As regards the four bedroomed bed and breakfast accommodation, I explained on that occasion that where no physical change was made to a premises for which planning permission had already been granted and where the numbers involved were of a minor nature there would be no requirement for planning permission. That does not exclude the necessity to obtain a fire certificate, meet food and hygiene regulations and building regulations. Subsequent to the debate a number of Deputies said they were unaware of the necessity to have commencement orders.
Regarding developments at the rear of premises, anyone who wishes to apply for planning permission to build in excess of the prescribed area can so do. There is no limitation on making an application and it will be dealt with on its merits. As far as the other matters are concerned they have been properly explained and widely accepted. I committed myself at the beginning of my term of office as Minister to greater transparency and openness in the planning system. There was wide support during the debate for the provision to improve the public notice requirement so that people would not be faced with problems about which they could take no action after a prescribed period.
On the question of unauthorised developments, I introduced very stringent provisions in the planning and development Bill and increased the fines in cases where people are found guilty of unauthorised developments of a certain nature. The amounts paid to local authorities in respect of applications of that kind have also been doubled. These measures are indicative of my desire to combat the problems in this area.
Deputy Barrett rose.