This Article provides for the introduction of a statement of conformity procedure by the Department for Regional Development where the Department of the Environment proposes to make, alter or replace a development plan. The Department for Regional Development is required to issue statements as to whether a development plan is, or is not, in general conformity with the regional development strategy. The Department for Regional Development is required to issue statements of conformity at two stages in the development plan making process:
in respect of a draft plan, within 28 days from receipt of the draft plan; and
in respect of the final draft plan, within 28 days from receipt of the draft Adoption Order and the plan, alteration or replacement plan to which the Order relates.