plan strategy and framework - planning portal · sites of local nature conservation importance 52...

BanBridge/newry and MourneA re A Pl A n 2015 2

013

Volume 1

Plan Strategy and Framework

BanBridge/newry and MourneA re A Pl A n 2015 2

013

Volume 1

Plan Strategyand Framework

This document may be made available inalternative formats, please contact us todiscuss your requirements.

area Planning officeMarlborough HouseCentral wayCraigavonBT64 1ad

Tel: 0300 200 7830 (ni only) or (028) 9151 3101Fax: (028) 3832 0004email: [email protected]

The following comprises a list of all allocations, designations and policies contained in Volume 1 of the Plan.

Plan Strategy and Framework

Settlement designation SMT 1 Settlement Hierarchy 16

Policy SMT 2 development on Zoned Land 19

Housing allocation HSg 1 Housing distribution 24

allocation HSg 2 Social Housing allocation 28

Policy HSg 3Protected Housing areas in Town and City Centres

30

economic development

allocation eCd 1 economic development 32

retailing Policy rTC 1 Primary retail Frontages 35

education Policy eCu 1education, Health, Community and Cultural uses

40

Conservation Policy CVn 1Sites of Local nature Conservation importance

52

Policy CVn 2areas of Significant archaeological interest

54

Policy CVn 3 Local Landscape Policy areas 55

Countryside Policy Cou 1 Special Countryside areas 57

design Policy dgn 1Security grilles and Shutters on non-industrial Buildings

59

District Proposals are contained in separate volumes as follows: -

Volume 2 - Banbridge district Proposals

Volume 3 - newry and Mourne district Proposals

cont e nt PAg e

Preamble

Preamble 2

Introduction

Plan area 8

Purpose of the Plan 8

Policy Context 8

Plan aim 11

Plan objectives 11

Plan Strategy 11

Stragetic Plan Framework

Settlement 14

Housing 20

economic development 30

retailing and Town Centres 32

Tourism 35

open Space, Sport and outdoor recreation 38

education, Health, Community and Cultural uses 39

Public Services and utilities 41

agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 43

Minerals 44

Transportation 46

environment and Conservation 50

Countryside and Coast 56

design 57

Appendices

1. Policy Context 62

2. Planning Policy Statements 63

3. development Control advice notes 64

4. acronyms and government departments 65

1

Volume 1 - Pre AM ble

Volume 1 - PreAMble

2

Pre A M b le

The Banbridge / newry and Mourne area Plan 2015 is a development plan prepared under the provisions of Part iii of the Planning (northern ireland) order 1991 by the department of the environment.

This Plan supersedes the previous statutory plans covering the Plan area:

• Banbridge area Plan 1983 - 1998;

• Banbridge district rural area Subject Plan 1986 - 1998;

• newry area Plan 1984 - 1999;

• Mourne area Plan Settlement Proposals 1984 - 1999; and

• newry and Mourne district rural area Subject Plan 1986 - 1999.

notice was given to Banbridge district Council on 21 February 2000 and to newry and Mourne district Council on 29 February 2000 that the department intended to prepare a new development plan to cover the two council areas for the period up to 2015. a notice of intention to prepare the Plan was published in the local and regional press in the week beginning 17 april 2000. Comments were invited from the public and interested parties in respect of the issues to be addressed in the Plan. Consultations were also carried out with Banbridge and newry and Mourne district Councils, community groups, government departments and agencies, statutory undertakers and other appropriate bodies.

The department appointed Community Technical aid (CTa) to undertake an extensive community and public consultation exercise on the issues Paper. The first stage of CTa’s work preceded publication of the issues Paper. That work involved identification of community, voluntary and environmental groups throughout the Plan area likely to have an interest in the preparation of the Plan. Contact was made by CTa with 680 groups who were informed of the process and encouraged to participate. CTa held initial briefings with key umbrella groups in the area which were given the opportunity to express their

views on issues of importance to the Plan. CTa then provided the results of this first stage exercise to the department in a report dated 20 december 2000.

