At the end of a busy day on the hill, a motion tabled by Deborah Erskine MLA, Trevor Clarke MLA and David Brooks MLA on the Northern Ireland planning system was debated. The motion acknowledged the importance of the system and laid bare significant – and fundamental - problems.
Chair of the Committee for Infrastructure Deborah Erskine MLA opened the debate by stating that the planning system in Northern Ireland is simply not fit for purpose. She highlighted that just 3% of appeals are dealt with by the Planning Appeals Commission within their own target timeline.
Mrs Erskine pointed out that the current pace of planning approval is sapping confidence from investors and negatively affecting the economy. This theme was widely supported across the Chamber, with other members reiterating the need for an overhaul of planning to prevent the barrier to investment caused by intolerable delays.
Cathal Boylan MLA specifically highlighted the impact that slow processing times are having in the green energy industry, where, he said, major planning applications have an average processing time of 57 weeks. The detrimental effect these shortfalls have on new renewable energy, and Northern Ireland’s ability to hit sustainability targets was acknowledged from all sides of the Chamber.
The motion also focused on the importance of planning for rural communities – and the need to support thriving rural communities by opposing policies that further constrain development in the countryside.
While the motion called for ‘the Minister for Infrastructure to commission an urgent and fundamental appraisal of the planning system, Jonathan Buckley MLA suggested that if there was to be a review of the planning process, this should also include the Planning Appeals Commission.
For clarity, John Stewart MLA pointed out that there have been many reviews of the planning system across the last decade, but little has changed. The Minister for Infrastructure however, stated that he realises the motion stops short of calling for a full blown review of the planning process, but rather a fundamental appraisal thereof.
Every MLA who spoke, clearly believes there are significant issues across the planning system and that it must be reformed to assist in Northern Ireland’s economic growth, the safeguarding of the farming community and the development of the green energy industry.
Despite some objection to the wording within the motion, there was widespread cross-party support, and it was passed.
It should be noted that the secondary element of the motion, referring to the role of the Strategic Investment Board and its functions, was not the main focus of today’s debate, however, with the motion being passed, we would expect the SIB element to have a further focus when the time comes.