We are calling on Council Chief Executive Liam Hannaway to show brave leadership by revoking planning approval for the Shore Road development to allow for the required public consultation, environmental impact assessment and transport assessment to be carried out. For this to happen we really need your help by sending the below letter to Mr Hannaway and to all NMDC councillors, and then sharing it across your network. It's time for Council, Councillors and Communities to work together! (Read more on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RostrevorRARE/
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Dear Mr Hannaway and Councillors,
I am writing to make a formal request that, under the power granted by Section 68 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, you revoke the approval made by six councillors on Newry, Mourne and Down Council's Planning Committee for the Shore Road development P/2009/1336/F in Rostrevor.
It is my concern that, despite the Judicial Review decision on this case, the plans as they stand could have detrimental consequences on the following:
1) The safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on a busy and dangerous stretch of the A2 protected road.
Reason: no transport assessment was carried out for the approved plans, despite one being called for DfI Roads Service.
2) The long-term preservation of Rostrevor Oakwood.
Reason: no environmental impact assessment, updated bat survey or Habitat Assessment, called for by NIEA, were carried out for the approved plans.
3) The integrity and future functioning of the Council's planning department.
Reason: a key strategic aim for transferring planning powers to Council level was to promote a participatory planning system. No Public consultation was carried out for the approved plans. Furthermore, your Planning Department have conceded they attached an unenforceable planning condition to the approval notice, thus failing the six tests for planning conditions.
Please confirm receipt of this email and advise on what course of action you propose to take to address this matter.
Sincerely,
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liam.hannaway@nmandd.org