Kimmins launches consultation on introducing fees for some statutory planning functions
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has today launched a public consultation to introduce planning fees for non-material change and discharge of conditions planning applications.
The consultation sets out proposals to:
- introduce a single fee of £115 for non-material changes.
- introduce a single fee of £115 for discharge of condition.
Launching the consultation Minister Kimmins said:
“Non -material change applications and discharge of conditions applications can be complex and time consuming yet currently these elements of the planning service are being delivered without a fee and introducing a fee would recognise the significant resource required.
"This proposal aims to promote best practice and improve the overall efficiency and quality of the planning process.
“As the Department and local government continue to collaborate on the planning improvement programme this consultation will also invite feedback on a broader range of planning fee-related issues to help inform a review of the longer-term financial sustainability of the system.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the planning process to respond to the consultation.”
The public consultation is open from 1 October until 23 December 2025 is available at – Public Consultation - Review of Planning Fees | Department for Infrastructure. An easy ready version is also available.
Notes to editors:
- In the 2022 Review of the Implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 (RIPA) report, the Department considered there is merit in reviewing planning fee categories and the fees themselves to establish if they remain fit for purpose and cover the costs of processing applications in line with the requirements of Managing Public Money (NI). Part of this review is to consider the introduction of new fee categories for applications for non-material changes and discharge of conditions.
- In the published official Northern Ireland planning statistics April 2023 – March 2024 there have been 451 non-material change applications made to councils and 1098 discharge of conditions applications with 37 of these made to the Department.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
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