New figures show there has been a dramatic 61% drop in the number of planning applications for single dwellings during the first three months of 2007, compared with the same time period in 2006.

The figures published by planningonline.co.uk, an online service which catalogues all planning applications and appeals in Northern Ireland, are the first major indicator of the impact of PPS14, since its publication in Draft form in March 2006.

Bill Morrison of Holywood-based Planning and Public Affairs Consultancy Strategic Planning says it is clear that PPS 14 is having major repercussions for people wanting to build a home in the countryside.


Bill said: “PPS 14 provides a presumption against development in the countryside. The figures published by Planning Online demonstrate unequivocally that its publication, even in Draft form, is having a huge impact upon planning applications for dwellings in the countryside.

“With housing affordability now one of the top issues to be addressed at Stormont the new Executive must look urgently at the overall Development Plan process to ensure an adequate supply of building land is made available around existing settlements across Northern Ireland, to meet current demand and to offset the impact of PPS14.

“Although there will undoubtedly be pressure to withdraw PPS14, future development in the countryside needs to be very carefully managed. Consideration should be given to the creation of a new policy that recognises brown-field sites outside settlements as elsewhere in the UK."