Northern Ireland Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced new planning rules which relax the need for planning permission for specified minor development in mines and quarries, coming into force on 10th March.
The Northern Ireland Executive writes:
This will include the installation, alteration or replacement of buildings, plant and equipment and the provision of internal lanes and roadways within an existing mine or quarry site.
Mark H Durkan said: ‘These changes will be a boost for the quarry industry. I want to do what I can to support this industry which provides employment often in rural areas and produces a wide range of products for use in construction, agriculture and industry. At the same time these new rules strike an essential balance by freeing up quarry and mine owners to undertake some minor development whilst putting in place limitations and conditions to ensure that neighbours and the wider environment are protected.
‘This is a common sense approach to planning. Removing the need for planning permission for smaller scale development frees up planning staff to focus on those applications that need more detailed examination. A faster, fairer and fit for purpose planning system all provides opportunities to help industry and boost the economy.’
NI Government news: LINK
