Minister opens debate on planning reform

Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, today urged local government representatives to make their voices heard with regard to proposals for reform of the local planning system.

The Minister was speaking as he outlined the reform proposals at a joint Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) and Planning Service conference.

This event with local government is taking place in advance of an intensive period of stakeholder engagement for the recently published planning reform consultation paper: ‘Reform of the Planning System in Northern Ireland: Your chance to influence change’.

In his speech the Minister reflected on the opportunities presented by the transfer of planning functions to local government in May 2011.

He said: “I believe that local government has a real opportunity to design a new planning system that brings all the critical elements of planning together in a cohesive and integrated way.

“Locally elected decision-makers will be able to shape their areas, framed not only by the new local development plan system and processes set out in the consultation paper, but also by the new powers of community planning and well-being.

The Minister highlighted that planning will become a key local government function, and that there is a real opportunity now to ensure that local government is designed and transformed in a way that enables planning to be at the heart of the new councils, so that it can deliver to its full potential.

He said: “The new processes that are proposed, such as performance agreements, pre-application community consultation and predetermination council hearings, should bring about improved efficiency, greater certainty about timescales, and enhanced participation, transparency and openness.”

Eleven planning reform roadshows take place across Northern Ireland in September.

Notes to Editors:

1. The consultation period on the proposals in the ‘Reform of the Planning System in Northern Ireland: Your chance to influence change’ consultation paper closes on 2 October.

2. All media inquiries should be directed to the Department of Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned