To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how she is ensuring the consistent application of planning rules across local councils.

The two-tier planning system enables councils to interpret and apply strategic policy, as set out in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement, for their areas, through their local development plan and development management responsibilities. This has empowered local government to meet the needs and aspirations of local communities, taking account of the particular context and circumstances which they face. The interpretation, relevance and weight to be afforded to strategic planning policy is for the responsible planning authority to decide and justify; and this may result in some variations across local councils.

However, it is also important for the integrity of the planning system that the wider regional policy objectives set by my Department are maintained across Northern Ireland. My Department has a number of powers which enable it to monitor the operation of planning matters by councils. These include powers in relation to scrutiny of council-prepared local development plans; powers to ‘call-in’ planning applications; and reserve enforcement powers, which are intended to be used in exceptional circumstances. My Department’s interest in exercising its powers is not to interfere with a council’s right and responsibility to take its own decisions, but rather to safeguard against systemic risks to the achievement of regional planning objectives.

My Department provides guidance to councils and also regularly engages with councils and other stakeholders to understand how the planning system is working and to assist with its operation. This includes engaging with councils on planning matters through the Strategic Planning Group (with Heads of Planning). Periodic Chief Planner updates are also issued to councils to ensure key messages are shared across the system.