Planning Processing 'Improving'

Average processing times have fallen for all types of planning applications processed in Northern Ireland over the past year, a new independent report has revealed.

Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots welcomed the publication of the Planning Service's fourth annual development management statistical bulletin, noting the improved performance, but was adamant that he would continue to drive forward further reform and improvement.

The Minister said: "The report highlights that real improvements have been made towards achieving the Agency’s Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets – progress has been made on reducing the processing times for all application types.

"I particularly note the progress around the processing of intermediate planning applications where the average processing time has been reduced for a fourth consecutive year, from 30 weeks to 23."

Minister Poots acknowledged that significant effort has been made to improve the Planning Service's efficiency and speed up the planning process, through the introduction of a number of operational reforms such as the streamlined consultation arrangements with district councils, with the average processing time for these types of applications reduced from around 90 to 30 working days.

He went on to say that 'the journey must continue' stating: "I am committed to a programme of reform for the Planning System. This process will shape our future planning system and help ensure the system meets our community’s needs, both today and tomorrow."

Mr Poots noted the positive trend in the statistical bulletin, and said that work would continue to ensure a fit for purpose service would be in place as part of the review of public administration.

(NS/BMcC)