Eyes on Northern Ireland Planning Service

The Planning Service in Northern Ireland stands accused of halting the development of wind power and damaging job creation and income to farmers and business in County Down.

It is alleged that a number of proposals for wind turbines have been refused permission despite the presence of clear planning policy designed to facilitate renewable energy.

A spokesman for the Planning Service denied the accusations and said the body is fully aware of the need to support renewable energy initiatives, including wind turbines and has already approved a substantial number throughout the district.

The spokesman said: "Mindful of its statutory responsibility to ensure protection of the environment from inappropriate development, Planning Service must adopt a balanced approach in considering such applications.

"A high proportion of Down District falls within designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the Mournes and the Lecale coastal zones.

"Contrary to what has been inferred, a general embargo against wind turbines does not exist in such areas," he said.

The spokesman said the Planning Service had only sought to restrict such proposals in environmentally sensitive areas to avoid adverse impact on important features of built or natural heritage or residential areas.

He said this approach is entirely in keeping with prevailing regional planning policy criteria.

Extra scrutiny will be focused on the stance of the Planning Service during upcoming wind turbine applications in County Down in coming months.