Northern Ireland retailers have been urged to make their voices heard on planning issues.

NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots made his comments after first commending local businesses on their approach to achieving energy and water efficiency targets.

At a meeting with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA), Mr Poots said: "I was pleased to learn this week that the number of small businesses in Northern Ireland taking action to improve their energy and water efficiency has doubled in just two years, to a level higher than anywhere else in the UK.

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"This is evidence that our local small businesses, many of whom fall within the independent retail sector, continue to act as role models for good environmental business practice."

The meeting with NIIRTA was organised to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest, with planning reform topping the agenda.

The Minister said: "Northern Ireland needs a planning system which will enable the Executive to meet its number one priority of growing the economy.

"I would therefore appeal to our independent retail sector, which is a key component in that economy, to make their voices heard and respond to the current consultation on reform of the local planning system."

Echoing this appeal for businesses to respond to the consultation, NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: "We had a productive meeting with Minister Poots on planning reform and we look forward to working with the Minister on this and on a range of additional environmental issues in the future."

(PR/BMcc)