Major Planning Applications
What is a major planning application?
The special procedures for major planning applications are set out in Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. They are applications for development which would (i) involve a substantial departure from the development plan; or (ii) be of significance to the whole or a substantial part of Northern Ireland; or (iii) affect the whole of a neighbourhood; or (iv) involve a means of access to a trunk road or land close to a trunk road or motorway. The Department identifies those applications that are to be treated as major and its decision on an Article 31 application is final.
What is the Commission’s role in Article 31 cases?
Having considered the application, including representations from the public, the Department may decide to request the Commission to hold a public local inquiry.
Alternatively, the Department may serve a notice on the applicant indicating the decision which it proposes to make (referred to as a Notice of Opinion). The applicant may request a hearing before the Commission within the period specified in the Notice of Opinion.
Procedures for Public Local Inquiries and Hearings in Article 31 cases
The Commission has recently updated its procedures for public local inquiries and hearings into major planning applications. The updated procedures can also be viewed on the Publications page.
Recent Inquiry and Hearing Requests
To view a list of current requests for inquiries and hearings, please visit the Digest.
Commission and Commissioners' Reports in Article 31 cases
Reports on public local inquiries and hearings are not normally available to the public until after the Department has issued its decision. Requests for such reports should be made to the Department and not to the Commission. To view a list of cases on which the Commission has reported to the Department, please visit Digest.
