This Order replaces the Planning (Use Classes) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004.

It specifies classes of use of buildings or other land for the purposes of section 23(3) of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Section 23(3) specifies operations or uses which are not to be taken for the purposes of that Act as involving development and which therefore do not require planning permission. Sub-paragraph (e) of that section provides that a change of use is not to be regarded as involving development where the former use and the new use are both within the same class specified in an Order made under that paragraph.

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared in relation to this Order. A copy may be obtained from the Department of the Environment, Causeway Exchange, 1-7 Bedford Street, Town Parks, Belfast, BT2 7EG or accessed at www.doeni.gov.uk.

The Explanatory Memorandum is available alongside the Order on the government’s website www.legislation.gov.uk.