AQW 33009/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 07/10/2025
Answered On Date: 17/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, with reference to her Department's consultation on introducing fees for some statutory planning functions, to detail the consideration given to the average cost to local councils of processing applications for (i) non-material changes; and (ii) discharge of conditions, when setting the proposed fee of £115.

Answer:

My Department does not hold information on the cost of processing such applications.

The Consultation proposals aim to promote best practice and improve the overall efficiency and quality of the planning process, in the public interest of recovering costs in the planning system.

Further analysis of the proposed fees will be undertaken following the conclusion of the consultation period. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the planning process to respond to the consultation.