Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins recently marked a decade since planning powers transferred to local government by delivering a keynote speech at the 2025 Royal Town Planning Institute Northern Ireland (RTPINI) Annual Planning Conference.

This year's conference also examined lessons learnt and plans for the next ten years. While addressing representatives from across the planning sector, Minister Kimmins highlighted how the power transfer was "the most significant transformation in our system of governance in over four decades" as the majority of planning functions transferred from central government to the newly formed 11 councils.

The Minister recognised that implementing a reformed planning system and transferring decision-making to locally elected representatives "was never going to be seamless" but positively reflected on its milestones to date. This included, according to recent statistics, significant improvements in processing times for both local and major applications, with major applications recording the lowest annual processing time since the transfer of planning powers in 2015.

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Looking towards the future Minister Kimmins emphasised the importance of a modern, responsive and community-focused planning system, shaped by digital innovation, sustainability and stronger collaboration.

She continued: "This is a pivotal moment. We've learned valuable lessons over the past decade and now we must build on that foundation to ensure we have an agile, transparent and impactful system which supports sustainable development and infrastructure delivery.

"Now with new legislation in place to enhance community engagement and improve the quality of planning submissions, alongside additional resources and the emerging potential of AI, we're laying the foundations for a smarter, more responsive planning system.

"Of course there are still major challenges to overcome such as tackling climate change, delivery of affordable housing and environmental protection, however, I believe the next decade offers a real opportunity to reshape planning to better serve people and places.

"By working together, with a shared commitment to continuous improvement, we can have a planning system that delivers lasting outcomes for future generations."

Meanwhile, RTPI NI Chair Emma Aldridge said Minister Kimmins' ongoing support to ensure the planning system is resourced and equipped to deliver was valued and highlighted how this year's conference "focuses on how far the planning profession has come over the last decade, the lessons learnt, and how we can work together over the next decade to continue to drive improvement, meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead."

She added: "The RTPI NI plays a pivotal role in bringing the public, private and third sectors together to fully realise the power of planning as a force for positive change: creating healthy, inclusive, economically and environmentally sustainable places. As the voice of the planning profession, we advocate, support, and lead with purpose, professionalism, and passion."