Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the progress of the Mid Ulster Local Development Plan, including (i) any outstanding issues still under consideration by her Department; and (ii) the timeframe for the finalised Plan to be returned to Mid Ulster Council for adoption.
Minister for Infrastructure: My officials have worked constructively with Mid Ulster District Council and, following extensive engagement, issued a Section 15 Direction on 27 August 2026 requiring modifications to aspects of the Draft Plan Strategy.
The Direction provides a clear pathway forward and there are no outstanding issues currently under consideration by the Department.
The next stage is for the Council to prepare and consult upon a modified policy in accordance with the requirements of the Direction before resubmitting it to the Department. Following resubmission, the Department can cause an Independent Examination (IE). Subsequently, adoption of the Plan Strategy will follow upon completion of the IE process and the Department’s consideration of the IE report. The timeframe will depend on the Council preparing, consulting on and resubmitting the modified Plan Strategy in accordance with the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, and on the subsequent stages.
My officials will continue to engage with the Council as it progresses through these remaining statutory stages.
ENDS
Your MLA 