Mid Ulster Council has highest approval rate for planning applications

Figures for the period July to September 2020 show that 99.2% of applications were approved and that Mid Ulster also continues to receive among the highest number of applications, with only 2 other councils (Belfast City Council and Newry, Mourne and Down Council) receiving more in the 3 month timespan.

Despite the volume received, only 4 other councils managed to process applications in a faster time period, with Mid Ulster averaging 16.7 weeks.

Given the number of applications received and processed, together with the challenges of operating through a pandemic, the performance of the Council’s planning staff and the committee is to be commended, according to the Chair of the Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Sean McPeake.

He said: “Since the responsibility for planning reverted to local councils 5 years ago, Mid Ulster has consistently performed to the highest standard.

“When you consider that there has been no let-up in the number of applications we have received alongside the fact that we have all had to adapt how we work, the statistics for Mid Ulster show an impressive level of responsiveness from our staff and a real determination to continue to meet our customers’ needs.

“Planning has such a vital role to play in supporting economic growth and there has never been a more important context in which to ensure we continue to operate as effectively as possible”.

The planning statistics are published by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and can be viewed here: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-planning-statistics-july-september-2020