24 July 2024
The RSUA continues to monitor local planning statistics as they are published, to determine significant trends and give us the opportunity to scrutinise the performance of statutory consultees. On this occasion we are reviewing the figures from Q3 2023/24.
Statutory consultees response times
The response times of statutory consultees has been a major concern for some time. There is a major problem with regards to HED, as was recently acknowledged by the Minister for Communities, who has overall responsibility for this division. Of the 16,374 statutory consultations received in the first nine months of 2023/24, HED received 11%. It was the worst performing respondee with just 37% being completed on time. This compares with:
| DfI Roads | 80% |
| DAERA EMF NIEA | 73% |
| DfI Rivers | 63% |
| NI Water | 96% |
| DfC/HED | 37% |
| HSENI | 66% |
| DfE/GSNI | 76% |
| Belfast International Airport | 86% |
| Belfast City Airport | 98% |
| City of Derry Airport | 100% |
| NIHE | 81% |
In response to a recent Assembly question the Minister for Communities did acknowledge the disappointing response times in terms of HED and stated he was determined to see it turned around. However, we fear that continuing budget restrictions will impact on the Department’s ability to invest in change.
Looking back at previous figures, DfI have improved on their performance while many others have stayed around the same. However, it is that HED figure which has declined, and we expect their will be an internal review to determine the underlying factors for such a change. Many departments have raised concerns about manpower levels and absenteeism. In some areas there is a skills shortage reported. These are all factors reported as having a considerable impact upon the wider planning service.
In the first nine months of 2023/24 74% of responses to statutory consultations were on time. However, when you analyse this figure, it is less impressive – with locals reported at 76%, majors at 55% and regionally significant at 30%. It is the major and regionally significant which is most concerning given the economic impact which will be dependent on these projects progressing.
If you have any comments or feedback on this article or current planning issues in general, please contact George Dorrian at george@rsua.org.uk.
