West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Environment Minster agrees to social means testing under PPS21 Proposals

Published: 21 November, 2008

Sinn Fein's Sean Begley has welcomed the proposed introduction of PPS21 as a replacement to the disputed planning policy known as PPS14.

The Environment minister, Sammy Wilson revealed that he has alternative proposals to the PPS14 policy which was introduced a number of years ago. The new policy, whilst setting restrictions on building in the countryside is not a restrictive as PPS14 that is the view of Sinn Féin local councillor Sean Begley.

Speaking on the issue councillor Begley said:

"I welcome the proposed introduction of PPS21. We in Sinn Féin believe that it has struck an important balance. That balance is between developing the countryside into strong vibrant communities whilst also protecting the countryside.

"The new policy PPS21 allows for up people from a non farming background to build in the countryside. Other proposals would allow up to 21 social housing dwellings to be built within a green belt, something which must be welcomed. It also provides for replacement dwellings for such buildings as churches, schools and farm outhouses. Any old house which has one or more walls still standing will also be eligible for replacement under pps21.

"Farmers will also be eligible to build a new dwelling once every ten years which is something which wasn't allowed for in PPS14. There is also an inclusion regarding infill sites which will also allow building to commence in these, where applicable.

"The other big development from our perspective in Sinn Féin is the inclusion of social means testing. This will ensure that people who may not be eligible through other criteria but who live in the countryside are catered for. The social means testing is something that Sinn Féin have argued strongly for and we are happy that the minister took our concerns on board an has including the testing in his proposals. To this end to minister has agreed to set up a committee to indentify such criteria which can be used in this instance.