Planning policy: the backbone of the planning system

Last updated: 2 July 2025

Planning policy is the main consideration in the determination of all planning applications. The local planning authority (LPA) has to consider policies that have been created at both national and local levels when deciding whether to approve or refuse planning permission. Here are the key national and local planning policy documents: 

The Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) sets out the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) regional planning policies for the development of land in Northern Ireland, with a key focus on sustainable development. The SPPS also provides guidance for LPAs who are bringing forward detailed policies in their local development plans.  

The SPPS must be taken into account in the preparation of local development plans and is a material consideration in all planning decisions.  

The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) sets out a long-term plan for the spatial development of the whole of Northern Ireland up to 2035. While it doesn’t contain any specific planning policies, it provides a framework for development, including priorities for transport, housing, and economic growth. It is a cross-cutting document that links with other government policies and legislation. LPAs must take account of the RDS when preparing their local development plans.  

Every LPA must prepare a local development plan (LDP) setting out planning policies for its area, in consultation with the local community. LDPs include policies that allocate areas of land for certain types of development, together with development management policies that planning applications are assessed against. 

Through the LDP process, LPAs can identify the best locations for new housing, businesses and infrastructure while also protecting the environment.  

See our guide to local development plans to learn more about this process (link in the Find out more section below). 

LDPs replace the former departmental development plans, which remain operational until LPAs adopt a new LDP.   

Supplementary planning guidance (SPG) provides more detail and context on certain aspects of policies in an LDP. They can be a useful tool for developers and local communities as they can explain how policies can be taken forward and provide practical examples.  

SPGs do not form part of the LDP although they do need to be read in conjunction with it. They cannot introduce new planning policies, but they are an important consideration in determining planning applications.  

The Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) 

Government guidance – Development Plans 

DfI – Supplementary Planning Guidance 

Your local development plan: what is it and when can you get involved