How long do planning decisions take near Portaferry?

The average planning decision time near Portaferry is 78 days. The statutory target is 8 weeks (56 days) for minor applications and 13 weeks for major applications.

What is the planning approval rate near Portaferry?

The planning approval rate near Portaferry is 88%. The national average across England and Wales is approximately 87%.

What types of planning applications are most common near Portaferry?

The most common type of planning application near Portaferry is listed building consent applications, with 4 submissions in the last 24 months.

How can I track planning applications near Portaferry?

You can search and track planning applications near Portaferry on Planning Signal. Create a free account to save searches, watch specific applications, and receive email alerts when new plans are submitted nearby.

Portaferry, Ards Planning Applications

Recent planning applications near Portaferry, Ards.

Ards · Northern Ireland · settlement

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About Portaferry

Portaferry is a vibrant village in County Down, Northern Ireland, situated at the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula, adjacent to Strangford Lough. Known for its attractions like the Exploris aquarium and the popular Gala Week Float Parade, Portaferry also features a small marina and a frequent ferry service to Strangford, transporting around 500,000 passengers annually. With a population of 2,514 as of the 2011 Census, Portaferry is an important hub within the Barony of Ards Upper, making it a significant area for planning applications and community developments.

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Town Insights

Property Prices

Area Information

Admin district: Ards and North Down
Parliamentary constituency: North Down
LSOA: Ards_Peninsula_A

Crime Statistics

0 crimes reported in 2026-02.

Flood Risk

No active flood warnings near Portaferry.

Keyword Scorecard

Planning constraint analysis based on the last 24 months of applications near Portaferry.

Ecology & Wildlife Constraints (keywords: bats, bat survey, bat roost, great crested newt, GCN...)
Trees & Landscape (keywords: tree preservation order, TPO, arboricultural, tree survey, root protection area...)
Flood & Drainage (keywords: flood zone 2, flood zone 3, flood risk assessment, FRA, surface water...)
Heritage & Conservation (keywords: listed building, grade II, grade II*, grade I, conservation area...)
Green Belt (keywords: green belt, inappropriate development, very special circumstances, openness)
Highways & Access (keywords: visibility splays, highway authority objection, access arrangement, parking provision, transport statement...)
Refusal & Risk Indicators (keywords: refusal, delegated refusal, appeal dismissed, overdevelopment, character and appearance...)
Planning Process & Appeals (keywords: appeal lodged, appeal allowed, appeal dismissed, public inquiry, inspector)

Planning Activity Summary

Approval rates, average decision times, and application type distribution for Portaferry based on the last 24 months of planning data.

Nearby Applications

8 planning applications found near Portaferry.

- Marine Biology Station 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF
Demolition of ''lean to' shed and erection of open sided canopies to be erected over new research tanks
Status: Undecided | Type: Full | Council: Ards and North Down | Date: 2026-03-27
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- Marine Biology Station 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF
Installation of 2no. signs to front elevation.
Status: Permitted | Type: Heritage | Council: Ards and North Down | Date: 2026-01-14
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- The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ
Change of use from former tourist information offices (use class A2) to day spa (sui generis) including erection of a total of 6No signs (including 1no. illuminated shop sign and 1no. projecting sign)
Status: Permitted | Type: Heritage | Council: Ards and North Down | Date: 2025-08-16
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- The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ
Erection of 5no. shop signs (including 1no illuminated shop sign) and 1no. projecting sign (6no. total signs).
Status: Permitted | Type: Advertising | Council: Ards and North Down | Date: 2025-08-16
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- The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry BT22 1NZ
Change of use from former tourist information offices (use class A2) to day spa (sui generis)
Status: Permitted | Type: Full | Council: Ards and North Down | Date: 2025-08-16
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- Portico of Ards Steel Dickson Avenue Portaferry BT22 1LE
Two external, hand painted signs
Status: Permitted | Type: Advertising | Council: Ards and North Down | Date: 2025-03-29
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- 70 High Street, Portaferry, BT22 1QU
1.5 storey rear extension for Ancillary Accommodation (Amended description)
Status: Permitted | Type: Full | Council: Ards and North Down | Date: 2024-03-27
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- 3 Mourne View, Portaferry, BT22 1NS
Single storey extension to rear, raised platform to rear and garage to side of dwelling.
Status: Permitted | Type: Full | Council: Ards and North Down | Date: 2023-06-13
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A brief summary of Portaferry in Ards

There were no crimes reported in the immediate area during the most recent reporting period. This makes Portaferry a particularly low-crime area.

For anyone interested in property development or monitoring local planning decisions, Portaferry planning applications can be searched by entering a local postcode above. Results include full application details, decision status, and the ability to track applications over time and set planning alerts to help you monitor and review pending planning applications.

Planning Activity in Portaferry

In the last 24 months, 11 planning applications were submitted near Portaferry. Of these, 88% were approved, with an average decision time of 78 days.

This is slightly above the national average of approximately 87%, indicating a broadly favourable planning environment near Portaferry.

The average decision period of 78 days exceeds the 8-week target for minor applications but falls within the 13-week target for major schemes. Applicants should plan for approximately 12 weeks from submission to decision.

The most common application types near Portaferry were listed building and heritage (4), full planning applications (3), discharge of conditions (2). The high proportion of heritage applications reflects the historic character of the area and the presence of listed buildings or conservation areas nearby.

Nearby Towns

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Related Planning Guides

What Is Planning Permission in the UK? — Planning permission is the formal approval you need from your local council before making certain changes to a building or piece of land.
What Is Permitted Development? — Permitted development rights allow certain building works and changes of use without the need to apply for planning permission.
How Long Does Planning Permission Take? — Typical timelines for planning permission decisions in the UK, from submission to approval, and what can cause delays.