To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the work of the Interim Regional Planning Commission.

Ms Kimmins

The interim Regional Planning Commission has concluded its work programme. It submitted its report to me in November 2025. The report, which is titled, 'The Next Decade: A Framework for Change in the NI Planning System', summarises the work undertaken by the commission as part of the agreed work programme since February 2023. It also suggests a 10-year vision for planning in the North, including eight key recommendations to support that vision. 7 My officials and I are undertaking a detailed review of the report. A formal response will be published in due course, outlining my consideration of the report in the context of its original aims and objectives and the wider planning improvement agenda.

Ms Kimmins

As the Member said, it was November 2025, which is just a few weeks ago. It is important that we properly consider and scrutinise the report before coming to our conclusions. I intend to publish it at the earliest possible stage. It is an important piece of work, and I want to see what has come out of the report in order to maximise its impact and inform the next steps.

Miss Dolan

Minister, how does the work of the interim Regional Planning Commission contribute to the planning improvement agenda?

Ms Kimmins

The work of the commission contributes to the planning improvement agenda by providing independent evidence-based insight to inform the overall direction and delivery of planning improvement measures and initiatives. By bringing together cross-sectoral expertise and a comprehensive programme of engagement, the commission can ensure that the agenda is informed by real-world experience and stakeholder perspectives. Its evidence-led approach will ensure that current and future improvement actions and initiatives align with its overarching aim of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system for all. The commission explored a range of topics, including best-practice planning in other jurisdictions across England, Scotland and Wales and particular differences and planning improvements in each system. It also explored current issues in development management and local development plan making, including key areas of delay, potential improvements and lessons learned. Sessions sought the experiences of the business, environment and housing sectors in relation to barriers in the planning system and potential improvements to service delivery from a legislative, procedural and administrative perspective. As I have said in answer to previous questions from Members, that underpins a lot of the work that the Department has been doing to address and recognise key issues in our planning system.

Mr Harvey

Minister, there are significant disparities in the operation of council planning functions, a fact that is raised repeatedly by the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the interim commission. What can be done to ensure greater efficiency and sharing of best practice across the 11 councils?

Ms Kimmins

I thank the Member for that question, because it is an opportunity to reflect on the work that we have been doing through the planning improvement programme. We do that work for all those reasons. You and I are former councillors, so we have been there from the early days of the devolution of planning to councils. It has been a journey, to say the least, as people have come to understand and deliver planning in council areas. The planning improvement work set out to identify the key areas of challenge, where there are commonalities and how to share good practice on what does and does not work well in some council areas and how that can work together. That work has been ongoing. We are also targeting efficiency, as I mentioned, through the new validation checklist and by introducing trainee planners. That will help to speed up the process for applicants and ensure that more senior planners can get on with the work that they need to do.