NI Planning Portal

New Planning Portal Frequently Asked Questions

• I just saw the announcement that there is a new planning portal system, what’s this about?

  The Council has been working in partnership with The Department for Infrastructure and all other Councils in NI, except Mid Ulster, to develop a new Regional Planning IT system for Northern Ireland.

  This will include the ability for customers to submit online planning applications, representations, Tree Preservation Order requests, enforcement complaints and requests for Regional Property Certificates. A new enhanced public register where customers can search and view relevant planning applications across Northern Ireland will also be provided. 

• What is the ‘go-live’ date of the new portal?

  The go live date is Monday 5 December 2022.

• Do I have to register to use it?

  You do not need to register for an account if you are only searching for and viewing planning applications. However, the new Planning Portal will offer a facility for customers to register to avail of enhanced online services such as commenting on live applications, tracking of applications, notifications about updates to planning applications you chose to follow, and submission of planning applications.

  If you were registered as a user on the previous Public Access Portal, you will need to create a new account on the new site as previous user accounts are not being transferred across. The new portal will provide a guided registration process, along with helpful FAQ files.

• Will it be similar to the previous portal?

  The new Planning Portal will offer all of the functionality of the current system and a number of additional key benefits including:

  • Delivery of enhanced interfaces for internal and external users, including submitting applications, making payments and accessing information online.
  • Integrated front and back-office that streamlines administrative processes and improves validation and workflows enabling better management of caseloads.
  • Remove the need for paper-based transactions and processes, moving planning to a fully digital solution.
  • Enable users to more easily track the application process online.
• Is the new system accessible by any member of the public?

  The new website will be accessible to all members of the public and will offer a facility for customers to register to avail of enhanced online services such as commenting on live applications, tracking of applications, notifications about updates to planning applications you chose to follow, and submission of planning applications.

• What information will be available on the new system?

  The new planning website will provide access to all planning information currently available on Public Access, except applications in the Mid Ulster District Council area.

• Is there someone in the Planning Section I can talk to about this?

  Should you have specific queries regarding the implementation of the Regional Planning IT System you can contact the Planning Business Support Team in one of the following ways:

  Email: planning@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

  Phone: 0300 123 6677

  We will also keep you updated on our website.

• I have an application already lodged, will this be impacted?

  There will be a transition period between the closure of the current Portal system and the launch of the new Planning Portal. It is estimated that this will last for approximately 3 weeks, from 18^th November 2022 and there may be impact on business. However, we have put a number of measures in place to ensure that work continues to progress on planning applications in order to minimise any impact on applications that are in progress during this period.

• Can I lodge a new application during the 3 week closure?

  The Council will continue to accept new planning applications during this transitional phase however copies of the submitted forms and plans will not be made available online until the new Portal is launched.  These applications will continue to be checked by staff offline in preparation for being uploaded. However, they will not be advertised, neighbour notified or consultations issued until the new Portal is up and running. 

• Can I make amendments to an existing application during the 3 week closure?

  The Council will continue to accept amendments to an existing application during the transitional phase. Staff will check these in preparation for being uploaded and made available online when the new Portal s launched. Amendments will not be advertised, neighbour notified or consultations issued until the new Portal is up and running. 

• I objected / provided a letter of support in relation to a planning application. Will I still be informed of any updates?

  The data in relation to your interest in an application will transfer to the new Planning Portal and you will continue to be informed of any updates to the application when the new portal is up and running.

• How can I view a planning application?

  During the transitional phase the current Public Access website will remain available to citizens so they can continue to view planning applications. Any new information submitted will then be made available to view on the new Planning Portal from 5 December onwards. New information will not be uploaded onto the old system from 18 November onwards. If you do not have access to digitally view an application, please contact the Planning Section for alternative arrangement.