Cllr McCrea explained: “A wide-ranging reform of the Planning Service has been long overdue and was a priority for the DUP when we entered government. I welcome the progress which Mrs Foster has made by appointing Professor Greg Lloyd to act as an independent advisor in this reform process.”

Commenting further he said: “The announcement is another example of the DUP and devolution delivering for the people of Northern Ireland. While this is the first step in the process it is a step in the right direction for Northern Ireland to have a modern, effective and efficient Planning Service – one which is able to meet the needs of all communities in the Province.

“Everyone will recognise that the Planning Service has been under considerable strain in the past few years and has earned a reputation of being over bureaucratic. While this is discouraging for small-scale householder applicants it is equally as discouraging for large, complex applicants who have the potential to help develop a competitive economy in Northern Ireland.

“While there will be administrative changes which will be recommended undoubtedly there will be recommendations requiring legislative changes. This reform demonstrates that we are not only making short-term changes but there is a preparedness to overhaul the system in a much more long-term strategic way.”