“The announcement by the Environment Minister to abandon PPS24 will  be welcomed by many in the planning sector as it was the result of the ‘new political broom’ that continues to sweep out planning services.

“The volume of response to the consultation highlighted that there was an overwhelming majority who believed the policy was unnecessary and would not work if implemented, leaving the Minister with no choice but to shelve the plans. The decision to withdraw PPS24 now gives the Department of the Environment the opportunity to focus on other radical policies that could have a greater and more positive impact on driving the economy forward.

“It is clear that the Minister is getting to grips with his new role by tackling some of the key planning issues quickly, which is greatly welcomed by all those in the planning sector.

Eamonn Loughrey is a partner in the Belfast office of independent planning consultancy DPP.