This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7061592.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Rural new build law is 'unlawful' Rural new build law is 'unlawful'
(about 3 hours later)
The controversial law restricting building in Northern Ireland's countryside - PPS 14 - has been declared unlawful.The controversial law restricting building in Northern Ireland's countryside - PPS 14 - has been declared unlawful.
Mr Justice Gillen made his decision at the end of a lengthy judicial process in the High Court. But it does not mean the law will be dropped immediately. Mr Justice Gillen made his decision at the end of a lengthy judicial process in the High Court. He decided against quashing the law.
In the short term PPS 14 will remain on the books.In the short term PPS 14 will remain on the books.
It is likely that later on Thursday Environment Minister Arlene Foster will make an announcement to that effect. Environment Minister Arlene Foster has announced that her department will now assume responsibility for it.
PPS 14 was introduced by the Department of Regional Development last year.PPS 14 was introduced by the Department of Regional Development last year.
However, subsequently in this judicial review, it was ruled as unlawful in that the department did not have the power to bring in such legislation.However, subsequently in this judicial review, it was ruled as unlawful in that the department did not have the power to bring in such legislation.
So its likely that the same legislation will now be adopted by the Department of Environment, thus keeping it as law. Its adoption by the Department of Environment keeps it as law for the short-term.
The challenge against PPS 14 was brought by Omagh District Council.The challenge against PPS 14 was brought by Omagh District Council.
After Thursday's ruling, chairman Bert Wilson, said: "We have been fully vindicated in our decision to take this matter to court."After Thursday's ruling, chairman Bert Wilson, said: "We have been fully vindicated in our decision to take this matter to court."
'Opportunity''Opportunity'
"Today's declaration that the introduction of PPS 14 was unlawful now provides the opportunity for the Executive to develop a planning policy appropriate to the needs of rural communities."Today's declaration that the introduction of PPS 14 was unlawful now provides the opportunity for the Executive to develop a planning policy appropriate to the needs of rural communities.
"I would urge that this opportunity is now grasped by ministers," Mr Wilson said."I would urge that this opportunity is now grasped by ministers," Mr Wilson said.
He said he wanted to see all the planning applications which were "illegally" refused or withdrawn - believed to be close on 20,000 - reviewed as a matter of urgency.He said he wanted to see all the planning applications which were "illegally" refused or withdrawn - believed to be close on 20,000 - reviewed as a matter of urgency.
Last month the High Court made a similiar ruling on PPS 14. Thursday's ruling represents its final decision.Last month the High Court made a similiar ruling on PPS 14. Thursday's ruling represents its final decision.
The judge stopped short of making an order quashing PPS 14 and instead made a declaration that the action of direct rule miniser Lord Rooker who brought it in and the policy document were both unlawful.The judge stopped short of making an order quashing PPS 14 and instead made a declaration that the action of direct rule miniser Lord Rooker who brought it in and the policy document were both unlawful.
People who were refused planning permission since PPS 14 was introduced in March, 2006 now have two avenues to seek redress - an approach to the Planning Appeals Commission or a legal route by way of application for judicial review.People who were refused planning permission since PPS 14 was introduced in March, 2006 now have two avenues to seek redress - an approach to the Planning Appeals Commission or a legal route by way of application for judicial review.