09/12/2021
In August 2021 the RSUA reported that the Department for Infrastructure issued an advice note to re-emphasise and clarify certain elements of existing rural planning policy.
It has now been confirmed that this this advice notice has been formally withdrawn.
In a recently released statement, a spokesperson for the Department said: “The intention of the advice note was to assist with ensuring a consistent interpretation of the policy by re-emphasising and clarifying certain fundamental aspects of it in order to have a positive impact on the planning system overall and our rural communities. The PAN did not add to or change existing planning policy.
You can read the the original notice here, and the subsequent withdrawal announcement here.
Following a request, the Chief Planner for Northern Ireland has confirmed that RSUA will be involved in any future engagement on this issue.
