The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has ordered Mid Ulster District Council to withdraw proposed planning policies that would have relaxed rules on building houses in the countryside. The department issued binding directions requiring the council to change several draft policies in its Local Development Plan.

The disputed policies included an attempt to remove the requirement that farms be active and established for at least six years before a new dwelling can be approved. DfI said this could allow new builds on land never considered a farm and incentivise artificial subdivision of farms to gain extra dwelling approvals, leading to excessive development harmful to rural landscape.

Mid Ulster also proposed expanding the definition of infill sites, which would have allowed new homes in gaps where only two houses exist, rather than the required three. DfI said this would create new built-up frontages and add significant development pressure in the countryside.

A council statement confirmed DfI sought modifications including removal or amendment of its policies for single houses in the countryside. The council must now amend its draft plan before it can be legally adopted.

Under current policy, a new house can be approved on a farm that has been active for at least six years. Infill development is permitted only along existing frontages with at least three buildings and small gaps between them.