The number of new planning applications received in Northern Ireland has reached a record low according to new quarterly statistics issued today by the Department for Infrastructure.

In the 12 months up to September 2025, 9,578 applications were received, a 4% decrease on the 9,928 applications the previous year and a 20% decrease on the 12,040 applications over the same period in 2022–23. These figures are also a far cry from the peak 20 years ago, when over 36,000 applications were submitted.

Ciarán Fox, Director of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), commented, “This record low in planning applications may be a sign that potential development is being shelved as a result of the inability to connect to the wastewater system in so many areas of Northern Ireland as a result of decades of underinvestment in our infrastructure.”

“A lower number of planning applications today tends to lead to fewer construction projects hitting the ground in the years ahead, so it is certainly a concern from an economic perspective.”

“In the short term this low number of applications may provide those in the planning system a bit of space to address some of the bottlenecks but ultimately fewer applications mean a reduced income for local Councils and this could impact on resources.”

The Northern Ireland Planning Statistics publication also reports on how Councils are performing in regard to local and major applications.

For local applications, which include most residential projects, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council were the top performers, with average processing times of 8 and 10 weeks respectively, well within the statutory target of 15 weeks. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council performed the worst, averaging 43 weeks.

Mr Fox said, “The stats show that within the current system it is possible to deliver an efficient planning service which gets applications moved through the system expeditiously. We are keen to see additional support given to those Councils that are struggling to meet the targets.”