Planning Decision Times – comparison across the UK and Ireland

Synopsis: A comparison of planning decision times across the UK jurisdictions and Ireland. The paper provides a snapshot of decision times in NI using statistics published by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). Where possible, it provides some comparisons of the decision times with the other jurisdictions, highlighting some of the limitations in performing the exercise. The final section provides some additional information on more recent developments in relation to the planning systems in other jurisdictions.

Date: 04 February 2026