposals for a high-rise building in Belfast city centre.

Mr Wilson voiced his disappointment that the local economy would not benefit from the £90m investment.

Plans for the Aurora building were scrapped because they did not "pay due regard to the character of the site and the surrounding area".

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Speaking in Stormont today, Mr Wilson said: "I want to give decision-makers the confidence and support to make judgements which will give greater weight to economic considerations wherever it is appropriate to do so.

"I want to give clarity and leave nobody in any doubt about how to deal with economic considerations."

He continued: "Full account should be taken of the economic aspects of a planning proposal, including the wider benefits to the regional or local economy, alongside social and environmental aspects, in so far as they are a material consideration in the determination of the planning application to which they relate.

"In such cases where the economic benefits of a proposal are significant, then the substantial weight shall be afforded to them in the determination of that planning application."

Mr Wilson called on developers to engage more with communities prior to submitting plans.

He said many objections could be resolved before proposal are put to the Planning Service.

(PR/BMcC)

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