NEWS
Belfast named the most the most business-friendly city in the world
Belfast has recently been named the world’s most friendly small to mid-sized city for business, by the financial times.
Belfast has recently been named the world’s most friendly small to mid-sized city for business, by the financial times. And 2nd in the list for its overall receptiveness behind Zurich in Switzerland. Cllr Donal Lyons said that this “reflects our commitment to attracting inward investment as part of our Belfast Agenda goal of growing the economy and also working with Invest NI to complement their work in attracting foreign direct investment to the region.” This offers huge potential for business in Belfast, and Planning Permission Experts can offer expert planning advice if your are seeking a conversion or change of use to set up a business opportunity in Belfast.
NI House price rise to continue, and strongest performer in the UK
The house market in the UK suggest that it is on a slow decline, however northern Ireland housing market suggests different.
The house market in the UK suggest that it is on a slow decline, however northern Ireland housing market suggests different. A recent study taken on by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors(RICS) suggest that NI housing market is the strongest in the UK. And it also predicated that these figures are set to continue to rise. This shows a good year for NI, despite the uncertainty of Brexit. And whether or not these figures sustain in 2019 will remain to be seen. A RICS spokesman, Sam Dickey, in a recent interview with The Belfast Telegraph claimed that “One thing that does continue to be a feature is the lack of supply," further adding “We need to see more new homes being built, and more resale properties
would need to become available to meet demand." It is an exciting time to be in Northern Ireland, and with all the uncertainties looming over Brexit, it doesn’t seem to have as much impact on NI compared with the rest of the UK, so if you would like professional planning advice, from planning experts, then get in contact with our team and we will help you on your journey.
Bradley promises legislation to unblock NI major planning application stalemate
Northern Irelands secretary Karen Bradley recently announced new laws to allow major planning applications to be processed in the absence of an Assembly.
Northern Irelands secretary Karen Bradley recently announced new laws to allow major planning applications to be processed in the absence of an Assembly.
The UK government has introduced legislation which will allow civil servants in Northern Ireland to continue making major planning decisions in the absence of the functioning executive.
In May, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) announced that it would stop deciding major planning applications after a ruling in court that civil servants who approved plans for an energy from waste scheme did not have the power to do so.
The DfI lost the appeal against the campaigner Colin Buick, who challenged the department’s decision to approve the plant at the Hightown Quarry Site, near Mallusk.
The appeal judge said “It would be contrary to the letter and spirit of the (Good Friday) Agreement and the 1998 (Northern Ireland) Act for such decisions to be made by departments in the absence of a minister."
"Following the recent decision of the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal in the Buick case, I recognise that there is a need to provide reassurance and clarity to both the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the people of Northern Ireland on the mechanisms for the continued delivery of public services," Bradley said in her statement.
"So, the legislation I intend to introduce after the conference recess will also include provisions to give greater clarity and certainty to enable NI departments to continue to take decisions in Northern Ireland in the public interest and to ensure the continued delivery of public services."
A recent study shows the planning figures for the Q1 of 2018/19.
A number of key points of this research were:
There were 3,254 planning applications received during April to June 2018 (Q1), up by 4% on previous quarter, but down by 2% on the same period a year earlier. This comprised 3,217 local and 37 major applications.
During the first quarter of 2018/19, 3,002 planning applications were decided, an increase of more than 6% over the quarter but a decrease of over 9% when compared to the same period a year earlier.
The average processing time for major planning applications during Q1 was 68 weeks across all councils; an increase of nearly seven weeks from the 61 weeks reported for the first quarter last year. This is more than double the statutory processing time target of 30 weeks.
The number of local planning applications received during Q1 2018/19 was 3,217, down slightly when compared to the number received in the same quarter last year but up by 4% on the previous quarter. Across councils, Belfast City (500), Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (356) and Newry, Mourne and Down (351) received the highest number of local planning applications during Q1. These councils also received the highest number of applications in the same quarter the previous year.
Across councils it took, on average, just over 15 weeks to process local applications to decision or withdrawal, similar to the average time taken in the same period last year. Five of the eleven councils were within the 15 week target during the first three months of 2018/19. The shortest average processing time for local applications was just over six weeks in Mid and East Antrim, whilst the longest was nearly 24 weeks in Causeway Coast and Glens.
The number of enforcement cases opened during Q1 was 939, an increase of 12% compared to the same period a year earlier. Across the councils, Newry, Mourne and Down (148) and Belfast City (127) opened the largest number of cases in Q1.
In the first three months of 2018/19, nearly four fifths (79%) of enforcement cases were concluded within 39 weeks. This is nine percentage points above the statutory target and is two percentage points higher than the same period last year. Nine of the eleven councils are on track to meet the target with highs of 89% concluded within 39 weeks in Antrim and Newtownabbey followed by Mid and East Antrim and Fermanagh and Omagh (both 88%). The proportion of enforcement cases concluded ranged from a high of 89% to a low of 45%.
