DAERA Planning Consultations Update
Customer Communications – Update on planning consultation response times.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is committed to high quality, evidence‑based planning consultation responses. While the statutory target for consultation responses is 21 days, our average processing times are currently longer due to a sustained backlog and ongoing resource pressures. These factors are affecting our ability to review and assess consultations within the usual timeframe.
To provide an update on our current processing times, from 1 April 2026 we will publish information on the expected timeframe for responding to your planning consultation. This is intended to improve transparency and help manage expectations regarding current performance.
| Month Consultation Received | Estimated Response Timeframe |
|---|---|
| November 2025 | 3 weeks |
| December 2025 | 7 weeks |
| January 2026 | 11 weeks |
| February 2026 | 15 weeks |
| March 2026 | 20 weeks |
This table was updated on 29 April 2026, and all timeframes are calculated from that date. Case Officers are currently processing cases received in November 2025.
Cases that are more complex in nature may take longer to process due to the level of assessment required. For this reason, the timings provided should be considered indicative, and it should be noted that some cases will be completed more quickly than the timeframes shown.
Additional delays may also occur where consultations are submitted with incomplete or insufficient information. To help us provide timely and informed advice, we encourage applicants and agents to submit clear, accurate, and comprehensive environmental information at the earliest stage of the planning process.
If your consultation does not require advice from the Natural Environment Division the timeframe may be shorter.