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Assembly member Brian Wilson has welcomed the decision not to press ahead with the review of local government which would have reduced local councils from 26 to 11.

Mr. Wilson MLA said: “I have long argued that the reasons for this change no longer stack up. While the review to date has lasted nine years and cost us £9 million, as each year passes the arguments to maintain the status quo become more convincing. Initially the plan was for more powers to be given to local councils; however this idea has been scrapped. Initially the plan was to create co-terminosity; but this too has failed to happen. It was argued that the review would save money and reduce rates, however now it looks likely to increase rates. What we now have on offer is an empty proposal with huge costs and it has rightly been scrapped.”

The North Down Assembly member concluded by saying: “The failure of the Executive to agree means we will not throw good money after bad. It was the right decision for the wrong reasons.”

The Assembly Member has called on the Environment Minister to start making the George Best Belfast City Airport publically accountable for damage caused to the local environment by calling for a Departmental led health and safety examination of its operation.

Brian Wilson said: “Several months ago a low flying aircraft allegedly caused damage to a property in East Belfast. The Airport promised to carry out an enquiry but did not publish the findings of that investigation. We still await details of that enquiry.” Continue reading “Health & Safety Investigation at City Airport” »

Brian Wilson warned that the new order PPS 21 on rural planning permission will drive a coach and horses through any sensible rural planning and creates so many loop holes that it will prove to be a free for all and a charter for developers and speculators.

Assembly member Brian Wilson said: “PPS 21 has nothing to do with developing rural communities and totally ignores the environmental impact of single dwellings in the country side; it ignores the threat of bungalow blight and creates a culture of a hacienda on every hillside. The lessons of Donegal have been ignored and our beautiful country side which is a major tourism attraction will be destroyed. The potential for the development of our tourism sector will be greatly reduced.”

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