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Figures revealed today show that more than two thirds of applications determined for single dwellings in the countryside have been approved despite PPS14.
In a Judicial Review hearing into the controversial planning policy, held in the High Court this morning, it was announced that of 1831 applications processed, 1237 (67.6%) were approved and only 549 were refused for reasons relating to PPS14. 45 were refused for other reasons and 2463 are yet to be decided.
John Woods, Friends of the Earth's Northern Ireland Director said:
"These figures revealed in court today show that PPS14 hasn't been nearly as restrictive as those opposed to it claim. Indeed, most applications have been approved.
The policy is currently being reviewed and it is important that pressure from landowners and developers does not allow it to be watered down."
Mr Woods continued:
"Unfettered development in the countryside is simply unsustainable. In many rural parts of Northern Ireland we're witnessing what can only be described as its suburbanisation.
Meanwhile, efforts to regenerate country towns and villages are undermined by a policy that allows so many new homes to be built beyond the development limit.
If our rural towns and villages are to be given the chance to achieve the critical mass needed for essential services such as schools, post offices, shops and public transport, we must restrict development in the countryside."
The ruling on PPS14 is due early next week.
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