Delivering planning reform conference
Towards a modern, efficient & effective system
Date: Thursday 2nd April 2009
Venue: Culloden Hotel, Belfast
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It is widely accepted that a modern and efficient planning system is essential in contributing to a dynamic and innovative economy for Northern Ireland, which the Executive has identified as its main priority. In line with this, in November 2007, at the inaugural Exploring the Future of Planning conference, the then Minister for the Environment, Arlene Foster, launched a comprehensive review of Northern Ireland’s planning process and appointed Professor Greg Lloyd to advise on the broad direction the reform process should take to achieve its objectives and to help develop proposals for how these objectives should be implemented.
Alongside the reform process, there is ongoing change to the planning system as a result of the Review of Public Administration (RPA) with these two change programmes being taken forward in a coordinated and integrated way. The changes proposed by the RPA will see local government taking responsibility for key planning functions including local development plans; development control and enforcement with central government retaining responsibility for regional strategic planning and planning policy as well as a range of other functions. These changes will mean a new planning system for Northern Ireland and, when they come into operation in 2011 will involve major changes to the roles, responsibilities and relationships for all those involved in the planning process.
This conference will include an examination of these key issues via an expert speaker panel of local and visiting speakers. The programme has been assembled to include key local stakeholders in the planning system as well as those with experience from elsewhere (Scotland and Republic of Ireland) which may be useful to those driving forward the reform agenda in Northern Ireland. It represents an excellent opportunity for Planning Service, and its sponsor department, DoE to engage with, and hear the views of all those involved with the planning system.
Featured speakers include:
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Minister Sammy Wilson, MP, MLA Environment Minister |
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Cynthia Smith Chief Executive The Planning Service |
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Jim Mackinnon Chief Planner the Scottish Government |
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Richard Flack Senior Partner DPP |
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Brian Sore Northern Ireland Policy Officer RTPI |
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Patsy McGlone, MLA Chair, Committee for the Environment Northern Ireland Assembly |
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Sue Christie Director Northern Ireland Environment Link |
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John Armstrong Managing Director Construction Employers Federation |
* View the full speaker line-up and conference programme here >>
Download the full conference brochure here [PDF] >
* NB: When registering online you have the option of paying by credit card or we can invoice you