CIH Northern Ireland urges integrated planning reforms amidst persistent rural dwelling pressure and varied processing times

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Northern Ireland has today responded to the latest planning statistics released by the Department for Infrastructure, highlighting a multifaceted challenge within the region's planning system.

While a slight improvement in overall processing times is noted, concerns persist regarding the significant absorption of planning capacity by single dwelling applications in the countryside, compounded by stark disparities in council performance.

The statistical release for 2024/25 reveals:

• Overall residential applications received: A total of 6,149 residential applications were received in 2024/25, a slight decrease from 6,307 in 2023/24 (down 2.5 per cent).
• Persistent demand for rural single dwellings: Despite the overall dip, applications for new single dwellings in the countryside grew by 2.6 per cent to account for a substantial 1,802 applications received in 2024/25. This represents 29 per cent of all residential applications.
• Marginal improvement in overall processing times: The average processing time for local applications brought to a decision or withdrawal during 2024/25 was 19 weeks across all councils. While this still exceeds the 15-week statutory target, it represents a slight decrease of 1.8 weeks from the previous year.
• Significant disparity in council performance: Only three of the eleven councils met the 15-week target in 2024/25. Most councils reduced their processing times, however, Newry Mourne & Down notably increased theirs by over one third, taking an average of 45 weeks compared with 34 weeks last year against the target of 15 weeks. This highlights significant regional inefficiencies.

Justin Cartwright, national director for CIH Northern Ireland, said:

"These latest statistics paint a complex picture of our planning system. While the marginal improvement in overall processing times is a positive step, it is overshadowed by the continuing strain placed on resources by the high volume of single dwelling applications in the countryside. Nearly one in three residential applications continue to be for these types of homes, diverting precious capacity that could be better utilised for strategic, larger-scale housing developments that address the pressing need for social and affordable housing.

"Furthermore, the persistent challenge of the majority of councils to meet statutory processing targets, and the alarming increase in delays within some areas like Newry Mourne & Down, raise important questions about consistency and efficiency across the region. Such variations hinder housing delivery and create uncertainty for developers and communities alike. We must move beyond incremental improvements and implement integrated reforms that streamline the system, prioritise sustainable housing growth, and ensure all councils are equipped and accountable for efficient planning outcomes. Our aim is to ensure our planning system is truly fit for purpose, delivering homes where they are most needed and supporting sustainable communities across Northern Ireland."

CIH Northern Ireland calls for a comprehensive review of resourcing within planning departments and the approaches taken by planning committees to ensure the system effectively balances individual aspirations with broader housing needs, promotes sustainable development, and achieves consistent, efficient processing times across all local authorities.