The approval rate for all planning applications for the quarter was 94%, similar to the rate for the previous quarter and for the same quarter a year earlier. First quarter approval rates varied across councils from 87% to 98%.
There were 17 renewable energy applications received in Q1 2018/19, four more than the same period last year. During Q1 15 renewable applications were decided and four withdrawn. The average processing time for these applications was almost 108 weeks.
If you have any questions regarding planning applications or seeking planning approval then get in contact with Planning Permission Experts and we will help you out.
NI backlog of planning decision
Northern Ireland’s government has been a major concern for more than a year after its collapse. And with Brexit looming, it is an even more frustrating time for submission of planning applications as concerns grow regarding the uncertainty.
Northern Ireland’s government has been a major concern for more than a year after its collapse. And with Brexit looming, it is an even more frustrating time for submission of planning applications as concerns grow regarding the uncertainty. The Belfast Telegraph recently revealed that more than 160 key planning decision and regulatory policy issues have piled up.
Certain schemes waiting on ministerial decisions include three wind farms, between four and 33 turbines, fish farm in Kilkee as well as several waste projects. With proposals being up in the air regarding; the reporting on the implementation of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, the removal of permitted development rights for oil and gas exploration and an uplift in planning fees and reviews of strategic planning policies for both energy and countryside
If you are feeling worried or uncertain about the future of your development, then get in contact and we can offer our expert advice on planning permission in order to get your project of the ground.
Footfall figure on the rise in Belfast
A recent study carried out by Northern Ireland Retail Consortium-Springboard research for October 28th to November 24th showed NI’s footfall on high street grew by 4.1%, making it the only region in the UK to experience growth.
A recent study carried out by Northern Ireland Retail Consortium-Springboard research for October 28th to November 24th showed NI’s footfall on high street grew by 4.1%, making it the only region in the UK to experience growth. With the high street battle against online shopping, it is becoming more and more difficult for local businesses to attract customers. Northern Ireland footfall figures are notorious for their inconsistency over the years.
Town Centre investment is essential for our economy and future proofing town centres and high streets is an essential scope for planning experts. At Planning Permission Experts, we offer advice on redevelopment and regeneration of existing vacant sites and properties which reside in our town centres in order to increase the expenditure in these areas.
Online property auctions
Online property auctions seem to be gaining more traction in the modern property industry.
Online property auctions seem to be gaining more traction in the modern property industry. With it becoming easier to bid on properties at auction, from the comfort of your own home you may be keen to delve into the world of property. However, there is still all the necessary checks to do before purchasing at auction. Planning Permission Experts can help you on your property development journey by offering planning advice on properties you may be interested in. If you are a keen investor who wants to jump straight into the industry, we offer our site finding service for you so we can negotiate an off market deal which is most profitable for you.
Student housing schemes funds city centre improvement works
A recent planning application in Belfast City Council saw the implementation of Section 76 agreements.
A recent planning application in Belfast City Council saw the implementation of Section 76 agreements. This requires developers to make a financial contribution to mitigate against impact of developments in the city, or to improve the environment in the immediate area. At Planning Permission Experts, we have experience in handling of a wide range of planning applications. We have been granted planning approval for a number of sites which will introduce environmental benefits to their surrounding area.
New housing statistics for Northern Ireland 2017/18
A recent research study titled “Northern Ireland Housing Statistics 2017-18” was published by the Department of Communities (DfC).
A recent research study titled “Northern Ireland Housing Statistics 2017-18” was published by the Department of Communities (DfC). Some of the key figures which it included was:
Supply
There were 790,328 dwellings in Northern Ireland in April 2018, a rise of 7,056 from 2017.
In 2017-18 Building Control recorded 7,100 new dwellings completed, an increase of 10%(6,465) the previous year.
There were 1,507 Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) ne dwelling completion, an increase of 9% the previous year.
In 2017-18 there were 7,382 residential planning decisions made, with 94% of these gained planning approval.
Planning Permission Experts are experts in gaining planning permission for dwellings, whether they be farm dwellings in the countryside or apartment developments in urban areas. Planning Experts will offer guidance on your planning application from initial consultation through to completion, ensuring your dream becomes a reality.
MP to consider a bill which will limit the number of appeals allowed
Planning appeals can be a daunting process, however at Planning Permission Experts, we can offer expert advice and guidance in dealing with planning appeals.
Planning appeals can be a daunting process, however at Planning Permission Experts, we can offer expert advice and guidance in dealing with planning appeals. We can offer our professional services to represent you at committee meetings to ensure you have to best chance of gaining approval at appeal.