To ask the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of the impact that Planning Circular PC 0307 has had on the outcome of the determination of applications by Planning Service.

In recognition of public concern on this issue, Planning Service staff were reminded of the need to consider fully the impact on the established residential character when processing applications for new residential development. To this end, Planning Circular (PC 03/07), ‘Assessing Planning Applications for Residential Development in Urban Areas, Villages and Other Small Settlements’ issued in August 2007 has positively assisted Planning Service staff in processing planning applications for residential development.

It reiterates the key policy objections of PPS 7:’Quality Residential Environments’ and the need to fully consider the existing character of the surrounding area when assessing individual proposals. It also provides a full list of all other relevant policies.