To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how his Department is addressing climate change mitigation requirements in the context of planning advice.

I recognise that the planning system can play a positive role in supporting the wider efforts of government in the transition to a net zero carbon economy. Furthering sustainable development (including mitigating and adapting to climate change) is at the heart of the planning system and policy advice contained in my Department’s Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS). The provisions of the SPPS apply to the whole of the North and must be taken into account in the formulation of Local Development Plans (LDPs) and are material to all decisions on individual planning applications and appeals. To ensure that the SPPS remains up-to-date to inform plan-making and decision-taking in supporting climate action, my Department has carried out a review of policy on renewable and low carbon energy to reflect the changed context brought about through the Executive’s Energy Strategy and the Climate Change Act. I hope to publish this update to the SPPS as soon as possible, following Executive Committee agreement.

Whilst responsibility for local planning policies and advice, rests with local government, my Department continues to work closely with all Councils as part of Plan Strategy and Local Policies Plan preparation to ensure that climate change is recognised and that local solutions to any challenges are suitably addressed.

As regards to decision-making, under the two-tier plan led system all planning applications, including those for determination by my department, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis against the provisions of the SPPS, LDPs, guidance, the views of statutory consultees (including DfI Roads and DfI Rivers), and all other material considerations. The relevance and weight of material considerations is ultimately a matter of planning judgement for the relevant planning authority.