The RSUA Conservation Committee met today with Rosemary Daly, Chief Planner and Director of Regional Planning, Governance and Legislation at the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and Kathryn McFerran, DfI’s Director of Regional Planning Policy and Casework.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how current and future legislation and enforcement mechanisms could better prevent dereliction and encourage the reuse of buildings.
The role of DfI Planning in regeneration
DfI provided an overview of its role in the planning system, outlining how the Department addresses dereliction, what responsibilities lie with local councils and the current legislation and enforcement mechanisms in place.
The Department reported that several improvement initiatives are underway to streamline planning processes. These are intended to help permit a limited level of intervention required from DfI given that most planning powers rest with local councils.
Enhancing government coordination on regeneration
RSUA expressed concerns that NI Executive departments do not always coordinate effectively on regeneration matters. It is not clear, for example, which department has overall responsibility for conservation. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is responsible for dilapidation, the Department for Communities (DfC) oversees regeneration and DfI deals with dereliction and demolition.
RSUA reiterated its call for the introduction of City and Council Architects in Northern Ireland to help enhance coordination of the work undertaken across Executive departments.
Enhancing communication with developers
RSUA stressed the need for improved governmental engagement with developers. It was raised that restoring old buildings is often not financially viable and there is a lack of enforcement mechanisms to prevent buildings being left vacant until demolition becomes the only option.
Designing with conservation in mind
In a discussion on the importance of ensuring good design from the outset of a project, RSUA suggested that Northern Ireland may consider adopting a similar approach to the Republic of Ireland, where planning approval is often granted subject to strict conditions to ensure delivery to the highest possible standard. This typically involves including a conservation professional within the project team.
Following further discussion on Local Area Plans and the role of the Planning Appeals Commission, it was agreed that DfI would communicate to RSUA which government department is responsible for the designation of conservation areas.
Further engagement
If you have any questions or comments about this meeting, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
