Statutory planning fees set to change

25th March 2011

The Department of the Environment's Planning Service announced this week of its intention to increase planning fees which will take effect on 11th April 2011. This is the third increase in just under a year. The fees were increased by 2.9% in October 2010 and a startling 15% back in August 2010. The main changes to the fee structure are:

  • Removal of concessionary fee for applications submitted within a year of a similar application having been approved/ withdrawn
  • Changes to fees for applications for single dwellings; instead of charging for Outline Permission based on the site area, a flat rate of L400 is now proposed, and a further L400 for the second stage to have the Reserved Matters approved, or alternatively a set rate of L800 if applying for Full Permission.
  • Increase the maximum fee threshold for housing developments and for industrial & commercial buildings, from L11,834 to L250,000.
  • An additional L10,000 fee for any application which requires an Environmental Impact Statement
Elevate Planning have been anticipating these changes for some time now and have been advising their Clients on the best strategy going forward. For some straightforward advice on your planning needs call Elevate Planning on 02890242486.

Urban & Rural Planning Seminar

3rd February 2011, 7 Market Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6EE

Come along and get some straight talking guidance on rural and urban planning issues.

Agenda:

  • Update on draft Magherafelt Area Plan
  • Recent changes to Planning policies
  • Changes to Planning fees and costs of applying for rural sites
  • Review of recent planning decisions
  • Q & A to give opportunity for planning queries to be answered
  • Refreshments

Who should attend:

  • Landowners (particularly those who own land close to the proposed Magherafelt bypass)
  • Builders
  • Purchasers
  • Architects
  • Those wishing to carry out an extension or alteration to their property?

download flyer (pdf)

Upcoming Planning Clinics

20th January 2011

  • 27th January - BALLYMONEY - Town Hall
  • 3rd February - MAGHERAFELT - Gerard Graham's Estate Agents
  • 10th February - BANBRIDGE - Leisure Centre
  • 17th February - DUNGANNON - Leisure Centre
  • 24th February - LIMAVADY - Roe Valley Leisure Centre
All clinics run from 5.30pm to 8.00pm. No appointment necessary.

Press Release on PPS21 (summer 2010)

The rural planning policy, pps21 has been published in its final form after 18 months of consultation. It offers some further relaxation from the much derided PPS14 which was introduced under direct rule in 2006 and was publically opposed.

Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015: Withdrawal of Greenbelt Designation

Further to publication of PPS 21 in June 2010, which sets out planning policies for development in the countryside, Planning Service have indicated that the policies and provisions contained within it now take precedence over the policy provisions for all Green Belts in existing statutory and published draft Plans, with a limited number of exceptions.

As a consequence, the Department will be withdrawing the proposed Green Belt designation contained in draft BMAP i.e. Designation COU 1 - BMA Greenbelt, when it comes to adopt the plan.

It is important to note that this decision does not affect any objections that have been made in respect of other proposed countryside designations, such as Rural Landscape Wedges, Coastal Policy Areas, Areas of High Scenic Value, and the Lagan Valley Regional Park that have already been heard by the Planning Appeals Commission during the Public Inquiry for draft BMAP.

Banbridge Newry & Mourne Area Plan 2015: Withdrawal of Green Belt and Countryside Policy Area Designations.

In August 2010, the Department made it known that objections / counter objections to the proposed Green Belt/ Countryside Policy Area designations in the draft Banbridge/Newry & Mourne Area Plan 2015 will be withdrawn in the context of the changes made to rural planning policy outlined in PPS 21.

PPS4: Planning and Economic Development is finally adopted

After a considerable wait, since the publication of Draft PPS4 "Industry, Business and Distribution" in January 2003, the adopted policy statement has finally been published. Notably, even the title of this statement has now changed to "Planning and Economic Development." This policy statement seeks to facilitate economic growth which is compatible with surrounding landuses whilst taking account of the wider social need. It also details how economic growth can be facilitated and encouraged by the development plan process.