27/02/2025
In December 2024, Belfast City Council (BCC) launched a consultation seeking views on its draft Planning Application Validation Checklist.
While BCC has been using a similar checklist since 2018, the updated draft is designed to enhance the existing system by requesting more detailed information.
The consultation closed on Monday, 10th February. RSUA formed a response alongside its Belfast City Local Group.
RSUA’s response
While RSUA is generally content with BCC’s use of a new Planning Application Validation Checklist, we advised caution regarding the additional information requirements placed on applicants.
The Council should ensure that, after asking applicants to assess the necessary information, it does not then request further extensive reports that may later be deemed unnecessary by statutory consultees.
By only requesting the essential information necessary for the progress and approval of an application, the Council can avoid generating unnecessary work and wasting resources for all parties involved in the planning process.
Our full response can be viewed here.
If you have any queries regarding the new Planning Application Validation Checklist, or RSUA’s response to it, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
