ENVIRONMENT Minister Neletha Butterfield was away on vacation yesterday, but her Permanent Secretary Wayne Carey issued the following statement last night.

"The role of Special Development Orders is to provide the Minister with the necessary authority to grant planning permission for a particular development in special circumstances. Typically, those circumstances relate to matters of national interest or Government priority.

"The development of the Loughlands property in Paget is being pursued as one of several initiatives being undertaken by Government to meet the challenge of affordable housing, which is considered a matter of national priority.

"The use of a Special Development Order for the Loughlands development is not setting a precedent since there have been many other developments which have been achieved by means of a Special Development Order.

"Examples include: the Tucker's Point Club Hotel and Spa; the Belmont Hills Golf Club, Hotel and Villas; and the more recent Manufactured Homes Housing Project. At this time, there has been no decision made on a special development order in regard to the Fairmont's request for an SDO.

"Since the issue of affordable housing is one of national importance, the Government has decided to progress the Loughlands development by way of a Special Development Order. I note the National Trust's views on this matter. However, SDOs are important instruments which are carefully considered in the interest of the larger public good. SDOs can vary as to their content, the conditions that apply and the specific nature of the planning permission that is granted.

"The Ministry is aware of Mr. Adderley's concerns raised on behalf of his clients. Such concerns are consistent with those that would be associated with any development of a similar size, and were given due consideration during the lead-up to Government agreeing to undertake the project.

"It should be noted that the existing agricultural and woodland reserve zonings on the site will be preserved, and that the old Loughlands hotel will remain as a Grade 1 listed building due to its architectural and historical significance."

Mr. Carey did not answer our question as to why there was no planning application for the public to view.