Call for Ministers to address economic development

Members voted to request that Ms Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Mr Edwin Poots, Minister for Environment to a future Development Committee meeting.

The issue was raised during a recent Development Committee meeting after the Head of Corporate and Development Services gave an overview of the draft Development Strategy 2009-2011, circulated.

He explained: "The strategy, building on the LSP/Council Integrated Local Strategy (2005-2008), sets the strategic context against the background of the Review of Public Administration (RPA). The document includes a socio-economic analysis of the Ballymoney economy; identifies the internal and external factors that will contribute to or hinder the social and economic development of the borough and the economic opportunities and challenges (SWOT analysis). Based on the socio-economic analysis and the SWOT findings and taking into account the strategic and local context six key priority areas had been identified: Enterprise development, Tourism development, Town Centre Development, Community planning, ICT development and Partnership working.

"These priority areas form the basis of the development unit business plan approved by Council. An action plan, together with the funding and delivery arrangements, is being developed and would be added to the strategy document. The updated document would be presented to committee."

During discussion the Head of Corporate & Development Services responded to issues raised by members.

Alderman Frank Campbell commended the informative document referring to the number of well-established businesses in the borough, many of whom had seen growth and entry into export markets. Cllr Ian Stevenson associated himself with the Mayor's remarks.

Cllr Evelyne Robinson expressed the view that Council should more pro-actively support the case for business development in rural areas, eg, farm diversification and tourism enterprises, where, she contended, the economic benefits of such development were not being adequately recognised by Planning Service.

The member evidenced the point by citing a recent innovative tourism proposal in rural Ballymoney, which could well have addressed the needs identified in the rural development partnership strategy, but which had failed to gain the support of Planning Service.

The Head of Corporate & Development Services referred to similar difficulties with planning issues, experienced with project proposals under the former "Leader" rural development programme, and advised that during the current rural development strategy process assurances had been given by DARD that they were addressing the problems with Planning Service at the highest level to ensure a resolution and that such difficulties would not emerge for applicants to the current programme.

The member assured the meeting that similar problems were continuing to occur. Other members supported this view and reiterated that without planning permission, businesses are unable to apply to the rural development programme.

It was proposed by Cllr John Finlay and seconded by Alderman Frank Campbell to invite Ms Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Mr Edwin Poots, Minister for Environment to a future Development Committee meeting to discuss rural development and rural planning issues and the potential adverse impact on economic development of the borough.