To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what measures are being taken to ensure that the public is adequately informed and consulted with in relation to proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems installations, especially those near residential areas, to address any community concerns.

Provisions in the Planning Act (NI) 2011, the Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (NI) 2015 (‘GDPO’) and the Planning (Development Management) Regulations (NI) 2015 provide for pre application community consultation to be undertaken for applications for development belonging to the category of major development. Consultation includes at least one public event and notice in a newspaper.

Regulation 8 of the GDPO makes provision for notice to be given on receipt of applications for planning permission. It includes advertisement in local newspapers and neighbour notification by letter to prescribed properties.

Members of the public can also find and follow planning applications via the Planning Portal.