To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what considerations her Department has given to increasing protection for ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees and their habitats from development.

I am committed to ensuring the planning system plays its part in protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural environment. Current planning legislation and strategic policy include appropriate safeguards and guidance for the consideration of natural heritage matters. This includes meeting international, national and local responsibilities and obligations in the protection and enhancement of our natural heritage. My Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) provides a robust policy framework against which to assess all types of planning applications, including proposals which have the potential to impact known ancient woodland, ancient trees, veteran trees and their habitats.

I fully recognise that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs / Northern Ireland Environment Agency, in its role as the regional statutory nature conservation body, has a central role to play not only as the body under whose legislation such important areas can be designated but also as a statutory consultee to the planning system to inform sound decision-making on nature conservation issues.