Advice

Local planning pack - Northern Ireland

Our guide is full of useful information to help you navigate the planning system in Northern Ireland.

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Useful planning information for Northern Ireland

We’ve produced a series of leaflets to help you make the most of your voice and influence local decisions.  

Our downloadable documents will give you the information you need to protect local wildlife.  

What to do before a case

Use your local knowledge to influence development at an early stage. 

A good understanding of the planning system and how to respond to planning applications can make a big difference. You could prevent a harmful development or help make a proposal more wildlife-friendly. 

What to do now

When it comes to live planning applications, you’ll need to be objective. Is there is a genuine case? Try to focus your efforts on the strongest elements of your campaign.  

Find out the key questions you need to ask so you can build a case for protecting wildlife through the planning system. 

How to gain local support

The more people who know what you are trying to achieve, the more support you’re likely to get. Find out how to get the attention of local media and politicians, below. 

Two children in walking boots, walking away from the lens along a woodland dirt track, each holding a branch to use as a hiking pole.

Download our guides

How to work with the system to protect wildlife

Find out when planning permission is needed and how to work with the system to protect wildlife.

Download

How Important Is Your Wildlife Site?

How to decide whether a site is of importance.

Download

Protecting Birds From Development

Find out what can be done to protect birds, their nests and habitats. 

Download

Protecting Other Wildlife From Development

Find out what can be done to protect wild animals and plants from threats. 

Download

Addressing Climate Change Through Planning

How to use your local knowledge to respond to planning applications and protect wildlife.

Download

Getting Involved In Planning Applications

How to use your local knowledge to respond to planning applications and protect wildlife.

Download

How To Get Involved With Development Plans

Use your voice and influence local authorities to look after wildlife in your area.

Download

Involving Politicians And The Media

How to get local media and politicians on board with your campaign.

Download

Protecting Hedgerows, Trees And Woodland

Find out what can be done to protect hedgerows, trees and woodlands.

Download