asked the Minister for the Environment if there is any limit to the duration of an "obsolete area" order made by a local authority; if not, if he is aware that an anomalous situation can arise in that property owned by people residing within the area covered by the "obsolete area" order is devalued indefinitely; and if he can take any steps to rectify this anomaly.
Written Answers. - “Obsolete Area” Order.
521.
Local authorities have no power to make "obsolete area" orders and, therefore, the question of a time limit does not arise. However, in making their statutory development plans, planning authorities are obliged to include objectives for development and renewal of obsolete areas. The making and variation of development plans is the responsibility, under law, of the elected local councils. Before a plan or variation is made, a draft must be put on public display, and any objections or representations must be considered by the authority. It is there fore open to owners of property in an area identified in a draft as an obsolete area to make their views known, and have them considered, prior to the making of the development plan. The Planning Acts impose a statutory duty on the planning authority to take such steps as may be necessary for securing the objectives of the development plan. They are obliged to review their plans at least once in every five years and this enables local interests, or individuals, to seek to have existing policies reviewed or amended.