CIH Northern Ireland urges councils to learn from top performers as planning delays worsen

Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Northern Ireland has responded to the latest planning statistics from the Department for Infrastructure, underscoring the persistent challenges within the region's planning system.

While the figures reveal a positive improvement in processing times for major applications, concerns remain over the continued decline in applications and a notable increase in delays for local applications.

The statistical release for the first quarter of 2025/26 reveals a:

• Decline in applications: Planning applications received in Northern Ireland decreased by nearly five per cent compared to the same period a year earlier; residential applications, which make up two-thirds of all applications, remain a key concern, as their decline presents an obstacle to meeting housing need
• Mixed picture for processing times: The average processing time for local applications increased to 19.8 weeks, exceeding the 15-week statutory target and representing a one-week increase from the previous year; however, the average processing time for major applications has met its 30-week target, falling by six weeks compared to a year earlier
• Disparity in council performance: There are stark variations in council performance, with only four of the 11 councils meeting the 15-week target for local applications; the top performers were Mid and East Antrim (7.0 weeks), Fermanagh and Omagh (7.6 weeks), Antrim and Newtownabbey (10.4 weeks), and Belfast (13.6 weeks).

‘Significant bottlenecks’

Commenting on the figures, Justin Cartwright, national director for CIH Northern Ireland, said: "The latest statistics present a complex, but not insurmountable, set of challenges for our planning system. On the one hand, we are seeing improvements in the processing of major applications. On the other, the persistent decline in applications and the increase in local processing times highlight that while resources are being effectively applied in some areas, there are still significant bottlenecks.

"There is a need to foster a culture of good practice sharing and continuous improvement. The strong results of the top performing councils demonstrate that efficient and effective planning is achievable. We must work collaboratively to understand the factors driving their success and replicate these models across all local authorities.

“By enhancing existing approaches and sharing expertise, we can unlock development, deliver the homes people need and create a planning system that is truly fit for purpose."

CIH Northern Ireland is calling on all stakeholders to prioritise a collaborative approach to planning. By focussing on shared learning, leveraging existing resources, and promoting consistent, high-quality practice across all councils, we can collectively tackle delays and build a more resilient and efficient planning system for Northern Ireland's communities.

• For more information, please contact CIH Northern Ireland national director Justin Cartwright at justin.cartwright@cih.org