Authorities in Northern Ireland have removed the requirement to hold public events as part of large-scale planning applications in response to COVID-19.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon (pictured) said the pre-application community consultation step will be suspended for five months from 1 May due the pandemic.
The measure will affect the submission of onshore wind projects in the province.
Guidance is to be issued to applicants on alternatives and developers will still need to comply with other consenting requirements to ensure notification and feedback to locals affected by projects.
Mallon said: “The planning system will have a critical role in supporting our future economic and societal recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. It is vital that the process continues to function, keeping an eye to the future and to keep Northern Ireland moving forward at this difficult time.
“My team is working closely with local government in partnership to ensure the planning system responds as effectively as possible.”
She added: “Public participation remains an important part of the planning process and to ensure that this is not compromised I will be publishing advice and guidance on appropriate measures to replace face to face public events, such as on-line engagement.”