RSUA Ards and North Down Local Group meet with Council Directors

7 August 2024

RSUA members in the Ards and North Down area met today with Council Director of Planning, Gail Kerr, and Director of Prosperity, Ann McCullough, in Bangor City Hall. This is part of the RSUA engagement programme with local government and was the second meeting with officers in this area.

In what was a positive meeting, which proved useful for both sides, a wide range of issues were covered including:

• An update on the local Local Development Plan process and remaining hurdles to be overcome. A concern, like other councils, remains the capacity of the Planning Appeals Commission to fulfil its role and ensure that plans are not effectively ‘out of date’ before they are assessed.

• There was a frank discussion on progress around Bangor Seafront, and it was highlighted that there are several factors progressing which are not always covered accurately on social media or in the local press.

• The impact of the Planning Improvement Programme was discussed. The local planning checklist is working well, and members present agreed that it was helping them and their clients. However, there is still a lot of work to do to improve the planning system.

• It was highlighted that applications are still being submitted which are against planning policy and have no mitigating factors. This in turn diverts a lot of officer time from other applications and there is an appeal to consider carefully before making an application.

• There was a discussion on the current state of the Northern Ireland Planning Portal. Both members and council officers expressed general level of satisfaction with how the portal is now functioning.

• The frustrations with consultee responses were clear in Ards and North Down, a common factor with other recent other meetings. This includes the challenges of engaging with NI Water. Many consultees are hard to engage, and it was asked that this again be highlighted with the Statutory Consultee Working Group. With regards to NI Water, Ards and North have sought legal advice and will now negatively condition, on a case-by-case basis. This is a welcome step forward while longer term solutions are found.

• Once again, staff difficulty shortages are a major factor in the performance of a planning department. This is a common concern across local government in Northern Ireland and one which must be addressed comprehensively.

It was agreed to maintain contact and reconvene in the months ahead. If you were unable to attend but are keen to be involved, please contact George Dorrian at george@rsua.org.uk for details on the Ards and North Down Local Group.