The Planning Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 No. 1252 (NI. 7)

PART II N.I. PLANNING REFORM

Independent examination of development plans N.I.

5.—(1) For Article 7 of the principal Order (inquiries relating to development plans) substitute—

“Independent examination

7.— (1) The Department may cause an independent examination to be carried out by the planning appeals commission for the purpose of considering objections to a development plan or to the alteration, repeal or replacement of a development plan.

(2) Any person who makes objections to a development plan or to the alteration, repeal or replacement of a development plan shall, if he so requests, be given the opportunity to appear before and be heard by the planning appeals commission.”.

(2) In Article 8 of the principal Order (adoption of development plan by Department), in paragraph (1) for “a public local inquiry” substitute “ an independent examination ”.

(3) In Article 111 of the principal Order (procedure of planning appeals commission)—

(a) in paragraph (2), after “inquiry” wherever that word occurs, insert “ , independent examination ”;

(b) in paragraph (6)—

(i) for “an inquiry” substitute “ an inquiry or independent examination ”;

(ii) for “or inquiry” substitute “ , inquiry or independent examination ”.