The Taskforce seeks to:
- Inform and influence the development of strategic planning policy (regional and local) and legislation in Northern Ireland to ensure a sustainable, integrated and evidenced based approach to policy making.
- Work with the Department for Infrastructure and Councils to ensure planning delivers protection and enhancement of our environment and contributes to societal well–being.
- Provide a forum to share best practice ideas around planning policy development.
- Promote the need for a high–level cross–cutting, strategic approach to landscape and land use planning, management and stewardship in Northern Ireland.
- Support efforts to integrate the natural capital concept within planning policy and practice.

Towards A Land Strategy for Northern Ireland
“Towards A Land Strategy for Northern Ireland” reviews the contributions that land makes to the economic and social fabric of Northern Ireland and the realisation of sustainable development and the principle pressures placed on the overall resource. Compilation of this report was informed by a range of stakeholder perspectives, and from detailed observation of the development of the Scottish Land Use Strategy.
Publications
Towards a Land Strategy for NI - Briefing
Towards a Land Strategy for NI - Main Report
Towards a Land Strategy for NI - Presentation
Response to Strategic Planning Policy for Renewable Energy
Response to Review of Permitted Development Rights for Mineral Exploration
General Principles to Support the Development of Community Plans and Local Development Plans in Northern Ireland
Letter to Belfast City Council on Belfast Bank Buildings
Letter to Belfast City Council on Belfast Local Development Plan 2035
Interested in becoming a member?
The key aspect of NIEL membership is the facility for co–ordinated action, a shared agenda and strong voice for environmental protection.