Planning Service facts for kids
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| Legal status | Active |
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| Headquarters | Millennium House 17-25 Great Victoria Street Belfast BT2 7BN |
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Region served
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Northern Ireland |
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Leadership
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| Website | planningni.gov.uk |
The Planning Service is a special group that works within the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland). Its main job is to control how land is used and developed in Northern Ireland. They make sure that new buildings and changes to land are good for everyone. This helps keep our towns and countryside organized and safe.
What is the Planning Service?
The Planning Service is like a referee for land use. They decide where new homes, shops, or roads can be built. They also make sure that these developments follow certain rules. This helps protect our environment and makes sure communities grow in a good way.
How the Planning Service Started
The idea for the Planning Service began in 1973. Back then, it was called the Town and Country Planning Service. It was created to take over planning duties from local councils. Over time, it became part of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.
In 1996, it became its own agency, known simply as "the Planning Service." After 1998, when Northern Ireland got more control over its own government, the Planning Service stayed within the Department of the Environment. They still follow important laws, like the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.
What the Planning Service Does
The Planning Service has many important jobs to help manage land in Northern Ireland. They work to make sure that our towns and cities grow in a planned and helpful way.
- Making Plans: They create "Development Plans." These are like maps for the future, showing where different types of buildings or activities should go. This helps guide how areas will develop.
- Making Decisions: They review plans for new buildings or changes to land. They then decide if these plans can go ahead. They make sure decisions are fair and follow the rules.
- Improving Services: They always try to make their services better for people. They want to be efficient and fair to everyone. This includes following rules about human rights and equality.
- Providing Information: They offer quick and correct information about land and property. This helps people who are buying or selling land.
- Guiding Development: They make sure that all planning decisions help create an organized and consistent use of land. This stops messy or harmful development.
- Managing Resources: They work to use their money and resources wisely. They want to get the best value from everything they do.
- Supporting Staff: They help their employees learn new skills and stay motivated. This ensures that the team can do their best work.
- Working with Others: Sometimes, they look for ways to work with private companies. This can help get projects done more quickly or efficiently.
