Department for Infrastructure - Planning

The Department for Infrastructure's Planning functions are split between two directorates - Strategic Planning and Regional Planning. The Strategic Planning Directorate is responsible for processing planning applications deemed to be of regional significance or those which may be ‘called in’ from the local councils. In addition, the Directorate carries out a plan scrutiny role as part of the two-tier planning system. The Regional Planning Directorate develops planning legislation and policy in line with Ministerial direction as well as providing advice and guidance on design, policy and practice. The Directorate is also responsible for the review, monitoring and implementation of the Regional Development Strategy 2035 which was published in March 2012. In addition, the Directorate provides support to the local councils with performance monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives.