Planning and Places

Overview

Planning is an indispensable element in realising infrastructure projects, whether in building the homes that populations require, realising the economic potential of rural and urban areas, or developing renewable projects across these islands.   

The existence of the British-Irish Council’s Planning and Places Work Sector reflects the fact that the challenges faced in each of the eight member administrations are often common in nature, even though they may vary in respect of scale. The Planning and Places Work Sector provides an important forum for exchange of real and useful information and encourages beneficial learning and exchange within this domain. 

Lead Administration

Established in 2009, the British-Irish Council’s Planning and Places Work Sector is led by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Current Focus

The most recent Planning and Places Ministerial meeting took place as part of the Guernsey Summit in July 2022 and discussed The Contribution of Spatial Planning to Town Revitalisation and Building Better Places.

The current Forward Work Plan in February 2021 and is focussed on:

• The Contribution of spatial planning to the revitalisation of towns
• The Contribution of spatial planning to ‘Build Better Places’ in the context of Covid-19 recovery
• Consider best practice in National/Regional Planning Frameworks
• Promote expert learning and experience sharing

In September 2023, the work sector held a Symposium, Placemaking in Practice, hosted by the Welsh Government in Cardiff. The event saw over 90 guests in attendance from across these islands to explore the challenges and opportunities for shaping places to better address the needs of inhabitants and users of the public realm. The debate is taking place in the context of rapid social change, including the impact of climate change.