Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (2011 Cap. 25).

This Act provides the legislative basis for the reform of the Northern Ireland planning system. The reforms concern every aspect of planning, including how development plans are drawn up, how development proposals and applications are managed and the way in which these functions are delivered. The development plan and development management systems are modified so as to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Other significant changes are made in respect of planning appeals and enforcement. The Act transfers the majority of planning functions and decision making responsibilities for local development plans, development management plus planning enforcement to councils. Use of land for agriculture or forestry shall not be taken for the purposes of this Act to involve development of the land.
The Act, among other things: defines functions of Department of the Environment with respect to development of land; grant powers to the Department to make provision, by Regulations, for environmental effects consideration in relation to development planning permission; provide with respect to the grant of mineral planning permission and aftercare conditions regarding land subject to mineral development; provide for hazardous substances consent; define powers of Councils or Department to issue Tree Preservation Orders and provides for preservation of trees or woodlands in general; and make provision for appeals.