The department published the issues Paper for the Banbridge / newry and Mourne area Plan 2015 in March 2001. a public notice was placed in the regional and local newspapers during the two weeks beginning 19 March 2001. Copies of the issues Paper were made available free of charge from the divisional Planning office, from the offices of the two district Councils and local libraries.

during May and September 2001, CTa facilitated twelve public meetings at various locations across the Plan area to conclude the initial community consultation process. Planning staff were in attendance at each meeting to assist and to answer questions.

CTa provided reports to the department on 29 June 2001 and 5 october 2001 on the implementation of, and their conclusions on, the community consultation exercise which they had facilitated. as a result of this exercise, written submissions from 10 community, voluntary and environmental groups, and responses from over 200 people who had attended the public meetings were received. Their findings are included as part of the Technical Supplement on Public Participation.

as a result of the initial two stages of public consultation, approximately 1,200 representations were received. all of these comments and representations were considered by the department in the preparation of the draft Plan.

The department published the Banbridge / newry and Mourne draft area Plan 2015 in august 2006. Publication was advertised in the local and regional newspapers and the Belfast gazette over 2 weeks. The statutory period for submission of representations, including objections, to the draft Plan Policies and Proposals expired on 17th october 2006.

Volume 1 - PreAMble

3

Following the publication of the draft Plan a number of mapping errors became apparent which the department addressed in the draft Plan revision published in March 2007. This was advertised in the local and regional newspapers and the Belfast gazette for over two weeks with the statutory period for submission of representations ending on 22 May 2007. Subsequently, upon consideration of submissions received, the department requested the Planning appeals Commission, (hereinafter referred to as the Commission), to facilitate an independent examination to consider objections to the draft Plan (and subsequent revision) and provide a report to the department. The examination opened on 17th august 2009 to consider strategic issues and adjourned on 17th September 2009, reconvening for a day on 24th September 2009. it then recommenced on 11th January 2010 to consider site specific issues. The examination was formally closed on 19 March 2010.

The recommendations contained in the Commissioners’ report dated 26th March 2012 have been fully considered by the department and revisions have been made to the written Statements and to the maps as appropriate. Full details of the department’s response to the Commissioners’ recommendations are set out in the Banbridge, newry and Mourne area Plan 2015 adoption Statement.

The department is now publishing the Banbridge newry and Mourne area Plan 2015. The document, comprising a written Statement and accompanying maps, incorporates the amendments outlined in the Plan adoption Statement.

The written Statement is published in 3 Volumes: -

• Volume 1 – Plan Strategy and Framework

• Volume 2 – Banbridge district Proposals

• Volume 3 – newry and Mourne district Proposals

Volume 1 sets out the background to the preparation of the Plan; defines its aim, objectives and Plan Strategy; and, with reference to the regional Policy Context, sets out the Strategic Plan Framework comprising allocations, policies and designations relating to the Plan area as a whole.

Volumes 2 and 3 translate the broad allocations, policies and designations in Volume 1 into site specific zonings, designations and proposals for Banbridge and newry and Mourne Council areas respectively.

To understand the totality of the Plan Proposals for each Council area, it is therefore necessary to refer to the Plan Strategy and Framework (Volume 1) and the relevant district Proposals. in the case of any contradiction between the written Statement and any other document forming part of the Plan, including the maps and supplements, the provisions of the written Statement will prevail.

The accompanying maps comprise:

• overview Map - this map illustrates the Plan area boundary and strategic designations.

• environmental Designations Map - this map illustrates, by use of symbols, the location of environmental designations within the Plan area for information only. all current environmental designations are available on the northern ireland environment agency (niea) website www.ni-environment.gov.uk.

• countryside Maps - these maps illustrate Plan designations, proposals and zonings within each district. other designations and land uses are also shown for information only. any use of a symbol for illustration is cross-referenced to a detailed map within the Countryside and Settlement sections of the written text.

• Settlement Maps - these maps illustrate Plan designations, proposals and zonings within the settlement development limits, and may also include other designations and land uses for information only.

