There is a huge planning backlog

The rush has been caused by fears that new area plans will impose many more restrictions on housebuilding - particularly in rural areas.

Last year, more than 30,000 planning applications were made. However, this year the figure could top 43,000.

Delays in developing the new area plans, which control where new houses can be built, have assisted the rise.

Applications for new single dwellings in the countryside are also the hightest ever.

It is estimated that Northern Ireland builds three times as many homes in the countryside as England, Scotland and Wales put together.

'Outside direct control'

In an attempt to deal with the huge planning backlog, planners have been taken away from drawing up the new area plans to handle the applications.

This move delays the introduction of the new area plan even more.

The chief executive of the Planning Service, David Ferguson, said the service was feeling the strain.

He said: "It is not in meltdown but it is certainly under severe pressure.

"The reason for that pressure is not only because of our area planning programme but there are other factors at work outside our direct control."

It could be next Easter or later before the service clears the backlog and gets back to normal.