A DROMORE man has called for a Planning Service "shake-up" and blasted the majority of local public representatives for what he sees as their failure to stand up for rural residents.
The man, who did not want to be named, claimed there appeared to be an inconsistent application of planning policies.
He said many property developers appeared to be unrestricted in pursuing plans to buy up and demolish existing properties in orde
r to "squeeze in" as many new houses/apartments as possible in search of substantial profits.
Not only were hamlets, villages and towns throughout Northern Ireland - including, he claimed, Dromore, Ashfield, Blackskull, Donaghcloney, Dromara, Kinallen, Waringsford, Loughbrickland and Katesbridge - in danger of losing their character and identity to over-development and traffic congestion, but long-term rural residents were routinely denied permission for small houses near family homes while developers seemed to be at liberty to erect "mansions" and isolated developments at odds with the local countryside.
It was essential, he said, that follow-up inspections be carried out to ensure developers had complied with regulations and that planning policies be properly and fairly enforced for all; he suggested it should be given to the courts to rule on planning applications.
The Dromore man also questioned why developments had been given the go-ahead in the Dromore area on what he called "in-fill sites" and former bogland.
"Why did Planning Service allow building on unstable ground?" he said. "What happens, or who is to blame if, in 30-40 years time these houses start to sink or collapse?"
He asked a similar question regarding the Hillsborough Road development which saw an excavation undermine the road, forcing closure. "Why did Planning Service allow this development here in the first place?" he said.
Turning to public representatives, he said many appeared to lack the stomach to oppose developers and challenge Planning Service decisions.
"I am very disappointed with the majority of our local councillors and MPs in Co.Down and Northern Ireland," he said. "They don't seem to be working for the rights of farmers and rural residents and the working class public of Dromore, Dromara and the surrounding Co. Down countryside."
The full article contains 368 words and appears in Dromore Leader newspaper.
