Clarke lends his support to the ‘Amend the Bill’ campaign
Alliance South Down Representative Councillor Patrick Clarke has given his support to the ‘Amend the Bill’ campaign which is lobbying against clauses in the Planning Bill which will give extra weight to economic development over environmental protection or social well-being in planning applications.
Speaking to Newry Times, Councillor Clarke said, “I am supporting the ‘Amend the Bill’ campaign. If these clauses are kept in the Planning Bill then economic development issues will have extra weight in our planning laws over environmental or social well-being concerns.
“This could result in planning applications not in the best interests of communities and the environment being approved. There must be a balance between these issues in our planning system. It is my belief that these clauses would upset that equilibrium.
“With nearly 5,000 people supporting their campaign, it is clear that there is a lot of concern amongst the public about this legislation. I would encourage anybody who wishes to see the protection of the environment or their community’s social well-being, to get involved in the ‘Amend the Bill’ campaign.
Clarke added, “I very much hope that with lobbying from this campaign, that there will be a successful outcome to the Planning Bill not having these extra clauses on economic development over environmental protection or social well-being in planning applications.”
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