The Planning (Development Management) (Temporary Modifications) (Coronavirus) (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 will temporarily amend the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 and come into operation on 1 October 2021.

Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon said: “I have acted to introduce legislation today to further extend the temporary suspension of the requirement to hold a public event as part of pre-application community consultation on major planning application until 31 March 2022.

“While we continue to recover from the Covid crisis I am not convinced that now is the right time to remove the temporary suspension. Doing so now could lead to less community engagement as many members of the public may not have confidence attending indoor public events and applicants may find it difficult to comply with the risk assessment requirements of the guidance.”

She added: “However, this does not prohibit developers, if they considered it appropriate and beneficial, to voluntarily hold a public event as part of the pre-application community consultation, provided they comply with the health regulations.

“This is an essential step that will continue to facilitate major and regionally significant planning applications across the region. If legislation is not implemented this may result in the application process being invalid, leading to a backlog of major applications which would hinder our economic recovery once all Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.”

Ms Mallon concluded: “The planning system will play a critical role in the Covid recovery process and my Department will continue to work closely with other jurisdictions, councils and stakeholders as we move towards recovery from this pandemic.”