The interim Regional Planning Commission has been told that “swift action” across all parts of the system is necessary if the north’s planning system is to become an enabler of economic growth.
In a presentation to the Commission in Belfast, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Suzanne Wylie outlined in detail, the priorities identified by the business organisation, which it says could accelerate the region’s progress towards net zero, facilitate economic growth and deliver much needed affordable housing.
The Chamber’s report, which was developed in partnership with independent advisers Turley, stressed that the issues which exist cut across the responsibilities of councils, bodies that have to be consulted, the Department for Infrastructure and the Planning Appeals Commission, and will require leadership across the Executive to drive the necessary changes to unlock log jams and enable a focus on sustainable growth.
The Commission heard a series of proposals which would ensure that in future, the system is held to account for its performance and enable it to deal more effectively with NI Executive priorities including housing development, renewable energy projects and economic development.
Ahead of the long-awaited publication of the Executive’s Programme for Government, the Commission was told that planning must be an immediate priority, with cross departmental buy-in and accountability for significant whole-system improvement a top requirement.
Ms Wylie said: “As a key economic enabler, planning must be an express priority in the new Programme for Government.
“To facilitate that, NI Chamber has clearly outlined a series of actionable improvements which can be readily implemented to enhance the system now and for the future.
“Such reform presents an opportunity to open the door to significant sustainable growth and unlock Northern Ireland’s pathway to a decarbonised economy. We know that most economic development begins with planning, and for that reason the performance of our planning system must be competitive to attract and encourage investment.”
