An overdue online planning system - which has ran into costs of £7m - is symptomatic of the "deep malaise" with the Northern Ireland service, an MLA has claimed.

Roy Beggs, the Ulster Unionist's Environment Spokesman said concerns over the electronic application system have been raised with the relevant Stormont committee.

However, he claimed the system, which is three years behind schedule, is "another example" of a public sector IT project "running late and [being] over budget".

"Unfortunately this issue is just one symptom of the deep malaise with the planning system in Northern Ireland," he said.

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"Successive ministers at the DoE since the restoration of devolved government have failed to address the single most debilitating factor in the system: that is the lack of public confidence in the planning process."

Mr Beggs said planning officers are often hard "working professionals", but suggested the system they work in "lacks transparency, is confusing to the general public and lacks democratic accountability".

The assemblyman blasted what he called a "complete lack of leadership" by the ministers responsible for the department.

"Finally, a near 200 page consultation paper has been issued on the reform of the planning system. This must be used as the catalyst to effect real and meaningful change. In less than two years planning is meant to come back as a local government function in the new 'Super Councils'.

"It is absolutely vital that out of the current review a system emerges which is clear, transparent, democratically accountable and which gains widespread public confidence," added Mr Beggs.

(PR/BMcC)