Contact us

The Department's planning functions operate from Causeway Exchange in Belfast and from 8 local Area Planning Offices across Northern Ireland.

Strategic Planning Division, deals with strategic planning issues. This includes a number of specialised teams which deal with complex operational issues such as minerals planning, major retail applications and applications that have been declared as major applications under Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.

Local Planning Division is responsible for operational issues within each local government district, such as development management and enforcement and for preparing development plans.

Planning Policy Division is responsible for developing legislation and policy including planning policy statements and associated supplementary guidance.

As part of our efforts to provide a fully accessible service and take a consistent approach to customer service across the local areas, all public reception offices will operate the following standard opening hours from:

It is always advisable to make an appointment before visiting your local Area Planning Office. This will help to ensure that you are seen promptly. Remember an appointment must always be made should you wish to see a planning application file.

General enquiries about planning procedures or progress on initiatives should be addressed to:

Planning Group

Causeway Exchange
1–7 Bedford Street
Belfast
BT2 7EG

Tel: 0300 200 7830
email: planning@doeni.gov.uk

Before you email us with an enquiry, you may find it helpful to visit the Frequently Asked Questions page on this website.