Purpose and Status of the SPPS

The SPPS is a statement of the Department's policy on important planning matters that should be addressed across Northern Ireland. It reflects the Department's expectations for delivery of the planning system. It has been agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive and it is judged to be in general conformity with the Regional Development Strategy 2035. It has a statutory basis under Part 1 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 which requires the Department to formulate and co-ordinate policy for securing the orderly and consistent development of land and the planning of that development.