Use of "Normally" in Policies and Exceptions

The inclusion of the word "normally" is considered necessary by the Department in many instances to ensure that there is no public misunderstanding of its planning policies. It is generally recognised that occasionally there will be circumstances where other material considerations may outweigh these policies. In particular the Department recognises that where a policy is a negative definition, i.e. stating what will not be permitted, such a policy provides a general guideline but cannot be an absolute bar to a decision beneficial to the citizen. Each case must be considered on its merits to see whether an exception would be justified. The Department therefore considers it important to retain the word "normally" in many of its policies in order that the public clearly understand that exceptions can on occasion be made.