Written question asked by David Burnside (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 8 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 February 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 February 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when the Antrim, Ballymena, Larne Area Plan will be published.

Answer: David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Antrim, Ballymena, Larne Area Plan will be published. [216072] Angela Smith: In recent months the Planning Service has been reviewing the rapidly increasing and unprecedented workload pressures being faced by the agency. After careful consideration of the available options, it was decided to concentrate as much of the agency's resources as possible for a period of time on the operational side of the business. The reallocation of staff has had a knock-on effect on emerging area plans. Work is continuing on those plans that are at an advanced stage in the preparation process. However, progress on the remaining area plans, including Antrim, Ballymena and Larne, will be slower then previously programmed. The importance of delivering full area plan coverage is recognised and the Planning Service will move forward with the area plan programme as quickly as is feasible. At this point in time it is not possible to say precisely when this will be. Much will depend on how quickly the pressure on the operational side can be reduced. An announcement on revised timescales for the area plan programme, including the Antrim, Ballymena and Larne area plan, will be made in due course.

Secondary information