Changes to planning applications during Coronavirus pandemic

By Peter Moor

Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, has announced changes to the process for major planning applications because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The change will temporarily remove the requirement to hold a public event as part of the pre-application community consultation.

The changes from the Department of Infrastructure will come into effect on 1st May and will apply for five months. 

Guidance will be provided for those making planning applications, suggesting alternatives to this community element of the consultation process.

Applicants will still need to comply with other requirements to ensure communities are aware of and can input to major development proposals for their areas.

Minister Mallon said: “The planning system will have a critical role in supporting our future economic and societal recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. It is vital that the process continues to function, keeping an eye to the future and to keep Northern Ireland moving forward at this difficult time.

"My team is working closely with local government in partnership to ensure the planning system responds as effectively as possible.

“I am pleased to announce that I have introduced legislation today to temporarily remove the requirement for public events as part of the pre-application process for major planning applications, given that they cannot happen at this time.

"This is an essential step that will help unlock significant major planning applications across the North. If legislation is not implemented this would result in the application process being invalid, leading to a backlog of major applications which could hinder our economic recovery after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

“Public participation remains an important part of the planning process and to ensure that this is not compromised I will be publishing advice and guidance on appropriate measures to replace face to face public events, such as on-line engagement.

"This will ensure that pre-application public participation in the planning process can continue during the emergency period and will facilitate a more consistent approach across the 11 Council areas."