Industry praises planning service performance

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today welcomed the quarry industry’s praise of Planning Service’s performance in processing applications swiftly.

Regional Director of Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI), Gordon Best, commented that an increasing number of its members’ planning applications were being processed in a matter of months and commended the work of the Planning Service in its efforts to speed up the planning process.

Minister Poots said: “It is heartening to hear such positive words coming from the industry at a time when Planning Service has invested such energy into making its existing processes more efficient. Planning Service has been listening to the needs of the industry and introducing new processes, such as pre-applications discussions.

“I am confident that throughout Northern Ireland these improvements will continue to have a positive impact on the economy at every level, and that Planning Service staff will continue to work with industry to process applications to completion as quickly as possible and thereby support economic development.”

A recent independent report highlighted that planning application processing times continued to improve in 2009/10.

Notes to editors

1. The Quarry Products Association NI represents 95% of companies involved in the supply of quarry products to the Construction Industry in Northern Ireland.
2. The NISRA Publication of Annual Development Management Statistical Bulletin for 2009/10
3. ISME Salt Mine Extension
4. Pre Application Discussions (PADs) process was introduced to provide a forum whereby planning officials and key consultees can provide general advice and identify key issues at an early stage that need to be considered as part of the application package. The aim is to front load the planning process by encouraging applicants to engage in constructive pre-application discussions designed to result in a good quality planning application being submitted accompanied by all of the necessary information. In doing so the prospects of getting through the statutory process quickly is maximised leading to speedier decisions.
5. All media enquires should be directed to the Department of the 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.