4

The Plan is published in both a traditional and an electronic format. The electronic version available on the department’s website (www.planningni.gov.uk) allows the reader to zoom in on particular designations and boundaries. The department can also provide larger scale maps of particular boundaries and designations upon request.

all maps are reproduced by permission of the ordnance Survey of northern ireland on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery office, Crown Copyright reserved 2013.

in preparing and prior to the Publication of the Plan the department prepared a number of Technical Supplements which provided background and technical information that has informed the Plan proposals. These supplements, listed below do not form part of the statutory Plan:

• Technical Supplements which deal with population and housing, industry, commerce, education, social and community facilities, tourism, open space, sport and outdoor recreation, public utilities, transportation and public participation.

• a Countryside assessment Supplement which includes an appraisal of environmental assets, an assessment of the landscape of the Plan area, an analysis of rural development pressure and an appraisal of each settlement in terms of its character, assets and constraints, conservation issues and settlement limit.

• a Strategic environmental assessment (Sea) comprising an assessment of the probable environmental impacts of the policies and proposals in the Plan.

• a Habitats regulations assessment report containing details of the appropriate assessment carried out in respect of the Plan proposals in line with the requirements of article 6.3 and 6.4 of the Habitats directive.

• equality impact assessment Supplement comprising an assessment of the probable equality impacts of the policies and proposals contained in the Plan.

habitats regulations Assessment regulation 64B of The Conservation (natural Habitats, etc) regulations (northern ireland) 1995 (as amended) states that where a land use plan is likely to have a significant effect on a european site in northern ireland or a european offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), the plan-making authority for that plan shall, before the Plan is given effect, make an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of that site’s conservation objectives. in light of the conclusions of the assessment, and subject to considerations of overriding public interest, the plan-making authority shall give effect to the land use plan only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the european site. Having carried out a Test of Likely Significance (ToLS), an appropriate assessment of the impacts of the Plan has been carried out on nine sites within or in close proximity to the Plan area, namely:

• Carlingford Mountain SaC (roi);

• Carlingford Lough SPa and ramsar site;

• Carlingford Lough SPa (roi);

• Carlingford Shore SaC (roi);

• derryleckagh SaC;

• eastern Mournes SaC;

• Murlough SaC;

• rostrevor wood SaC; and

• Slieve gullion SaC.

a Habitats regulations assessment report is published along with the Plan. This has concluded that the Plan will not adversely affect the integrity of any european or ramsar site.

Volume 1 - PreAMble

5

considerations Arising From the habitats regulations Assessment Processarising from the appropriate assessment a consultation zone has been identified for derryleckagh SaC. Proposed developments within this consultation zone will be scrutinized to ensure, that in line with the Habitats directive, there will be no adverse effects. a map showing the consultation zone is contained in the Habitats regulations assessment report published along with the Plan.

in addition, any industrial development which is likely to adversely affect a european site through aerial deposition will be subject to a Habitats regulation assessment.

where wastewater treatment works capacity is not sufficient to cope with a proposed development, the developer will be required to work with the department and northern ireland water (niw) to ensure that there will be no likely adverse affect on any european or ramsar site, by phasing development to coincide with sufficient wastewater treatment provision, or by providing interim sewerage treatment arrangements.

equality of opportunityThe northern ireland act 1998, Section 75 has placed the following statutory requirement on each public authority:

1. To carry out its functions with due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity:

a) Between persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status or sexual orientation;

b) Between men and women generally;

c) Between persons with a disability and persons without; and

d) Between persons with dependants and persons without.

2. without prejudice to its obligation under subsection 1, a public authority shall, in carrying out its functions relating to northern ireland, have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.

The department has sought to ensure that the Plan does not have the effect of discriminating against individuals or groups of people who fall within these categories. The equality impact assessment of the Plan Proposals has considered any potentially adverse effects on these groups. The assessment is published along with the Plan.

Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion StrategyThe government’s anti-Poverty and Social inclusion Strategy ‘Lifetime opportunities’ was published by the office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in 2006. it outlines a set of long term goals and targets to work towards eliminating poverty and social exclusion in northern ireland by 2020. Public policy in general is expected to take account of anti-poverty / social inclusion considerations, for example through enabling disadvantaged groups and communities to benefit from better access to employment opportunities. one of the main functions of a development plan is to facilitate development and create a land use framework that will allow investment to take place. The Plan seeks to apply the anti-Poverty and Social inclusion Strategy through specific objectives, policies and proposals.

rural ProofingThe Plan has been prepared in line with “a guide to rural Proofing - considering the needs of rural communities” produced by the department of agriculture and rural development (dard). rural proofing ensures that the needs and special considerations of rural communities and areas are routinely and objectively considered as part of the policy development process.

6

review of Public AdministrationThe review of Public administration (rPa) is a far-reaching review of the arrangements for the delivery of public services in northern ireland. it is proposed that there will be a two-tier model within which all public services within northern ireland will operate. The regional tier, which largely comprises central government departments, will concentrate mainly on policy development, strategic planning and setting and monitoring standards. The sub-regional tier, that will have local government at its core, will be the main vehicle for the delivery of local public services.

Key decisions on the future shape of local government announced in March 2008 proposed the rationalisation of the current 26 local government districts to create 11 new local government districts. development Plans and responsibility for development Management, and enforcement will fall under the new local government arrangements.

Volume 1 - PreAMble

7

Volume 1 - IntroDUctIon

Volume 1 - I nt roDUc tIon

8

Pl A n A re A

The Plan relates to the administrative districts of Banbridge and newry and Mourne. This extends to an area of 1,355 square kilometres. The population of the area was 128,450 in the 2001 census.

Banbridge district (453 square kilometres) had a population of 41,392 while newry and Mourne district (902 square kilometres) had a population of 87,058.

PU rPoSe oF t h e Pl A n

The purpose of the Plan is to inform the general public, statutory authorities, developers and other interested bodies of the policy framework and land use proposals that will be used to guide development decisions within the Plan area over the period of the Plan.

PolIc Y cont e X t

The Plan is prepared within the context of the overall priorities of government and takes into account those european, national and regional policies which have implications for the future pattern of development within the Plan area.

european and UK contextThe european union and the united Kingdom have embraced the principle of sustainable development based on stewardship of the environment. This principle has been widened in its scope to include both economic and social considerations. The five principles of the uK government Sustainable development Strategy, Securing the Future (deFra, March 2005) are:

• living within environmental limits;

• ensuring a strong, healthy and just society;

• achieving a sustainable economy;

• using science responsibly; and

• promoting good governance.

regional Development Strategy The regional development Strategy 2025 entitled “Shaping our Future” introduced a framework for the future physical development of the region based on urban hubs and clusters, key and link transport corridors and the main gateways of ports and airports. The aim of the hub, corridor and gateway approach was to give a strategic focus on the future development and achieve balanced growth within the region by developing;

• the transport corridors to the regional gateways, improving connectivity and provide a skeletal framework for future development,

• focusing development on the metropolitan areas of Belfast and Londonderry, and

• providing a vibrant rural northern ireland with balanced development across a polycentric network of hubs and clusters.

This strategy has been reviewed and the regional development Strategy (rdS) 2035 entitled “Building a Better Future” builds on “Shaping our Future” setting a vision of “an outward-looking, dynamic and liveable region with a strong sense of its place in the wider world; a region of opportunity where people enjoy living and working in a healthy environment which enhances the quality of their lives and where diversity is a source of strength rather than division.”

Supporting this vision are eight aims that link to the Programmme for government 2012. These are:

• Support strong, sustainable growth for the benefit of all parts of northern ireland;

• Strengthen Belfast as the regional economic driver and Londonderry as the principal city of the north west;

• Support our towns, villages and rural communities to maximise their potential;

• Promote development which improves the health and well-being of communities;


9

• improve connectivity to enhance the movement of people, goods, energy and information between places;

• Protect and enhance the environment for its own sake;

• Take actions to reduce our carbon footprint and facilitate adaptation to climate change;

• Strengthen links between north and south, east and west, with europe and the rest of the world.

The rdS provides an overarching strategic framework and long-term policy direction to enable strategic choices to be made in relation to development and infrastructure assisting public and private investment decisions. it does not redefine other departments’ strategies but complements them with a spatial perspective, providing a degree of continuity with existing policy, whilst setting new directions and priorities to better achieve sustainable development in the interests of future generations.

