Explanatory note

These Rules establish the procedure to be followed where an application is made to the Secretary of State for him to certify that an application for planning permission is one to which Article 123B (national security) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/1220) applies.

Article 2 identifies those persons who may make an application as either the person who has applied for planning permission, or alternatively an objector, and specifies the information that must be provided in support of the application to the Secretary of State. Article 3 sets out the steps to be taken by the Secretary of State and the Department of the Environment once the application has been received. Article 4 lists those persons who must be informed of the Secretary of State’s decision. Article 5 enables the Department of Environment to dispense with holding a public local inquiry where no objections or representations have been received in relation to a certificate issued by the Secretary of State, or where any made have been withdrawn. Articles 6 and 7 deal with the provision of documents under the Rules, and in particular, provision by electronic means.