The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) is calling on stakeholders to submit their views on the Department for Infrastructure's (DfI) new public consultation on planning fees. The consultation seeks to introduce new charges to enhance cost recovery and financial sustainability within the planning system.

The deadline for responses is 5pm on Tuesday, 23 December 2025.

Proposed New Fees

DfI is proposing to introduce a £115 fee for two statutory planning functions currently processed by councils without charge:

1. Non-Material Changes: This new fee would apply to small amendments to already approved developments that do not alter the overall permission. DfI argues the fee is necessary to cover costs and bring Northern Ireland's system into line with the rest of the UK.

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2. Discharge of Conditions: A second £115 fee would be introduced for applications that confirm specific planning conditions have been met.

The proposals also confirm that all planning fees would continue to rise annually in line with inflation, using the Bank of England Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the index measure.

The Department is also seeking broader feedback on the financial structure of the planning service, including:

• Whether current fees are appropriate and should be changed.

• Whether fees should be introduced for other planning services (e.g., tree preservation orders, planning advice notices, or pre-application discussions).

The RSUA is preparing its official response to the consultation. To share views and inform the RSUA's submission, stakeholders are advised to contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, via email.