Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
2011 CHAPTER 25
Commentary on Sections
Part 1: Functions of Department with respect to development of land.
Section 1: General functions of Department of the Environment with respect to development of land
This section sets out the Department’s duty to formulate and co-ordinate planning policy which must be in general conformity with the Regional Development Strategy. A statutory duty is imposed on the Department in exercising these functions to do so with the objective of furthering sustainable development and promoting or improving well-being. This section also provides for the Department to continue to undertake such surveys or studies as it considers necessary.
Section 2: Preparation of statement of community involvement by Department
This section sets out the requirement for the Department to produce a statement of its policy for involving the community in its planning control functions. The Department must publish its statement within one year of the section coming into operation.