Minister Kimmins welcomes improvement in planning processing times
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed improvement in processing times for planning applications during 2024/25.
Commenting on the latest statistics Minister Kimmins said:
“My Department has been working collectively over the last two years with local government and other stakeholders to deliver the Planning Improvement Programme with the aim of enhancing and making a tangible difference to the planning system in the North.
“Significant progress has been achieved so far and I now welcome the improvement in processing times for both local and major applications in 2024/25. It is particularly pleasing to see a significant improvement in the average processing times for major applications which has seen its lowest annual processing time since the transfer of planning powers in 2015 and a decrease of 6.9 weeks compared with 2023/24.
“That is why I have made Plan To Improve one of my Department’s seven Foundations for a Better future, which are underpinning the work my Department is doing today, to build a better tomorrow. With the next phase of the Planning Improvement Programme underway we are continuing our efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system in the North, given its importance in protecting the environment, local communities and the economy.
“Recently I also hosted a round table event in Belfast entitled ‘Plan to Improve: Pathway to Progress’. The event brought together a variety of organisations from across business, education, public sector, environment, Councils, and legal professions to encourage open and collaborative dialogue on the planning system. The event discussed many of the key current themes particularly relating to the performance and resilience of the planning system for the future and my officials are now considering the diverse perspectives, discussions, views, ideas and key messages from the event to help inform and prioritise future actions.
“The importance of working collectively to make improvements cannot be underestimated and by engaging regularly, sharing insight and expertise, both within the planning profession and across various sectors, we can all shape the path forward to deliver the best planning service possible for the North.”
Notes to editors:
- The statistics are available at The Northern Ireland Planning Statistics: 2024/25 Annual Statistical Bulletin.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
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