Last Thursday, members of the RSUA Belfast Local Group met with Kate Bentley, Director of Planning and Building Control at Belfast City Council (BCC). Kate was joined by Planning Managers Dermot O’Kane (Plans and Policy) and Ed Baker (Development Management).
The intention of the meeting was to discuss issues and concerns regarding the planning process in the area. RSUA was represented by John Busteed, Anita Doyle, Ciarán Fox (RSUA Director), Felix Gibson, Judith Hamilton, Duncan Jamieson, Ciarán Mackel (Local Group Chair), Shane McCrory, and Colin Stewart.
Local Development Plan (LDP)
BCC reported that the draft of its LDP’s Local Policies Plan (LPP) is nearly complete.
The Council described the ambition of the LPP as enhancing both the natural and built environments, while ensuring the strategic allocation of land to support future growth.
BCC expects the LPP to undergo a further four-month internal ratification process, after which it will be released for a 12-week public consultation. The Council anticipates that the LPP will be formally adopted by the end of 2028.
BCC also updated us on the timescales of three associated initiatives from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI):
Planning Application Validation Checklist
On 1 April 2025, BCC published its new Planning Application Validation Checklist. The Validation Checklist replaces the Planning Service’s Application Checklist. While the new Checklist is similar in concept, unlike the Application Checklist, the additional information requirements are now mandatory.
At the meeting, RSUA members emphasised that BCC should avoid requesting all information requirements at the outset if doing so is unrealistic.
As this approach relates to Biodiversity Checklists, we warned that it risks the validity of environmental surveys timing out due to delays occurring beyond agents’ control – for example, hold-ups with the Council’s own processing times, as well as unresponsiveness from statutory consultees.
BCC noted that such delays should be formally recorded and reported. The Council also stated that it is working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment, Rural Affairs (DAERA) to explore ways of improving the statutory consultation process, including restricting consultations on biodiversity to cases where they are deemed absolutely necessary.
Planning performance update
BCC reported that it is attempting to frontload its application processing, although this remains challenging due to resource. Case officers are prioritising applications that have been pending for over two years, while routine, day-to-day applications are now subject to a current processing target of 12 weeks, reduced from the previous 15.
As part of DfI’s wider Planning Improvement Programme, BCC will undertake a comprehensive review of its service. This will examine key performance indicators (KPIs), how they were developed, what has been achieved, areas for improvement, and what needs to be delivered for consultees.
Lastly, BCC is establishing the Belfast Planning Partnership to enhance communication with agents. RSUA will attend meetings of this body once it is launched.
IT in Building Control
RSUA queried when Building Control will accept electronic applications, particularly PDF versions of drawings.
BCC responded that it has procured a new IT system for Building Control, but its implementation is taking longer than anticipated. The front-facing version of a new portal is expected to launch in the autumn, and within the next year to year and a half, it will include a function allowing the Council to digitally stamp drawings.
Pre-Application Discussions (PADs)
RSUA members asked the Council how to make the most of the PAD process, specifically inquiring about what is typically expected in the information packs submitted for major developments.
BCC replied that they have revised their approach to PADs in recent years, making it more tailored to individual cases. They are now aiming to hold meetings earlier in the process, allowing agents to present schemes to planners alongside statutory consultees.
The Council encourages a step-by-step approach before submitting detailed information packs to avoid any fundamental errors. To this end, a free Pre-PAD service is available, enabling agents and planners to clarify their objectives before the PAD process.
VU.CITY app update
RSUA queried data ownership in relation to the VU.CITY app, specifically expressing concern that a private company working with BCC on a temporary basis might be able to retain all the data.
BCC assured us that the data is owned by the planning authority, which can transfer it between private providers if necessary.
The Council also agreed to consider offering RSUA free access to the app so we can demonstrate it in local schools.
If you have any questions or comments about this meeting, or would like to join the RSUA Belfast Local Group, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
