‘Quick action’ needed in planning system, Commission told – The Irish News

The Provisional Regional Planning Commission has been told that “rapid action” is needed across all parts of the system if the northern planning system is to become a driver of economic growth.

In a presentation to the Commission in Belfast, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, detailed the priorities identified by the business organisation which she said could accelerate the region’s progress towards net zero emissions, facilitate economic growth and deliver much-needed affordable housing.

The Chamber’s report, produced in partnership with independent advisers Turley, highlighted that the existing issues go beyond the remit of councils, consultancy bodies, the Department of Infrastructure and the Planning Appeals Commission, and will require leadership across the Executive to deliver the necessary changes to break the deadlock and focus on sustainable growth.

The committee heard a number of proposals that will ensure that in future the system is held to account for its performance and enables it to more effectively address the priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive, including housing development, renewable energy projects and economic development.

Ahead of the long-awaited publication of the Board of Directors’ Programme for Government, the Committee was advised that planning must be an immediate priority and that a key requirement must be the commitment and ownership of all departments to deliver significant improvements to the whole system.

Ms Wylie said: “As a key driver of the economy, planning must be a clear priority in the new Programme for Government.

“To facilitate this, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has clearly outlined a number of actionable improvements that can be easily implemented to improve the system now and in the future.

“This reform provides an opportunity to open the door to significant sustainable growth and unlock Northern Ireland’s path to a decarbonised economy. We know that most economic development starts with planning, so the performance of our planning system must be competitive to attract and encourage investment.”