1. Making planning better – the challenges facing
planning in Northern Ireland
12 March 2018
Angus Kerr
Director DfI Planning Policy Division

2. Introduction Key challenges facing planning Reform objectives
Programme for Government
Role of the Department

3. Two-tier planning system
Now almost 3 years into the new two-tier
planning system
Overall objective of improving the Northern Ireland
economy while promoting:
social inclusion;
sustainable communities;
personal health and well-being;
protecting the environment and natural heritage; and contributing to sustainable development
Put planning at the heart of the place-shaping agenda and provide more certainly to developers and communities

4. How well is the new to-tier planning system operating?
Still early days
New roles and responsibilities
Transfer of powers a success
Applications dealt with at the appropriate level
Statutory duty to consult communities
Schemes of delegation
Front-loading
Local decision-making
Moving in the right direction

5. Draft Programme for Government
PfG outcomes – these include:
a strong, competitive, regionally balanced economy;
protection of the environment;
a healthier and more equal society;
creating places where people want to live and work in; and
a society where people are connected with opportunities through infrastructure
Requires collaborative working and a change in attitude and culture

6. Work of the Department
Regional Infrastructure Delivery plan
Local transport plans
Strategic planning policy reviews – development in the countryside and renewable energy

7. Local development plans
Allow councils to indicate where development should take place
Bring communities along through greater participation
Increase certainly
All councils have now agreed timetables and statements of community involvement
‘Place-shaping’ approach
Linkages to other council functions

8. Oversight Shared responsibility for the effectiveness and
integrity of the planning system
Performance management
Statutory consultees
Local development plan oversight
Drive forward continuous
improvement

10. Challenges Climate change Aging population Budget pressures Brexit
Tension between local ambitions and regional policy/strategy
Improving performance and effectiveness

11. Conclusions
Time of tremendous change and challenges
Elected members now in stronger position to lead and influence development
Opportunity to make positive change
Collaboration and communication vital
Continued support for councils
Skilled planners

12. Collaboration
Planning
Good outcomes