Mr. Colin Ryan:

In what was known as a section 5 declaration, as is now provided for in the proposed section 8, the simple question under consideration is whether something is a development and, if so, whether it is exempt. The purpose of the provision was to allow owners or people with a relevant interest to ask the planning authority that question and to get an answer in a reasonably quick timeframe. In regard to third parties, it has become more complex in the sense that questions are being asked that do not relate to the ownership of particular issues. That might be more relevant to enforcement action particularly and it is also to do with the efficiencies aspect of things in respect of the questions that are being asked.