Mr. Michael Cleary:

It was inferred that there was a similarity between what we, as a society, said and what housebuilders said. In terms of streamlining and making the planning system more efficient, we are not talking about a reduction in the quality and the structures around the planning system. We are merely talking about a more efficient way of doing it. Without getting into too much granular detail, there are local area plans, regional planning guidelines and the county development plans which build up to a tier which is all merited. However, we are saying it might be more efficient to use much of that time to create strategic development zones where a majority of the issues, which would be dealt with in a detailed planning application, could be dealt with upfront, leading to a more efficient use of resources. We are not advocating a reduction in standards at all. Our profession is not constructing the houses but involved in overseeing a variety of the services which evolve with that. We do not support in any way any move that would reduce the quality of what will be delivered.