Northern Ireland Assembly Tuesday 10 August 2010 Written Ministerial Statement The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process. Environment Publication of PPS 7 Addendum Published at 12 noon on Tuesday 10 August 2010 The Minister of the Environment (Mr Poots): I am pleased to inform Assembly members that the Executive, at its meeting on 22 July 2010, has endorsed the Addendum to Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS 7), titled ‘Safeguarding the Character of Established Residential Areas’. Public consultation on a draft PPS 7 Addendum concluded on 5 March 2010 with a total of 89 responses received from organisations, and individuals. The responses received were generally supportive of the proposed policies. The final Addendum includes a number of minor changes to improve the clarity of the document. The policies set out in the Addendum will help towards the better management of proposals for the redevelopment of existing buildings; proposals for the infilling of vacant sites (including extended garden areas), and proposals for the conversion or sub-division of existing building to flats or apartments (including those for multiple occupancy). These additional operational planning policies are designed to ensure that the character of established residential areas is not unduly impacted upon by future residential development proposals. The Addendum will also help reduce flash flooding in urban areas by encouraging greater use of permeable paving within new residential developments. Copies of the final policy have been placed in Members’ pigeon holes. |