asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have issued any specific advice to officials of the Northern Ireland Planning Service about the implementation of the Northern Ireland draft planning policy statement of 16 March (PPS 14), Sustainable Development in the Countryside, in relation to the needs of people who are severely mentally or physically handicapped; if so, when that advice was given; and when they intend to publish it. [HL551]

There is no provision in draft PPS 14 specifically to meet the needs of persons with severe mental or physical impairment. Consequently, there was no need to prepare or issue advice to officials of the Northern Ireland Planning Service in this regard.

However, while it is not a specific category in terms of need, the particular circumstances of an applicant, including a mental or physical impairment, can be taken into account where it is considered relevant.

Policy HOU 16 (House Extensions) of A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland has not been superseded by draft PPS 14. This policy facilitates the provision of partially self-contained accommodation for elderly or dependent relatives, as an alternative to a separate house in the countryside. This policy was first published in September 1993 and the Planning Service is familiar with both its provisions and application.