AQW 43076/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 24/03/2026
Answered On Date: 03/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will introduce a third-party rights of appeal in planning decisions.

Answer:

The current planning system includes measures to significantly front-load third party and community engagement in the development management and forward planning processes. Recent legislative amendments have also strengthened Pre Application Community Consultation provisions to increase early public participation and to allow developers to take into account representations from various stakeholders.

My department is working in partnership with local government and key stakeholders, to advance the planning improvement agenda with a clear focus on enhancing the effectiveness, resilience, and long-term sustainability of the planning system in the North and I will continue to review the progress that has been made to date.

At this time however, there are no current plans to introduce a third-party right of appeal.