Mid Ulster District Council Consults on Draft Planning Application Validation Checklist

Mid Ulster District Council is asking residents, businesses and planning professionals to have their say on a new Draft Planning Application Validation Checklist.

The proposed checklist aims to make the planning process smoother, clearer and more efficient across the district.

What Is the Draft Planning Application Validation Checklist?

The Draft Planning Application Validation Checklist sets out the information required for planning applications to be considered valid and processed.

By clearly outlining what must be submitted, the Council hopes to:

• Reduce unnecessary delays
• Improve application quality from the outset
• Support faster planning decisions
• Provide greater clarity for applicants

Chair of the Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Sean McPeake, said the draft checklist is designed to help applicants “get planning applications right from the start.”

He encouraged anyone with an interest in planning to take part in the consultation and share their views.

How the Checklist Works

The checklist has two key elements:

1. Basic Information (All Northern Ireland Councils)

This applies across all eleven council areas in Northern Ireland and includes the essential information required for an application to be valid.

2. Additional Information (2024 Amendment)

Under the Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024, councils can request further information for certain types of planning applications.

This allows Mid Ulster District Council to tailor requirements where necessary, depending on the nature and complexity of the proposal.

What Happens If Information Is Missing?

If an application does not comply with the checklist:

• The Council will normally request the required information informally.
• In some cases, a formal notice of non-compliance may be issued.
• Applicants have the right to appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission within 14 days.

The aim is to resolve issues quickly and avoid unnecessary disruption to the planning process.

Consultation Dates and How to Respond

The public consultation runs:

Monday 2 March – Friday 27 March at 12 noon

From 2 March, the draft checklist will be available on the Council’s website:

www.midulstercouncil.org/consultations

You can submit your views in the following ways:

• Email: planning@midulstercouncil.org
• Post or in person:
  Planning
  Mid Ulster District Council
  Magherafelt Offices
  Ballyronan Road
  Magherafelt
  BT45 6EN

Mark correspondence clearly:
‘Response to Draft Planning Application Validation Checklist Consultation’

What Happens Next?

After the consultation period closes, the Council will:

1. Review all responses
2. Report findings to the Planning Committee
3. Publish the proposed final checklist on its website

Residents, developers and local businesses are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback before the deadline.

Have your say before 27 March at 12 noon.