The Planning (amendment) (northern ireland) order 2003 requires the Plan to be in general conformity with the rdS.

regional transportation StrategyThe regional Transportation Strategy (rTS) 2002-2012 was published in July 2002 and is a ‘daughter document’ of the rdS. its purpose is to make a significant contribution towards achieving the longer-term vision for transportation contained in the rdS.

The purpose of the rTS is to improve access to regional, national and international markets, thereby contributing to sustainable patterns of development and movement, and promoting integration between different modes of travel.

The rTS identifies strategic transportation investment priorities. it considers potential funding sources and the affordability of planned initiatives over the period to 2012.

The Transport Minister has announced a new approach to the long term development of regional transport in northern ireland, launching the plans in a strategic document ‘ensuring a Sustainable Transport Future - a new approach to regional Transportation’. The publication sets out how the department will develop regional transportation beyond 2015 when the current transport plans reach their conclusion. The new approach will be used to make decisions on transportation investment from 2015. The Transport Plans developed to implement the 2002 rTS will continue until 2015.

Planning Policy StatementsPlanning Policy Statements (PPSs) set out regional planning policies on particular aspects of land use planning and apply to the whole of northern ireland. Their contents have informed the preparation of the Plan and the development of the Plan Proposals. They are material to decisions on individual planning applications (and appeals) within the Plan area. details of PPSs and draft PPSs can be found on the department’s website: www.planningni.gov.uk.

The department has a rolling programme for the preparation of new PPSs and the review of existing PPSs. where new or revised PPSs are published in final form, they will supersede the corresponding policies within the Plan.

PPSs may from time to time be revised to take account of changing circumstances, including experiences gained through the development planning and development management processes. good practice guides may also be issued to illustrate how concepts contained in PPSs can best be implemented.

A Planning Strategy for rural northern Irelanda Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland was published in September 1993. whilst it contains a number of strategic policies, the Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland consists of a compendium of planning policies setting out the factors that the department takes into account when dealing with development proposals. it is applicable to the Plan area.

10

The Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland is gradually being replaced by PPSs but will, where still applicable, remain a material consideration until it is completely superseded.

regional Supplementary Planning guidanceThe department’s publication, “‘Building on Tradition: a Sustainable design guide for the northern ireland Countryside’ provides assistance to all those involved with sustainable development in the northern ireland countryside. The guide promotes quality and sustainable building design in northern ireland’s countryside.

The department’s publication, “Creating Places” (May 2000), provides guidance on the design, character and layout of new housing developments in northern ireland. The guide outlines the contributions which developers will be expected to make to achieving sustainable quality residential developments.

The department also publishes, and updates as necessary, a set of development Control advice notes (dCans). These explain the planning criteria and technical standards that the department considers when dealing with specific categories or particular aspects of development in northern ireland. dCans can be found on the department’s web site: www.planningni.gov.uk

it should be noted that the department is continuously reviewing its regional policies and advice. it is, therefore, advisable to contact the Local area Planning office to ascertain the current relevant policies and supplementary guidance that apply within the Plan area.

Planning in the republic of IrelandThe Plan area borders counties Louth and Monaghan in the republic of ireland. The rdS encourages cross border co-operation, particularly with regards to improving communications, developing economic and enterprise networks and protecting and managing the environment. This is also encouraged in the republic where a planning framework is provided by development plans and guidance at national, regional, county and local level.

The “national Spatial Strategy” provides a 20-year planning framework aimed at achieving a better balance of social, economic and physical development across ireland. it is based on building upon the existing network of gateways and hubs with dundalk being a major gateway and Monaghan a hub. The need to support smaller towns, villages and rural areas at the local level is also recognized.

The national Spatial Strategy is developed further in the “regional Planning guidelines for the Border region 2010 -2022” (Sept 2010). This report presents a vision that, “by 2022, the Border region will be a competitive area recognised as, and prospering from, its unique interface between two economies, where economic success will benefit all, through the implementation of the balanced development model, which will provide an outstanding natural environment, innovative people, which in themselves, will be our most valuable asset”. Key to the achievement of this is a population and settlement strategy based on managing the urban and rural population balance, focusing growth on the gateways and hubs and improving connectivity between them.

