Making planning better – the challenges facing planning in Northern Ireland 12 March 2018 Angus Kerr Director DfI Planning Policy Division
Introduction Key challenges facing planning Reform objectives Programme for Government Role of the Department
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
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
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
Work of the Department Regional Infrastructure Delivery plan Local transport plans Strategic planning policy reviews – development in the countryside and renewable energy
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
Oversight Shared responsibility for the effectiveness and integrity of the planning system Performance management Statutory consultees Local development plan oversight Drive forward continuous improvement
Challenges Climate change Aging population Budget pressures Brexit Tension between local ambitions and regional policy/strategy Improving performance and effectiveness
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
Collaboration Planning Good outcomes