To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to the review of the Planning Act, (i) to outline the timetable for the various stages; (ii) who is conducting the review; and (iii) who will be consulted.

As required by s.228(2) of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 (the Act), the regulations for the Review of the Implementation of the Act were made in October 2020, coming in to operation in November 2020. The review is being undertaken by the Department, as is required by s.228(1) of the Act.

To help inform the review, a Call for Evidence (CfE) paper issued on 15 February 2021 with contributions sought over an 8 week period ending on 16 April 2021. The CfE sought to target and engage with key stakeholders in the planning system including, councils, statutory consultees, professional bodies, and those with community, business and environmental interests, although it was also open to anyone to respond. The CfE attracted 55 responses from a wide range of stakeholders. Officials are continuing their assessment of the voluminous and detailed comments and suggestions put forward.

Officials provided briefing to the Committee for Infrastructure in June 2021 on the initial findings to emerge from the CfE. I have had initial discussions with my officials who aim to have a draft Review Report available by the end of this year. I shall then determine whether any recommended amendment, retention or repeal of associated provisions would (if implemented) assist in better achieving the objectives of the Act.