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New research shows that rural communities have little to fear from PPS14, the controversial planning policy that restricts new housing in Northern Ireland's countryside.
That's the conclusion of a report from Queen's University for environmental group, Friends of the Earth, which shows that the vast majority of Northern Ireland's rural population lives within a short distance of existing settlements where new development is permitted.
The mapping exercise carried out by Queen's researchers shows that 60% of the rural population live within easy walking distance (1 mile) of an existing town, village or hamlet; 87% live within 3 miles by road; 82% within 5 minutes drive; and 98% within 10 minutes drive.
The reports authors, Dr Manoj Roy and Dr Geraint Ellis wrote:
Our analysis suggests that there is little basis in the claim that PPS14 will undermine the social and economic structure of Northern Ireland’s rural areas."
This is in contrast to concerns expressed by a range of rural groups and political representatives that stopping rural people from building on the open countryside would be devastating for their communities.
John Woods, Northern Ireland Director of Friends of the Earth said,
This research shows that there have been unnecessary levels of anxiety about the effects of PPS14 on rural communities. It will be possible for them to continue to thrive if new building is directed towards existing settlements. It also means that some relaxations to the policy currently being considered by the Executive are not necessary. There is no justification for relaxing rules on abandoned dwellings or allowing 'clachans' to be built outside existing development limits."
Minister for the Environment, Arlene Foster MLA, launched a review of PPS14 in October last year stating: "I and my Executive colleagues wish to develop a policy based on the principles of sustainability that strikes a balance between the need to protect our countryside from unnecessary development, but that supports and allows our rural communities to flourish, socially and economically."
The Queen's report concludes that PPS14 in its current form enables the Minister to both "protect the countryside from unnecessary development while not constraining the social and economic development of Northern Ireland’s rural communities.”
It is expected that a sub-committee of the Northern Ireland Executive will meet next week to discuss the next steps in the process of revising PPS14.
John Woods continued:
Good policy depends on good evidence, something that has been lacking in the debate on PPS14. We very much hope that this new evidence will influence the decisions of the Executive on an issue that is of great significance to everyone in Northern Ireland, urban and rural dwellers alike.”
Copies of the report are available by email from colette.stewart@foe.co.uk
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