Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has welcomed the Infrastructure Minister’s decision to extend the consultation deadline for the review of the planning system.

The Department for Infrastructure is required by law to hold a review of the 2011 Planning Act, which saw major reform of the planning system. A Call for Evidence was opened last month, with an initial deadline of a month. However, after Mr Muir wrote to the Minister to request the deadline be extended, Nichola Mallon has now confirmed a new deadline of April 16.

“I am delighted the Minister has agreed to extend the deadline for the Call for Evidence by an extra month,” said Mr Muir.

“Our planning system impacts the lives of people and businesses right across Northern Ireland. This extension helps ensure they have a proper chance to express their views and be a part of this review.

“The Department for Infrastructure has to be ambitious regarding the scale and substance of the review, and be prepared to bring forward significant proposals for change to the planning system. There are real issues with our planning system, such as long-delays to major applications and the drafting of local development plans. The Department’s consultation is a chance to change that for the better.”