Menu
07/07/2010
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 January 2018
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
29 April 2010
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
09 May 2002
Good planning benefits economy and the environment
The economy and the environment can both be winners if we have good planning processes the Northern Ireland Minister of Environment Dermot Nesbitt has said.
Good planning benefits economy and the environment
The economy and the environment can both be winners if we have good planning processes the Northern Ireland Minister of Environment Dermot Nesbitt has said.
28 October 2004
Housing applications set for ‘unprecedented increase’
The number of new housing developments planned for the coming year is likely to see an “unprecedented increase”, the Department of Environment (DoE) has said. Environment Minister Angela Smith said the increased volume of planning applications, up 13,000 from last year, had led to greater demands on the resources of the Planning Service.
Housing applications set for ‘unprecedented increase’
The number of new housing developments planned for the coming year is likely to see an “unprecedented increase”, the Department of Environment (DoE) has said. Environment Minister Angela Smith said the increased volume of planning applications, up 13,000 from last year, had led to greater demands on the resources of the Planning Service.
28 May 2014
Consultation On Planning Reform Launched
A 12-week consultation on proposals for planning reform and its transfer to new councils has been launched, which could see "the return of local accountability to the planning system".
Consultation On Planning Reform Launched
A 12-week consultation on proposals for planning reform and its transfer to new councils has been launched, which could see "the return of local accountability to the planning system".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
