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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is to introduce a 12-month pilot project to address the backlog of planning applications. The initiative aims to improve processing times and reduce the current build-up of applications. The new arrangements are expected to be in operation within six weeks, once the recommendation is approved by the full Council.
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.”
Under the pilot, the Council’s Planning Service Development Management team will concentrate on three functional service areas. Three separate planning teams will focus on legacy, local and major/prioritised applications rather than geography. 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.
The project paves the way for the department to begin issuing consultations and neighbourhood notices on unallocated applications. Members of the Council’s Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee agreed the proposal on 15 October. The recommendation must now be formally approved by the full Council when it meets in November.
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.”
