The toughest penalties in the Britain for those who flout planning laws are to be introduced in Northern Ireland, it was announced today.
"Spot listing" to give immediate protection to buildings at risk of demolition, major increases in fines and a greater role for local councils are included in legislation to be laid before Parliament shortly by Northern Ireland minister Ms Angela Smith.
Fines for breaches of enforcement notices will rocket by 600 per cent from £5,000 to £30,000 - greater than anywhere else in Britain.
Those who demolish or alter a listed building without consent could be jailed for up to two years, the minister announced.
The new laws are expected to come into force by the spring after the draft Planning (Amendment) (NI) Order 2003 is laid before Parliament on January 20th.
Had such powers been in force last year the Department of Environment would have been able to stop the much-criticised demolition by a developer of the former Belfast home of Nobel prize-winning poet Mr Seamus Heaney.
PA