South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey welcomes new number for Planning Services

Published: 4 November, 2008

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has welcomed the introduction by the Planning Service of a new three digit number that will deal with the issue of planning across the North.


The South Belfast MLA said,

"Planning is a complex procedure. It is also a burning issue within the South Belfast area. Many people have previously had the run around when trying to get information over the phone on planning applications. This has caused concern and uncertainty to those who have had planning applications in the system, and for the wider community who may be concerned about what effect proposed developments may have on their community.


"The decision by the Planning Service to extend this service, which was previously used on a trial basis in Belfast, is to be welcomed.


"From 31st October, a new single three-digit telephone number, 101, will be used to contact all Planning Services offices. Calls dialled to 101 will be handled people who have been trained to resolve as many calls as possible, at first point of contact although if the issue cannot be resolved at source the call will be transferred to the relevant Divisional Planning Office where the caller will be provided with a call reference number and a member of Planning Service will respond within 2 working days.


"This system will no doubt alleviate some of the problems that currently exist and I welcome its introduction wholeheartedly".

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