Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to Address Planning Backlog

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is introducing a pilot project designed to address the backlog and planning application processing times.

The 12-month initiative aims to deliver a more efficient development management service, to improve processing times and reduce the current build-up of applications.

The project paves the way for the department to commence work on issuing consultations and neighbourhood notices on unallocated applications, following agreement by members of the Council's Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee on 15 October. The recommendation has to be formally approval by the full Council when it meets next month.

The new arrangements are expected to be in operation within six weeks, with the Council’s Planning Service Development Management team concentrating on three clear functional service areas.

Three separate planning teams will focus on legacy, local and major / prioritised applications rather than geography, to ensure a focused approach each team will have a dedicated planning manager who will also engage with planning agents, developers and applicants to inform them about the detail of the new initiative.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, "We recognise the importance of an efficient and responsive planning service for our residents, businesses, developers, organisations and communities.

"Engagement with planning agents, developers and applicants is equally important in ensuring that the new arrangements are understood and deliver meaningful improvements with our aim to deliver efficient, accessible and responsive planning services.”

Cllr Hanna added: “The new pilot to address the planning backlog can make a positive difference, continue to support development and encourage investment across Newry, Mourne and Down."