Recently published DfI statistics show that Antrim and Newtownabbey is the only Council in Northern Ireland to meet all the statutory indicators for major planning applications, local planning applications and planning enforcement.
The statutory measures require Councils to determine local applications within an average of 15 weeks, major applications within an average of 30 weeks, and conclude 70% of enforcement cases within 39 weeks.
The Council ranked first for both major applications and enforcement performance, and third for local planning applications.
Major applications were processed in an average of 26 weeks, with only one other Council meeting the 30-week statutory target. Local applications were determined in an average of 13 weeks, compared with an average of 19.6 weeks across the other councils. In addition, 93.7% of the Council’s enforcement cases were concluded within the 39-week target period, well above the 70% statutory requirement.
This performance reflects the Council’s continued commitment to delivering an efficient, responsive and effective planning service for residents, communities and businesses across the Borough.
During the year, the Council approved a range of significant major planning applications, supporting investment, employment, housing, education and tourism.
These included:
- The region’s deepest geothermal well, reaching depths of up to 2km.
- A 100-bed nursing home and a petrol filling station.
- Storage and distribution facilities for DHL and Balloo Hire.
- New housing development in Ballyclare.
- An extension to Ballyclare Primary School.
- Tourist accommodation, including glamping pods in Randalstown.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Henry Cushinan added his thanks to the Planning Team and Committee;
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this outstanding achievement and thank them for the vital role they play in supporting investment, development and communities across the Borough.”
Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Alderman Lewis Boyle paid tribute to the Council’s Planning Section for its continued hard work and commitment;
“The Planning team has once again demonstrated that it is among the highest-performing planning services in Northern Ireland. These results reflect the dedication and professionalism of our planning officers, as well as the commitment and effort of our Planning Committee.”