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28/05/2014
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".
Under new proposals, councils will be responsible for developing their own local development plan and will also be able determine the majority of planning applications, with a small number being decided by the Department of the Environment. Councils will also take the lead on all enforcement activity where there have been alleged breaches of planning control.
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "The proposals I am putting forward for public consultation will deliver a planning system that is faster, fairer and fit for purpose and which will support the economic and social development of the North. It puts the majority of planning functions back where they belong, at local level, with local accountability, through our new 11 district councils.
"This is an exciting time for planning and I recognise the challenges that the new reformed two-tier planning system will present to key stakeholders. Councils will be in the driving seat in drawing up a development plan for their area which reflects agreed local priorities. This work of engagement and debate will set the backdrop for development proposals and provides a great opportunity to set out the hopes and aspirations for the newly established councils.
"While my proposals lay the foundations for this longer-term place-shaping, they will also deliver immediate benefits when powers transfer to councils. They will support faster decision making which is great news for business and the economy as well as more effective enforcement as soon as councils take up the reins in April 2015. The system will also be transparent and managed within a strong system of governance and ethical requirements. I believe this will satisfy the very reasonable expectations of the public and provide strong support to councillors taking on these new responsibilities."
(IT)
Under new proposals, councils will be responsible for developing their own local development plan and will also be able determine the majority of planning applications, with a small number being decided by the Department of the Environment. Councils will also take the lead on all enforcement activity where there have been alleged breaches of planning control.
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "The proposals I am putting forward for public consultation will deliver a planning system that is faster, fairer and fit for purpose and which will support the economic and social development of the North. It puts the majority of planning functions back where they belong, at local level, with local accountability, through our new 11 district councils.
"This is an exciting time for planning and I recognise the challenges that the new reformed two-tier planning system will present to key stakeholders. Councils will be in the driving seat in drawing up a development plan for their area which reflects agreed local priorities. This work of engagement and debate will set the backdrop for development proposals and provides a great opportunity to set out the hopes and aspirations for the newly established councils.
"While my proposals lay the foundations for this longer-term place-shaping, they will also deliver immediate benefits when powers transfer to councils. They will support faster decision making which is great news for business and the economy as well as more effective enforcement as soon as councils take up the reins in April 2015. The system will also be transparent and managed within a strong system of governance and ethical requirements. I believe this will satisfy the very reasonable expectations of the public and provide strong support to councillors taking on these new responsibilities."
(IT)
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26 June 2014
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
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.
23 April 2013
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
