Earlier this month, members of the RSUA Causeway Coast and Glens Local Group met with Denise Dickson, Head of Planning of that Council (CCGBC), to discuss issues and concerns related to the planning process in the area.
Denise was joined by Shane Mathers, the Council’s Development Management (Major Applications) and Enforcement Manager.
Previous meetings
This was the third meeting this year between RSUA and the Council, with a summary of the second, held on 2 April 2025, available here.
This meeting also followed the Local Group’s representation to the Council’s Planning Committee on 21 May 2025, with a breakdown of this session available here.
Planning performance update
The Council reported that it had made good progress in planning processing times over the past year, meeting business plan targets for both minor and major applications.
In terms of major applications, it was one of four councils to meet the 30-week statutory target, issuing 17 decisions with an average processing time of 25.2 weeks.
Applications older than 24 months were reduced by approximately 13–14% over the year. The number of such applications now stands at 86, with a target to reduce this by a further 10%. A key focus remains on reducing longer-term applications, with 76 cases still over 12 months old.
The Council is aiming to achieve an overall average processing time of 19 weeks by Q4.
Planning Application Validation Checklist
CCGBC formally adopted a revised Planning Application Validation Checklist on 9 June 2025.
The Council stated that it aims to strike a balance between brevity and detail. For example, CCGBC has reduced the requirements for basic planning statements in the case of single householders.
At the same time, they have now issued as Development Management Information Note (DMIN) that include examples of the additional reports that may be required depending on the type of application.
Challenge associated with NIEA
CCGBC raised concern about environmental statements submitted by applicants continuing to prompt queries from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) regarding what information is required.
In response, the Council is considering the option of employing in-house biodiversity specialists.
However, this move would require a change in legislation, as NIEA currently has a statutory role in the process. Support from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) would therefore be essential to progress this proposal.
NI Water negative conditions
CCGBC reported that NI Water is now proceeding with “negative conditions” in planning approvals regarding wastewater capacity constraints, and applications within problematic areas will no longer result in automatic refusals.
Following our last meeting in April 2025, RSUA provided feedback to CCGBC on the wording of the two negative conditions currently in operation in the borough.
The Council presented these suggestions at a meeting of all the Heads of Planning across Northern Ireland the following month.
However, CCGBC reported that there was no consensus on adopting our proposed wording universally, with some councils favouring tighter restrictions on allowing developments to proceed.
Concern over second homes
RSUA members again raised concerns about the negative impact of the growing number of short-term lets and second homes within the borough.
In response, CCGBC stated that this issue will be addressed in its Local Development Plan (LDP) and confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Tourism NI to help mitigate the situation.
Also, Ulster University is undertaking a commissioned study into housing as part of CCGBC’s work on its Draft Plan Strategy. The research is now in its second stage, with the final report expected to be submitted to councillors in September 2025.
Finally, CCGBC is receiving quarterly updates DfI on progress towards legislative changes aimed at addressing the challenges associated with second homes.
Planning Portal queries
RSUA members raised concerns about alerts issued through the Northern Ireland Planning Portal, noting that notifications are sometimes duplicated and occasionally sent very late at night.
Members also suggested that the Portal’s map viewer should be improved by expanding the viewing radius to 1km.
CCGBC agreed to continue raising these points with the Planning Portal team.
Additional items
All grades of planning officer at CCGBC have recently completed externally provided customer service training.
At the last meeting, RSUA members expressed that CCGBC had not clearly set out what a “contentious application” was beyond its Scheme of Delegation.
This information has now been uploaded to the Council’s website.
RSUA asked if CCGBC should hold meetings with applicants to clarify requirements around infill development, expressing concern that the Council’s Planning Committee has been overturning decisions made by the planning department on this issue.
The Council agreed to discuss at the next meeting with RSUA whether an advice note on infill would be helpful.
If you have any questions or comments about this meeting or would like to join the RSUA Causeway Coast and Glens Local Group for our next meeting with CCGBC on Wednesday 15 October 2025, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
