Five asks from Northern Ireland’s planners

RTPI Northern Ireland has published five asks of the parties contending the assembly election on 2 March, calling on the parties to give planning the political support it needs.

The planning system in Northern Ireland has gone through a period of change following the transfer of planning powers from the national government to local councils. The Institute’s asks aims to bring additional support and stability to the system to allow it to deliver the infrastructure, development and housing needed across Northern Ireland.

The five asks are:

• Grow confidence in the planning system;
• Ensure the provision of a quality home for everyone in Northern Ireland that needs one;
• Coordinate policy by focusing on people and places;
• Integrate infrastructure, development and environment;
• Promote a growing sustainable economy.

Beverley Clyde, RTPI Northern Ireland Chair said, “Our asks demonstrate how the planning system can deliver for people and businesses in Northern Ireland. It is an important part of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive’s toolkit to fulfil their commitments to us. Political confidence in what planning can creatively achieve is crucial, especially in light of the fact that the planning system in Northern Ireland has changed dramatically over the past year.”