Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the extension of a temporary change to the planning application process in Northern Ireland.

The suspension of the requirement to hold a public event as part of pre-application community consultation on major planning applications has been extended for a further six months. This will run until 31 March 2022.

"While we continue to recover from the covid crisis I am not convinced that now is the right time to remove the temporary suspension," said Minister Mallon. "Doing so now could lead to less community engagement as many members of the public may not have confidence attending indoor public events and applicants may find it difficult to comply with the risk assessment requirements of the guidance.

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"Public participation however remains an important part of the planning process. To ensure that this is not compromised the published advice and guidance on appropriate measures to replace face to face public events, such as on-line engagement will remain in place. This will ensure that pre-application public participation in the planning process can continue across the 11 Council areas.

"However, this does not prohibit developers, if they considered it appropriate and beneficial, to voluntarily hold a public event as part of the pre-application community consultation, provided they comply with the health regulations

"This is an essential step that will continue to facilitate major and regionally significant planning applications across the region. If legislation is not implemented this may result in the application process being invalid, leading to a backlog of major applications which would hinder our economic recovery once all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted."

The Minister concluded: "The planning system will play a critical role in the covid recovery process and my Department will continue to work closely with other jurisdictions, councils and stakeholders as we move towards recovery from this pandemic."