A Stormont MLA has raised concerns over a potential loophole in the PPS21 planning policy.

Alliance leader, and the party's environment spokesperson, David Ford said the decision to grant a planning application in Randalstown could infringe the policy on stamping out so-called countryside "bungalow blight".

He suggested it could open up "loopholes", as the application is not close to a cluster of existing buildings, as is required.

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Mr Ford said: "This application could set a dangerous precedent. The application is 70m from the nearest buildings, which makes a mockery of PPS21's requirement for applications to be part of a cluster of existing buildings.

"It was hoped that PPS21 would offer a better balance than the blanket ban of its predecessor PPS14 and it would be sad if this compromise planning statement was ruined by such a loose interpretation of it.

"Nobody would wish for there to be a planning free for all in our beautiful countryside and I would urge planning officials to ensure that this does not happen."

(PR/BMcC)