Infrastructure Minister delivered the keynote speech
today at the 2025 Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland
(RTPINI) Annual Planning Conference.
This year's conference marks a decade since planning powers
transferred to local government and the conference examined
lessons learned and plans for the next ten years.
Addressing representatives from across the planning sector
Minister Kimmins said:“Ten years ago we witnessed the
most significant transformation in our system of governance in
over four decades as the majority of planning functions
transferred from central government to our newly formed 11
councils.
“This marked a fundamental reform of the planning system,
rooted in the belief that planning decisions should be made by
those closest to the communities they affect.
“Implementing a reformed planning system and transferring
decision-making to locally elected representatives was never
going to be seamless but today we can reflect on that journey and
the milestones reached.
“The Planning Improvement Programme has
made great strides in fostering more open and effective
engagement between councils and communities and I was pleased
with the recent statistics which showed significant improvements
in processing times for both local and major applications, with
major applications recording the lowest annual processing time
since the transfer of planning powers in 2015.”
Looking towards the future Minister Kimmins emphasised the
importance of a modern, responsive and community-focused planning
system, shaped by digital innovation, sustainability and stronger
collaboration.
She continued: “This is a pivotal moment. We've learned
valuable lessons over the past decade and now we must build on
that foundation to ensure we have an agile, transparent
and impactful system which supports sustainable
development and infrastructure delivery.
“Now with new legislation in place to enhance community
engagement and improve the quality of planning submissions,
alongside additional resources and the emerging potential of AI,
we're laying the foundations for a smarter, more responsive
planning system.
“Of course there are still major challenges to overcome
such as tackling climate change, delivery of affordable housing
and environmental protection, however, I believe the next decade
offers a real opportunity to reshape planning to better serve
people and places.
"By working together, with a shared commitment to
continuous improvement, we can have a planning system that
delivers lasting outcomes for future generations.”
RTPI NI Chair Emma Aldridge said: "We are delighted to
welcome Minister to our Planning Conference to
provide the keynote speech, and we value her ongoing support to
ensure the planning system is resourced and equipped to deliver.
A decade ago, the planning system in Northern Ireland
fundamentally changed. Our conference this year focuses on how
far the planning profession has come over the last decade, the
lessons learnt, and how we can work together over the next decade
to continue to drive improvement, meet the challenges and seize
the opportunities ahead.
“The RTPI NI plays a pivotal role in bringing the public, private
and third sectors together to fully realise the power of planning
as a force for positive change: creating healthy, inclusive,
economically and environmentally sustainable places. As the voice
of the planning profession, we advocate, support, and lead with
purpose, professionalism, and passion.”
Notes to editors:
- The Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland (RTPINI)
promotes planning as a profession and builds links with other
built environment professions and organisations supporting
dialogue on planning policy issues with public bodies, industry
representatives and within the media. The RTPINI has a membership
of around 700 people, drawn from central and local government,
private consultancies, developers, the education sector and other
organisations working in the field of planning.
- The conference was held on 10 September 2024 in the Europa
Hotel, Belfast.
