We routinely examine the planning applications published each week across the province. In a typical week volunteer local planning monitors and Belfast staff may examine the drawings for a dozen applications and will comment on three or four. This means we comment on around 200 applications per year.

Our letters set out the architectural and/or historic merits of the building affected and cite the local plan and other policy documents where relevant. The most important of these is generally Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage

The Society also appears at planning appeals when important conservation issues are at stake. It is not just listed buildings that merit this attention: the Society's campaigns often highlight the importance of the integrity of conservation areas and suggest ways of strengthening legislation to reduce losses in the future.

Take Action on Planning

Check the planning applications in your local paper every week. Don’t let the Society be the only objector to a damaging proposal! You may have knowledge of the history or legal background of a site that can be relevant, or you may simply believe that an application would have a negative impact on our environment.

Send in your comments or queries about an application to your local planning office within the following two weeks, not forgetting to quote the application number and location of the proposal.  CC UAHS at the bottom of the letter and send a copy of the letter to us.  It may add more weight to the letter and we will be aware of your efforts.

Contact your local Councillor to let them know your view. They do not determine applications but they are consulted. Ask your Councillor or the Town Clerk if you can make a deputation to the Council's Planning Committee Meeting.