0
This is one of a number of high profile enforcement appeals in recent months and years concerning unauthorised large scale commercial car park operations on agricultural landholdings near Belfast International Airport. Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Appeals Commission wrote to the parties to express concern about the term used in the enforcement notice – “use as a commercial car park” – given that prior to the unauthorised operations there was legitimate parking taking place on the site which was incidental and ancillary to the lawful use of the land for (commercial) agriculture and for an animal feeds business. A further hearing was therefore convened to hear submissions upon whether the terms of the enforcement notice were in accordance with the requirements of Article 68A of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 as amended and, if not, whether the PAC could exercise its powers under Article 70(2) to amend the notice. Charles Banner appeared for the Department of Environment at the reconvened hearing, instructed by the Departmental Solicitor’s Office.