The potential of the border area is examined further in “newry dundalk: a new perspective on the development of the region” (January, 2006). it concludes that a strong strategic case can be made for a twin city region around newry and dundalk at the centre of the Belfast / dublin corridor.


11

Pl A n A I M

The aim of the Plan is to provide a planning framework for Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts that is in general conformity with the rdS. This framework will facilitate sustainable growth and a high quality of development in the Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts throughout the Plan period whilst protecting and, where appropriate, enhancing the natural and man-made environment.

Pl A n obJ ec t I V eS

The objectives are as follows:

• to facilitate sustainable patterns of growth and development throughout the Plan area ;

• to promote Banbridge and newry as main hubs within northern ireland and to enhance the inter-regional gateway role of newry;

• to promote warrenpoint as a local hub and allow for the expansion of dromore to accommodate housing need related to the Belfast Metropolitan area;

• to allocate land for additional housing development over the Plan period in accordance with the strategic objectives and guidelines contained in the rdS;

• to provide for the needs of each settlement in a sustainable manner, promoting compact urban forms and protecting and maintaining distinctive local character and viability;

• to facilitate appropriate development within existing urban areas that will promote urban renaissance, create ease of access to services and community facilities, and to maximise the use of existing infrastructure;

• to facilitate economic development and the creation of employment, taking into account the government initiative of the anti-Poverty and Social inclusion Strategy;

• to facilitate integration between land use and transportation in order to reduce congestion and the need for car journeys and to encourage a shift to more sustainable modes of transport, particularly walking, cycling and public transport;

• to promote town centre vitality and viability;

• to conserve, sustain and enhance the area’s environmental qualities, local distinctiveness and sites of environmental importance in terms of landscape character and diversity, wildlife and habitats, townscape and archaeology; and

• to facilitate the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.

Pl A n St r At egY

The Plan Strategy centres on the need to be in general conformity with the rdS and, in particular, the Spatial development Strategy. a major thrust of this strategy is to promote more sustainable patterns of development based on: -

• a polycentric network of growth poles integrated with the transport corridors and incorporating enhanced public transport;

• compact urban forms;

• more housing within existing urban areas; and

• the sensible and sensitive use of the built heritage and the rural environment.

12

The Plan Strategy is to: -

• Sustain a living and working countryside whilst supporting the growth and regeneration of towns and villages and protecting from inappropriate development those areas that are vulnerable to development pressure or that are visually or environmentally sensitive, through rural Policy area designations;

• identify, define and designate, as appropriate, areas of conservation, archaeological, scientific, landscape or amenity importance or interest, within both the natural and built heritage of the Plan area;

• Provide a settlement hierarchy, designate settlement development limits, zone land and designate policy areas that will:

• facilitate allocation of housing growth potential in accordance with the rdS, through a sequential approach, in support of urban renaissance and conservation of town settings and greenfield lands, by maximising the proportion of that growth within existing urban areas;

• facilitate a level of housing development in each designated settlement that is in accordance with the approach set out in the rdS regarding assessment of individual settlement capacity and any identified special housing needs; and

• facilitate a level of growth in newry City and the eight towns in the Plan area at a level which is commensurate with their role and status and with reference to the rdS.

• establish key site requirements, as appropriate, against which particular site development proposals will be assessed, in order to help achieve good quality development, to respect environmental assets and to facilitate the development of balanced communities in accordance with the strategic requirements of the rdS;

• designate additional industrial land to make provision for an adequate supply and choice of sites for employment uses that takes account of accessibility to major transport routes and the provisions of the rdS, including the proximity to the district population, particularly in areas of economic and social deprivation;

• identify, define, designate and safeguard, as appropriate, specific areas where the retention of, or provision of, additional retail, services, recreational and other community facilities will positively contribute to the amenity and well being of the population, subject to prevailing regional planning policy;

• define, as appropriate, transportation related proposals, in accordance with the rTS, that are intended to facilitate the improved flow of vehicular traffic, whilst promoting a reduction in car travel and the use of alternative modes of travel; and

• Promote the development of sustainable tourism.

