Fifty "ordinary but deeply concerned" people representing local groups from all along Northern Ireland’s coast line have met assembly members and Planning Service officials at Stormont to press for urgent changes to planning policies and procedures.

The event, which was hosted by Lord Kilclooney, was designed to put across a number of key points which the groups believe would be more responsive to local feelings and establish greater confidence by the public in the Planning Service.

Assembly members who represent the coastal areas as well as members of the Environmental and Regional Development Committees were invited to attend along with senior officials from the Department of the Environment.

It was emphasised that the groups were not at Stormont to lobby on specific planning applications or decisions but to press for changes and improvements that would be beneficial to everyone. The issues covered: Transparency of and access to the planning process, Allocation of housing units, Planning Rules and guidelines, Incentives and penalties, Areas of special character and Natural justice.

Speaking at Stormont to introduce the issues, Richard Gordon – on behalf of all the groups - said they welcomed the recent announcement of a ‘radical shake up’ in planning as well as the recently launched Review of Public Administration.

He added: “We emphasise that we are looking for much quicker and more responsive actions. This is a golden opportunity for the Planning Service to enhance its own reputation by moves which can only improve public confidence in the way it goes about its business. That confidence is sadly lacking, which is why we are here today."

The groups represented included local voluntary groups and individuals from Ardmillan, Ballymoran, Balintoy, Belfast, Causeway Coast, Carlingford Lough, Comber, Donaghadee, Dunadry, Enler Valley, Greenisland, Helens Bay, Holywood, Killinchy, Larne Lough, Movilla, North Antrim, Rostrevor, Teal Rocks and Whiterock. (MB)