Phase 2 on proposed Planning Reform and Transfer Subordinate Legislation

This consultation document is the second phase of a two-phased public consultation exercise being undertaken by the Department of the Environment on proposals for subordinate legislation for the reform of the planning system and the transfer of the majority of planning functions to the newly elected 11 district councils.

The reform and transfer of planning involves enacting more than 20 pieces of subordinate legislation, known as statutory rules (SRs), in exercise of powers already established in the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (the 2011 Act) within a relatively short time period

The proposals in phase 2 consultation deal with a range of matters which, while important in delivering the broader range of planning reforms, are not essential to the continued operation of the system when powers transfer on 1st April 2015.

The proposals in this phase 2 consultation relate to the following areas:
• simplified planning zones;
• levels of fixed penalties; and
• modification and discharge of planning agreements.