Review of the Classes and Thresholds in the Schedule to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (NI) 2015

Overview

This public consultation is seeking your views on proposed changes to the Classes and Thresholds in the Schedule to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.

The Department for Infrastructure is inviting views from all interested parties on potential changes to the Classes and Thresholds in the Schedule to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015. 

The 2022 Review Report on the implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 included several actions in relation to the above Regulations, namely a review of categories and thresholds for development contained in the Schedule to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.

These actions now form part of the Planning Improvement Programme (PIP) being brought forward by the Department, working closely with local government and partners, to improve current processes and the performance and delivery of the planning system.

This consultation will be of interest to all stakeholders in the planning system, including those affected by or with an interest in development in their area, applicants and their agents, councils, and statutory consultees.  

Why your views matter

The consultation focuses on a review of the existing classes of development and the thresholds used to determine whether development is classified as local, major or regionally significant.

To ensure the Development Management Regulations remain fit for purpose, relevant and responsive to current and emerging development trends, the Department wishes to gather the views of interested parties to help inform any future legislative changes.

The Department encourages all interested parties to participate in the consultation process.

You are invited to submit your views online.   The closing date for receipt of comments is 5.00pm Friday 9 October 2026.

The public consultation document on the review of the Classes and Thresholds in the Schedule to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 can be accessed at the link below.

An Equality Impact Assessment screening exercise and a Regulatory Impact Assessment have been undertaken and are available to view or download at:

Review of the Classes and Thresholds in the Schedule to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (NI) 2015 | Department for Infrastructure

The Department welcomes views and comments on whether the conclusions contained in these assessments are correct.

Copies in other languages and formats (including Braille, large print etc.) can be made available on request. If it would assist you to access this document in an alternative format or language other than English, please contact us using the email address provided on this webpage

When the consultation closes, responses will be analysed and considered by the Department. A consultation response report will then be prepared to inform decisions on any future amendments to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act

The contents of this consultation, including all departmental information, consultation materials, and any responses received, are subject to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.  This means that records may be disclosed to the public upon request, in accordance with the provisions and exemptions set out in the legislation.

Participants should be aware that information provided during the engagement process may therefore be made accessible, where required, while ensuring that any sensitive or personal data is handled in line with relevant data protection requirements.

What happens next?

When the consultation closes, responses will be analysed and considered by the Department. A consultation response report will then be prepared to inform decisions on any future amendments to the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.