Interim Regional Planning Commission
A key recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee report on Planning in Northern Ireland (March 2022) was that a Regional Planning Commission be established.
Prior to leaving office in September 2022, the former Infrastructure Minister approved the establishment of an independently chaired voluntary Regional Planning Commission.
The Department has proceeded to establish an interim Regional Planning Commission which is independent of the Department and has an advisory role. The interim Commission has been tasked to constructively review, identify improvements, and promote further accountability in planning in Northern Ireland. Their work will compliment a wider Planning Improvement work programme currently being progressed by the Department in collaboration with local government and stakeholders.
Membership of the interim Regional Planning Commission has been designed to reflect key stakeholder interests across the community; economic and environmental sectors. The interim Commission will be chaired by Rosemary Thomas a former Chief Planner for Wales. The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) will take on the secretariat role for the Commission.
The interim Regional Planning Commission will be subject to review upon return to office of an Infrastructure Minister or within 6 months of its establishment, whichever is the sooner.
Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference for the interim Commission are available at:
Members
Details of Commission members are available at:
More information is available in the Press Release which issued on 24 February 2023:
Minutes of Meetings
Interim Regional Planning Commission - Minutes of Meetings | Department for Infrastructure