Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has published a report highlighting its recommendations for the reform of the region's planning system.

According to NI Chamber, their recommendations could accelerate Northern Ireland's progress towards net zero, facilitate economic growth and deliver much needed affordable housing.

The report focuses on ensuring the system is properly resourced and includes a combination of system improvements, legislative and regulatory changes and proposals which would ensure that in future, the planning system is held to account for its performance.

It recommends that planning authorities should be enabled to deem consent if statutory consultees do not respond within the deadlines set, and that the performance of statutory consultees and planning authorities should be more effectively incentivised and controlled. Another recommendation is that independent commissioners could be appointed by the Department for Infrastructure to address specific requirements such as the independent examination of Local Development Plans.

It is also proposed that the role, approach and resourcing of the Planning Appeals Commission should be reviewed by the NI Audit Office.

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said: "A well performing planning function is key to instilling confidence in the market for potential investors and to enable the development of the required infrastructure, when it comes to connectivity, services, energy and reducing our carbon emissions. It is also vital for local businesses, many of whom are eagerly waiting to invest, subject to the planning process which regrettably, has been holding too many of them back. If our planning system is to deliver for them and for our planet, we really need to take action now.

"Reform of the existing system presents an opportunity to enable significant economic growth; particularly in renewable generation with ambitious 2030 climate action targets fast approaching. Most economic development begins with planning, so getting the foundation stone right is crucial. Our proposals represent a very considered, strategic approach and if implemented early by a new Executive, could deliver real economic impact."

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The report was developed in partnership with independent advisors, Turley. Philip Stinson, Director at Turley said: "We are pleased to support NI Chamber in bringing forward recommendations for reforming the Northern Ireland planning system. We know the critical nature of planning for enabling development and the confidence that certainty in planning performance can bring for potential investment in the region. It is also vitally important to achieving renewable energy targets. The recommendations follow our review of the key functions of the planning system and focus on delivering a number of improvements that can be readily implemented in the short term to enhance the planning system now."

The DUP's North Belfast MLA, Phillip Brett welcomed the publication of the report on Northern Ireland's planning system, saying the current system is "not fit for purpose".

In a statement Mr Brett said: "For many years we have highlighted the damaging impact of our inefficient planning system which, on occasions, is stunting economic growth and discouraging investors from Northern Ireland.

"Since my appointment to the Infrastructure Brief, the message from investors, developers, communities and the general public has been clear, the current planning system is not fit for purpose.

"This wide-ranging report highlights the transformative actions that are required, and mirrors many of the proposals we have developed for prioritisation by a reformed Executive.

"I commend the Northern Ireland Chamber on this timely report. It is long passed time, that Northern Ireland had a planning system that was fit for purpose and delivering that outcome will be a top priority for the DUP moving forward."

Also welcoming the report is Ulster Unionist Party Deputy Leader, Robbie Butler MLA, he said: "I welcome the report published today by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry which highlights many of the challenges our existing planning system has created.

"It is obvious that the entire system requires urgent and thorough review, ensuring that any amended and modernised replacement provides a simple, clear and efficient planning service.

"I, along with my party colleagues, will be calling on the department to undertake a full root-and-branch review of the planning system and will, when a functioning Executive returns to Stormont, call on the Minister to give this matter the attention it deserves."

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson, Peter McReynolds MLA, has welcomed the report saying the recommendations are what is required "to reverse the decline of a struggling system". He said with a "proactive and collaborative approach across all arms of the planning system, it is possible to restore the system to fully realise its economic, environmental, and societal benefits".

In a statement Mr McReynolds said: "The report is the latest in a series of reviews from various bodies, spanning several years, all of which have identified the need for deep and meaningful changes to the planning system. There is a widely recognised consensus amongst stakeholders that improvements are essential and long overdue. This report brings forward 10 overarching recommendations, but recognises that these improvements are not stand-alone, and therefore priority should be given to legislating for planning improvement in a forthcoming Executive.

"I am especially delighted to see included within these recommendations a prioritisation for renewable energy projects, especially those classed as regionally significant, to ensure progress will be towards the target for 80% renewable energy consumption by 2030.

"My Alliance colleagues and I have long recognised the need for a coherent response from planning regarding the renewable sector, and for every year that passes, this becomes increasingly pivotal as the number of renewable energy applications continue to stagnate. We need more renewable energy to reach our Net Zero commitments and today’s document can help deliver upon that.

"It is indisputable that urgent reform and measured improvements of the planning system are imperative, for the betterment of local communities and the region more broadly. Moreover, it is another reminder of the importance of a restored Assembly and Executive to ensure systems are working for the benefit and development of communities across Northern Ireland."