439 flout planning laws

There were 221 breaches of planning control in Londonderry; 104 in Limavady; and 114 in Strabane.

Planning Minister Alex Attwood stated: “It is not acceptable for individuals and companies to deliberately flout planning regulations.

“In taking action, the impact of the breach and the public interest served by enforcement needs to be carefully considered. “This involves a judgement call and proportionate response based on details of the case, the degree of harm and other consideration including the wider prevailing economic conditions where this is appropriate.”

He said the vast majority of breaches are resolved through negotiation with the owner/occupier or through the submission and consideration of a retrospective planning application.

Mr Attwood stated: “I believe the flipside of good planning is proportionate enforcement. That is why far more urgent works notices have been served in 18 months than in the previous 38 years and the first completion notice ever was served (now on appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission); why the resource and staffing in the Environmental Crime Unit has been increased and the reason for the Enforcement summit in June 2013.

“There is still work to do to have the robust proportionate enforcement that I believe is necessary.”