The North Belfast MLA said.
“The publication of this year’s planning statistics serves as a stark reminder of the clear failings of our planning system.
This year we have witnessed yet another unacceptable increase in processing times for both local and major planning applications.
At a time when the Department has spent £14 million introducing a new planning portal, many will question this use of public funds.
A previous Audit Office report concluded that the planning system 'doesn’t deliver for customers, communities or the environment,’ these figures reinforce that narrative.
We cannot afford to have unnecessary delays which could be continually putting proposed investment at risk. It is long passed time, that Northern Ireland had a planning system that was fit for purpose.”