Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has imposed a no-fracking policy into planning guidelines for Northern Ireland, saying that the decision adopts ''a sensible and reasonable approach.''
It does not impose a permanent ban upon fracking, and if fracking is proven to be environmentally safe then the ruling may be changed.
The presumption was included in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPSS), a new guide for the councils which now have full responsibility for planning. The SPSS provides policy on key issues including town centres and retail development, building in the countryside and housing. Its publication is believed will improve development potential and employment, as well as assisting economic recovery. Mr Durkan said: ''The SPSS will enable councils to be flexible in bringing forward planning policy tailored to local circumstances through their new Local Development Plans.''
Roisin Willmott the Royal Town Planning Institute's Director for Northern Ireland welcomed the SPSS publication stating it was good news for Northern Ireland. She further added: ''The much anticipated SPSS will be a catalyst for positive change on the ground. It will greatly aid the preparation of Council's new local development plans, providing a clear, practical and integrated policy framework for good decisions in the long term public interest.''
