Commenting on a planning application

If you want to comment on a planning application in Ards and North Down, read our guidance leaflet. This can be done by post, by email, or through the NI Planing Portal. We explain the planning considerations that are relevant to us when making planning decisions.

Whenever possible, written comments should be submitted within the next 14 days. We request comments as early as possible, but we must take account of any representations that raise material planning considerations received before the application is actually determined.  Prompt submission of comments can help inform the applicant of any concerns early in the process. This may allow opportunity to make changes which could resolve some concerns, and assists Planning Service’s decision-making in a timely and constructive manner while also reducing delays at the latter stages of the process.

You should quote the planning application number in your correspondence. All representations including objections, will be published on the Planning Portal.

You can also view full details of these applications, including detailed proposals and plans at our office, by telephoning 0300 200 7830, or by emailing planning@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

NOTIFICATION OF NEW APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR PLANNING SERVICE - WITH EFFECT FROM MON 23 OCT 2017

The new NI Planning Portal is available from Monday 5th December. From 21st November until 5th December the information viewable on the Portal was frozen as of 18th November, with no further online processing of applications having taken place.

Planning Service Appointment System

Members of the public can book a 20-minute appointment with a Planning Officer to clarify any issues concerning a current planning application or to discuss in detail a specific planning proposal they wish to submit.

The appointments are free and available Mon-Fri between 9am and 4pm (excluding 12-2pm) at Council Offices, 2 Church Street, Newtownards but they must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.

Amongst other things, the service offers the public the opportunity to ask for pre-application advice on householder and small-business proposals, to receive advice on how to develop a scheme, to ascertain whether a proposal is in line with the development plan and planning policy guidelines, or how to revise a previously refused or withdrawn application. Such an appointment, arranged prior to submission, could assist in any future decision being reached more promptly.

To arrange an appointment, please contact the Planning Service on 028 9127 8027 or e-mail planning@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk   When making the booking, the information provided will enable the Planning Officer to gain a comprehensive understanding of the proposal, thereby improving the quality of the site-specific advice that will be given.

Members of the public may still call to view online registry copies of current planning applications, where no Planning Officer is in attendance, without an appointment between 9:30am and 4pm Mon-Fri at the Church Street offices. A PC is available near the Church Street reception area where any drawings or documentation can be viewed.

Requests to view historic files held in off-site storage, or full working files currently being processed - known as Open-File Appointments - must be received by phone or e-mail, as it may take several days to facilitate such an appointment. There is a charge of £10 for the first file, and £5 for each subsequent file. These appointments are limited to 30 minutes.