infrastructure report
Planning for recovery and growth Planning has a critical role in not only supporting sustainable and inclusive recovery but also positioning Northern Ireland for future growth, says Northern Ireland’s Chief Planner, Angus Kerr. The Director of Regional Planning is adamant that the planning profession and planning system has a key role to play in the region’s green recovery. Acknowledging criticism that has been levelled at the planning system both preand post-pandemic, Kerr is quick to highlight a context of the biggest change to planning in Northern Ireland in over 40 years. “There is no doubt that it took time for us all to get to grips with our new roles and responsibilities after the transfer of 70
planning functions to local government and the creation of the new two-tier planning system,” he says, while also highlighting the impact of a three-year absence of ministers and the complexities of the Buick judgement. “Just when we had begun to get things back on an even keel and begun to make some progress, the global pandemic hit, bringing with it stresses and strains for those of us delivering public services.” In the context of these challenges, the Chief Planner says that “it is perhaps not
surprising” that the recent Northern Ireland Audit Office report was heavily critical of the operation of the planning system and identified areas for improvement. However, welcoming the report, Kerr says he is looking forward to getting to grips with further improving the system. “I really believe we now have an opportunity to build on the changes that have already taken place and to use these to focus for our recovery and future growth,” he states.
