Northern Ireland’s planning system is entering another period of change.
Against a continuing backdrop of pressure to improve the speed, efficiency and predictability of planning decisions, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is progressing a further reform measure as part of its Planning Improvement Programme (PIP).
The latest measure includes proposed amendments to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015, which will see changes to the thresholds for local and major application categories.
This follows DfI’s previous consultation on the same issue. This Consultation reflects the feedback received through the last consultation and stakeholder engagement sessions undertaken by the Department.
The proposals seek to modernise how development is categorised, reflecting the changing nature, scale and complexity of projects now coming through the planning system – particularly across the energy sector and the presence of emerging technologies within that sector.
Given this is the second consultation on the issue, we expect the proposed thresholds to closely reflect the final legislation.
Planning performance
Planning performance continues to be a key focus across Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Planning Statistics for 2025/26 were published by DfI in August 2026.
The figures underline the scale of the challenge. Average processing times for local applications across all councils increased to 19.6 weeks, against a 15 week target, while major applications increased to 41.4 weeks, against the 30 week target.
The best-performing council overall was Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Local Development Plans
The Local Development Plan process continues to progress across Northern Ireland.
While we continue to wait for the first council to publish draft Local Policies Plans,
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are intending to commence consultation on their draft Plan Strategy on 13 October 2026, with the consultation closing on 8 December 2026.
The draft Plan Strategy was published for advanced viewing on 29 September 2026. If you have any land interests within the council area, please get in touch.
Mid Ulster Local Development Plan
In August 2026, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) issued a Direction requiring Mid Ulster District Council to make significant modifications to its draft Plan Strategy before it can proceed to Independent Examination.
DfI considered elements of the draft strategy to be unsatisfactory and potentially inconsistent with regional planning policy, particularly its approach to housing growth and distribution, including the proposed 40% countryside allowance and additional opportunities for rural housing.
The Council must now prepare a timetable for these modifications before the revised Plan Strategy can progress through the statutory process towards Independent Examination.
Separately, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has published a Plan Strategy Revision Preferred Options Paper (POP) in response to a DfI Direction concerning the Abbey Centre retail designation. The POP considers options for new strategic and operational planning policies for the Abbey Centre, reflecting the regional town centre first approach, with public consultation running from 20 October to 15 December 2026.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council remains the only council yet to publish its draft Plan Strategy.
We also expect draft Local Policies Plans to be published for consultation in late 2026 or early 2027, with the councils who have already adopted their Plan Strategy able to take this next step.
We will continue to monitor progress and provide updates on key consultation periods and opportunities for input.
Please contact Philip Stinson or Gary Dodds to discuss the emerging changes, navigating the evolving planning system and positioning your development proposals effectively.
21 October 2026
