Northern Ireland Planning Permission — A Different Process Under the Planning Act (NI) 2011
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NI planning is handled by your district council under the Planning Act (NI) 2011. Different fees, different timescales, different appeals.
Northern Ireland planning is handled by your district council under the Planning Act (NI) 2011. Different process, different fees, different appeals. Application fee for a single dwelling in NI: £400–£500. Decision target 8–16 weeks depending on the council and the complexity of the site. Appeals go to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC), not An Bord Pleanála. NI uses the PPS (Planning Policy Statement) framework, particularly PPS 3 (Access, Movement and Parking), PPS 15 (Planning and Flood Risk), and PPS 21 (Sustainable Development in the Countryside). The rest of this site focuses on the Republic of Ireland; NI self-builders should consult a planning consultant familiar with both jurisdictions. Key differences: NI design standards, NI building regulations (Technical Booklet rather than TGD), and NI water connection (NI Water, not Uisce Éireann).
When this matters most
You're planning a self-build in Northern Ireland.
When this doesn't apply
You're in the Republic of Ireland.
Sources
Northern Ireland Planning Portal. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/planning-permission
Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/25
Frequently asked questions
How do I get planning permission in Northern Ireland?
Apply to your district council under the Planning Act (NI) 2011. Fee £400–£500 for a single dwelling. Decision target 8–16 weeks. Appeals go to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC).
What is the difference between ROI and NI planning?
ROI uses the Planning and Development Act 2000 and appeals to An Bord Pleanála. NI uses the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and appeals to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC). Different fees, different policy frameworks, different timescales.
How long does NI planning take?
8–16 weeks depending on the council and the complexity of the site. Local development orders can speed up some categories of application.
When this matters most
You're planning a self-build in Northern Ireland.
When this doesn't apply
You're in the Republic of Ireland.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Appeal to An Bord Pleanála — The 4-Week Window, €220 Fee, and 18-Week Decision →
- Common Planning Refusal Reasons in Ireland — The Six That Catch Self-Builders →
- Compliance Submission in Ireland — Discharging Planning Conditions Before You Build →
- Design Statement for Irish Planning — What Planners Look For and What Gets Refused →
- Do I Need Planning Permission in Ireland? The One-Question Test and the Few Exemptions →
- Permitted Development in Ireland — Exempt Works Under Schedule 2 of the Planning Regulations →
- Planning Application Fee in Ireland 2026 — €65 for a House, Plus Other Charges You Should Know →
- Planning Application Pack in Ireland — Drawings, Design Statement, and Site Reports →
- Pre-Planning Consultation in Ireland — A Free 30 Minutes That Can Save a Refusal →
- Section 5 Declaration in Ireland — €80, 4–8 Weeks, and a Binding Answer on Whether You Need Planning →