The planning system and development management
The planning system is needed to manage development in your area. The Department of the Environment (DOE) is responsible for deciding whether a development, anything from an extension on a house to a new shopping centre, should go ahead.
The role of Planning
Planning develops, and implements Government planning policies and development plans in Northern Ireland. Two Divisions with the Department carry out a range of activities, which promote the Government's key themes of sustainable development and creating a better environment. The aim of Planning is to plan and manage development in ways which will contribute to a quality environment and seek to meet the economic and social aspirations of present and future generations.
Planning operates from its headquarters building in Belfast and local area offices across Northern Ireland.
Development Management
Most people only come into contact with the planning system when decisions have to be taken about whether something can be built in their area.
Decisions on whether to allow proposals to build on land or change the use of buildings or land are made by Planning. In determining whether or not to grant planning permission, Planning will refer to a number of planning policy documents and supplementary planning guidance.
Each application for planning permission is made to the Local Area Planning Office. The application must include enough detail for Planning to see what effect the development could have on the area.
Planning should determine your application within eight weeks. Large or complex applications may take longer, but Planning should be able to give you an idea about the likely timetable. If your application is not determined within eight weeks, you can appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission.
Permitted Development
In some situations minor building work does not need planning permission, but you should always seek advice from your Local Area Planning Office before you start work. The basic aim of permitted development rights is to exclude relatively minor development proposals from planning controls.
Some areas of land such as Conservation Areas have special protection against certain developments. Some buildings are also specially protected or listed because of their architectural or historic interest. As there is a need to control any significant impact or even minor development in such areas permitted development rights maybe limited or withdrawn.
New planning legislation came into operation on 6 April 2011 to introduce revised permitted development rights for development including extensions and alterations within the curtilage of a dwelling house and new domestic permitted development for solar panels, ground and water source heat pumps, solid biomass fuel storage and flues. You can get more information in the link below:
Key Contacts in Planning
Planning headquarters based in Millennium House, Belfast, deals with strategic planning issues.
Local Area Planning Offices are responsible for operational issues such as development management and enforcement and for preparing development plans.
You can visit the Planning website for more guidance on the development management process and to help you determine whether you need planning permission and, if so, how to apply for it.
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