FmK NI

Applying for Planning Permission in Northern Ireland: The Planning System provides society with a way of controlling how we use land, what we build and where we build it. Each Council Area prepares and adopts documents called development plans, consisting of maps and written policies, which show where and in what quantity various types of developments will be permitted. These cover all aspects of planning for uses of land and buildings such as homes, offices, factories and schools with our wish to protect and improve the environment. 

At present, almost all of the councils, has adopted their own planning rules, loosely based off PPS21 for each of the council areas, with a few still working to PPS21.

These Local Development Plans (LDPs) and PPS21 set out planning policies for all of NI, with the exception of town/village boundaries.

The LDPs and PPS21 supersede all previous policies and previous greenbelts, with PPS21 introduced in 24th November 2008.

Who can apply for Planning Permission?

Basically anyone!! Anyone who fits into one of the Planning categories stated in the LDPs and PPS21 and are not restricted to Agriculture.

What are the main categories?

Any development can only be applied under the following categories:

-New Dwellings in Existing Clusters

-Replacement Dwellings

-Building/Barn Conversions

-Infill Sites / Gap Sites

-Dwellings on Farms

-Farm Diversification

-Personal & Domestic Circumstances

-Dwellings for Non-Agricultural Business

-Residential Caravans & Mobile Homes

What do I do now?

If you think you have a site, a building to replace or convert, or need advice, contact FMK now and we will discuss with you the options available. We offer a free office consultation for all our clients to determine the viability of making Planning Applications.

At FMK we only take on viable applications and as a result have an impressive approval rate!

Home Extensions and Improvements: FMK have a vast experience in both designing and building House Extensions across Northern Ireland. These can be small one room extensions, larger kitchen extension, or large multi room, 2storey extensions. We have also a lot of experience in completing Full Whole-House Refurbishments, focusing around our ECOHomes and ECO-Upgrade ethos. This is where we improve the entire energy performance of the dwelling as a whole help to reduce energy bill and make the house more energy efficient.Read More In terms of Planning Permission NI; you don’t require planning permission to extend or add to your house provided you meet a set of rules which came into operation on 6 April 2011. These rules set out what is allowed and not allowed without planning permission and applies mostly to the dimensions of the proposed extension, its position on the main house and its proximity to your site boundaries. Show Less

Planning Permission NI for Farm Buildings:

You do not always need planning permission to carry out development on a farm holding.

Certain development on a farm holding is deemed to be permitted development. This includes works for the erection, extension or alteration of a building which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture.

However, the development must comply with certain requirements set out in the relevant legislation.

Here at FMK we have a dedicated Agri-specialist to deal with all Agri-Projects. We have both personal and professional experience in all things Agri; whether it’s just to Masterplan out your Farmyard or Farm Buildings, or whether you need Full Detailed Design, Planning Permission & Structural Design for your shed, we are here to help.

We have many past projects dealing with Farm-Buildings across Northern Ireland, ranging from Shed Extension’s to New “First” Farm Sheds. In terms of Planning Permission NI; You do not always need planning permission to carry out development on a farm holding.

Certain development on a farm holding is deemed to be permitted development. This includes works for the erection, extension or alteration of a building which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture.

Changes are being made regularly to Agri- permitted development section, with regards to NIEA legislation and also Environmental aspects and as a result it sometimes means permitted development is not possible, especially if the building is to house animals.

Buildings used for housing animals are more complicated and these usually mean site-specific requirements need to be applied to the permitted development rules. The Farm building must comply with certain requirements set out in the relevant legislation.

Planning Permission is NOT required, providing you meet the required conditions,
some examples of these are;

-Building Cannot contain a Slurry Tank including External Slurry Stores

-Building can not be used to House animals

-Must be another Existing Farm Building within 75m of New Building

-Must be min 75m away from other Dwellings

-New Building is less than 500m2 external area

-Be an Active Farm Business for minimum of 6 Years

**NB: The very First Farm Shed on any Farm/Field WILL require Planning Permission regardless of the above points.**

If you are thinking of any Agri-related projects of your own, contact Ronan McKee at FMK to discuss your next steps and advise on your project. We strongly advise all farmers to contact FMK to seek advice before starting any new Farm Buildings or Slurry Tanks as Planning Enforcement can cause serious issues in relation to buildings without planning permission. Also check with your bank/lender as they may require proof that whether planning permission required or not before lending.