McReynolds added: "We already know that the planning system is holding back development and growth across so many parts of our economy, and the most recent statistics show that there have not been the serious levels of improvements required. 

"Over 30% of live applications within the system at the end of June 2026 had been there for over a year. On top of that, only three local councils were within the statutory timeframe for local development applications, and many of the regionally significant development decisions siting with the Minster for Infrastructure are in excess of the 30-week time period.

"Businesses have consistently raised the planning system as one of the major obstacles to economic development and it cannot be ignored any longer. It is clear that we need a comprehensive programme of reform to address the issues in planning including mandatory timeframes for planning applications, options for conditional consent in those cases where Statutory Consultees have not responded, and other measures to speed up our planning process.

"Alliance will continue to champion improvements in the planning system as a key tool for supporting economic growth."