Mid and East Antrim Borough Council sets the standard as the most efficient planning service in Northern Ireland

Statistics released by the Department for Infrastructure show Mid and East Antrim to have the shortest turnaround time for local applications out of all 11 local authorities, with the regional target currently 15 weeks.

The next most efficient planning service for such decisions is Antrim and Newtownabbey with a processing time of 13.4 weeks.

Chair of Council’s Planning Committee, Alderman Robert Logan, welcomed the latest statistics.

He said: “I would like to congratulate our entire team of planning officers and members of the Planning Committee for continuing to set the standard when it comes to local development decisions.

“Since the reform of how planning applications are processed in Northern Ireland back in 2015, Mid and East Antrim has consistently led the way in best practice and innovation, and I commend all those involved.

“Mid and East Antrim is passionate about sustainable development that protects and enhances our natural environment, safeguards our built heritage, supports retail growth and addresses need.

“Excellent planning practices are vital to supporting the delivery of Council’s number one priority – growing the local economy – and that has been evidenced by a number of key developments and initiatives progressing in recent months. As these figures demonstrate, Mid and East Antrim is very much open for business.”

Work is ongoing to reduce the length of time major planning development applications are processed within Mid and East Antrim, with the team focused on meeting a 30-week target in future.

The DfI publication is available on the Department for Infrastructure website.

Council recently launched its Local Development Plan 2030 – Plan Strategy, setting out an ambitious vision for future growth and development in the Borough.

The Plan Strategy, which was published and formally adopted by Council on Monday 16 October, provides a framework for critical decision-making on housing, employment, retail and infrastructure, laying out the area’s Local Development Plan vision and strategic objectives.

To view the Plan Strategy document please visit the LDP section on the Council website.