Planning Bill debate must be postponed due to ludicrous DUP/SF amendments – Lo

Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has said that the debate on the Planning Bill due to take place on Monday 24th June, should be postponed due to the last minute submission of amendments by the DUP and Sinn Fein that could give OFMDFM the ability to let development go unchecked in certain areas.

Anna Lo MLA: “There would be far reaching implications for our planning system if these amendments were allowed to go through. We could have unchecked development in certain areas. Would there be anything to stop OFMDFM declaring an economic zone in the Glens of Antrim, the Mourne Mountains or the Giant’s Causeway?

“I have asked the Environment Minister that he postpone the debate on Monday unless the DUP and Sinn Fein withdraw these amendments.

“This is all just a sham. The people behind these amendments are Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, yet their names are not listed on the amendments. They just want to steal power away from the Environment Minister.

“I support economic development, but it must not be allowed to go unchecked, especially if it might harm the environment.”

ENDS