The Minister of the Environment recently published the final version of Planning Policy Statement 21 (Sustainable Development in the Countryside).  It contains policies that will be used to assess planning applications for housing in the countryside - for example - houses on farms, conversions and social and affordable housing.

Community Places is working with local networks to organise a series of workshops for groups who are interested in learning more about PPS 21.  The following workshop dates have been confirmed:

-  28 September 2010, St Patrick Centre, Downpatrick from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm - If you would like to attend this workshop please telephone East Down Rural Community Network on 4461 2311 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or telephone Community Places on 9023 9444 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

-  30 September 2010, Community Relations Council Offices, 5 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm - If you would like to attend the workshop please telephone COSTA (Rural Support Network) on 8555 6880 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone Community Places on 9023 9444 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

-  6 October 2010, Peter Morgan’s Cottage, Finnis, Dromara from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm - If you would like to attend the workshop please telephone TADA on 38398888 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone Community Places on 9023 9444 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Additional dates will be published here as they are confirmed.

The final version of the Addendum to Planning Policy Statement 7 - Safeguarding the Character of Established Residential Areas - was published on 10 August 2010.  This follows consultation on the draft version of the document which concluded in March 2010.  The finalised policy is of interest to groups and individuals who want to secure better new development in residential areas. 

The addendum contains policies that:

• set minimum sizes for new build houses, flats and apartments;
• set additional criteria for the conversion of existing buildings to flats or apartments;
• require the density of new residential development to be not significantly higher than that found in the established residential area; and
• encourage the use of permeable paving in new developments.

The full version of the finalised addendum can be downloaded from Planning Service's website.

The next two in our series of Planning Advice Sessions will be held on:

• Wednesday, 11 August 2010 from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm in The Millennium Centre, Loughgiel and on
• Wednesday, 18 August 2010 from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm in The Lodge, Castlewellan.

The advice sessions will provide information on all planning issues including houses in the countryside, making and objecting to a planning applications, planning enforcement and complaints.  Anyone with a query is welcome to call in and we will provide follow-up advice to everyone who needs it.  Appointments are not needed but it would be helpful if people could let us know if they will be calling in by telephoning us on 9023 9444.

The Minister of the Environment recently published the final version of Planning Policy Statement 21 (Sustainable Development in the Countryside).  It contains policies that will be used to assess planning applications for housing in the countryside - for example - houses on farms, conversions and social and affordable housing.

Community Places working the the Rural Community Network has organised a workshop for groups who are interested in learning more about PPS 21.  It will be held on Thursday, 29 July 2010 from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm at the Rural Community Network's offices, 38a Oldtown Street, Cookstown.  If you would like to attend the workshop please telephone Community Places (9023 9444) or email us ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or telephone the Rural Community Network (8676 6670).

The Government is now consulting on its plans to change how the lottery good cause money is divided between arts, heritage, sports and the Big Lottery Fund.  If these plans go ahead they will have a major impact on local community groups.  Opposition to the cuts needs to be voiced before the closing date of 21 August 2010. 

Under plans from the Westminster coalition Government the apportionment to the Big Lottery Fund will be cut to 40%.  In return for the cut of 50% to 40% for the Big Lottery Fund the Government is planning for 100% of Big Lottery Fund funding to be committed to the voluntary and community sector only - however, this is not outlined in the Draft Order under consultation but contained as a commitment in a letter from the Minister, Jeremy Hunt.

The changes would be introduced in two phases in April 2011 and April 2012.  The current spending plans of the Big Lottery Fund will be affected by the reduction in income over the period to 2012 and beyond.  This will have a direct and negative impact on the funding to the voluntary and community sector. 

NICVA is keen to hear responses on the following questions:

1. Do you have concerns about the decrease in funding allocated to the Big Lottery Fund?
2. Do you have any concerns about the increase in allocations to the Arts Council, Sport NI or Heritage Lottery Fund?
3. What assurances would you like to receive on the level of funding received by the voluntary and community sector from the National Lottery in relation to funding allocation to the Big Lottery Fund and the other lottery distributors?

Responses to NICVA should be directed to Neil Irwin ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).  You can also send your views directly to Government at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Rural Community Network is also working on this issue and will be organising consultation events - for further iinformation please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it