The Plan will implement this Strategy through the Plan Proposals that are in accordance with, and also complement, the department’s regional planning policies.


13

Volume 1 - StrAtegIc PlAn FrAMeWorK

Volume 1 - St r At egIc Pl An Fr AM e WorK

14


St r At eg Ic Pl A n Fr A M e WorK

Se t t le M e nt

The population of Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts in 2001 census was 41,392 and 87,058 respectively. Based on census information, approximately 61% of the household population of Banbridge district was living within the existing limit of development of its four towns and four villages, with the remaining 39% living in the small settlements and open countryside. within newry and Mourne district, approximately 60% of the household population was living within the existing limit of development of newry City, its four towns and fifteen villages, with the remaining 40% living in the small settlements and open countryside. Further details relating to the population of the settlements within the Plan area are contained in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

within their respective districts, both Banbridge Town and newry City function as the major centres for housing, employment, retail and professional services, education and health care, and for cultural activities, including sport and leisure. a total of 14,744 persons representing 36% of the Banbridge district population, were living within the existing limit of development of Banbridge Town. within newry and Mourne district, 27,433 persons representing 31% of the population were living within the existing limit of development of the newry urban area which includes the village of Bessbrook.

There are seven other towns within the Plan area: - dromore, gilford, and rathfriland within Banbridge district, and Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, newtownhamilton and warrenpoint in newry and Mourne district. These towns vary in size, form and function but they all serve as local service centres for their resident population and rural hinterland.

The villages perform a lesser, but locally significant role, in providing housing, employment and services for their residents and the wider rural community.

Small settlements, at the lower end of the settlement hierarchy, provide a community focus for their immediate rural area but are limited in their infrastructure, services and employment provision and offer only very limited growth potential.

regional Policy contextThe rdS 2035 spatial framework, in providing for the future physical development of the region, identifies a hierarchy of settlements based on main hubs, local hubs and a strong rural community living either in small towns, villages, small settlements or in the open countryside.

newry is recognised both as a hub and as the South eastern City gateway due to its proximity to the land border and the major port of warrenpoint, which in itself is identified as a local hub. The rdS 2035 also recognises that newry and warrenpoint has the potential to cluster with dundalk, both being strategically located on the Belfast-dublin corridor which has the potential to become a significant axis of development within the wider european context. This has provided the impetus for joint working to develop their roles as regional gateways and to develop the wider eastern seaboard corridor.

15

Banbridge is also recognised as a main hub benefiting from a good quality natural and built environment and its strategic location on the Belfast dublin Corridor and it is envisaged that it will continue to have a key role as an important retail and commercial centre. The rdS 2035 also recognises that Banbridge has the potential to cluster with Craigavon and armagh to capitalise on their strategic position on both the Belfast/dublin and Belfast/enniskillen/Sligo economic corridors.

Strategic Framework guidance in the rdS 2035 promotes economic development opportunities and population growth in the hubs and clusters whilst consolidating their roles and functions within their settlement clusters. For the rural area outside of the main and local hubs the strategic framework guidance is to sustain the rural communities living in smaller settlements (small towns and villages) and the open countryside and to improve accessibility for rural communities. The rdS recognises that a strong network of smaller towns supported by villages helps to sustain and service the rural community. a sustainable approach to further development is important to ensure that growth does not exceed the capacity or the essential infrastructure expected for modern living.

Settlement hierarchy The Plan has adopted the settlement hierarchy set out in the rdS 2035 by identifying the main hubs of Banbridge and newry as a main town and city, supported by a network of local towns, villages and smaller settlements. in defining where each settlement sits in the hierarchy account has been taken of a wide range of factors, including the rdS spatial framework, the population of individual settlements and an assessment of the role or function of settlements, including retail base, employment opportunities and community services (e.g. social, religious, educational, recreational) and existing physical infrastructure (e.g. sewerage services, water supply, drainage) including spare capacity and public transport provision.

16


Designation SMt 1Settlement hierarchy

Settlements are designated in accordance with a hierarchy which consists of:

Settlement hierarchy banbridge District newry and Mourne District

city / Main town banbridge newry

towns dromore Crossmaglen

gilford Kilkeel

rathfriland newtownhamilton

warrenpoint/Burren

Villages Kinallen annalong

Lawrencetown attical

Loughbrickland Ballyholland

Scarva Ballymartin

dromara 1 Bessbrook

Poyntzpass 1 Camlough

Cullyhanna

Forkhill

Hilltown

Jonesborough

Mayobridge

Meigh

Mullaghbane

rostrevor

Small Settlements annaclone altnamacken / Cortamlet

ardtanagh Ballymadeerfy

ashfield / gowdystown Ballymoyer

Ballela Barnmeen

Ballyroney Belleek

Ballyward Creggan

1Poyntzpass falls mainly within the armagh district while dromara falls mainly within the Banbridge district

17

Settlement StrategyThe hierarchy is a fundamental part of the Plan’s overall settlement strategy for accommodating growth which for each type of settlement may be described as follows:-

city/Main town - The hubs of Banbridge and newry act as the main service centres for their respective districts with newry also acting as an inter-regional gateway. it is therefore intended to focus major population and economic growth on Banbridge and newry, thus maximising benefits

from efficient use of existing facilities, infrastructure and their strategic location on the transport corridors. it is anticipated that the attraction of the city and town centres will be reinforced by retail, office and mixed use development. They will accommodate economic development through expansion and creation of industrial estates and modern enterprise and business centres. They will accommodate new residential development both within the existing urban fabric and through the expansion and creation of new neighbourhoods.

Settlement hierarchy banbridge District newry and Mourne District

Closkelt Cullaville

Corbet dorsey

dechomet drumintee

Finnis dunnaval / Ballyardle

glasker glassdrumman (Co. armagh)

glen glassdrumman / Mullartown

Katesbridge glen

Kilkinamurray greencastle

Leitrim Jerrettspass

Lenaderg Killeen

Moneyslane Killowen

Tullylish Lislea

waringsford Longstone

Lurganare

Mullaghglass

newtowncloghoge

Sheeptown

Silverbridge

Tullyherron

whitecross

18

local towns - warrenpoint/Burren is part of the newry cluster and acts as a local hub and gateway, accommodating residential and economic expansion, particularly in relation to commercial activities associated with the port. The other towns are important local service centres providing a range of goods, services, leisure and cultural facilities to meet the needs of their rural hinterland. growth has been balanced across these towns to sustain, consolidate and revitalise them, focusing new retail and services within their town centres and providing opportunity for privately led economic investment in business and industry. at least 10 hectares of economic development land is to be provided in all towns with a population of more than 4500.These towns also can accommodate residential development in the form of housing estates, smaller groups or individual houses.

Villages - These important local service centres, provide goods, services and facilities to meet the daily needs of the rural area. They are good locations for rural businesses and can accommodate residential development in the form of small housing estates, housing groups and individual dwellings.

Small settlements -These act as a focal point for the rural community and take the form of a rural cluster or cross roads development where consolidation of the built form can provide opportunity for individual dwellings and/or small groups of houses and small rural businesses. expansion of these settlements is limited in line with overall sustainability objectives of the Plan.

Central to the implementation of the Plan’s growth strategy is the designation of settlement limits and land use zonings.

Settlement Development limitsa settlement development limit is defined for each city, town, village and small settlement in the Plan area. They are designated in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. Settlement development limits are defined following a detailed assessment of each settlement in accordance with regional policy as part of the

Countryside assessment. This has involved a detailed analysis of each settlement, including specific roles and functions, environmental issues, availability of services, community facilities, infrastructure and spare capacity, and current development pressures. detailed consultation has been carried out with other statutory bodies. Further details are contained in the Countryside assessment Technical Supplement.

development proposals within settlement development limits will be considered in the context of all prevailing regional planning policy and with any relevant Plan Policies and Proposals.

Zoned landin accordance with PPS 1 - general Principles, zoned land, along with the key site requirements which developers will be expected to meet, are set out and shown in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. The zoning of land provides a basis for rational and consistent decisions on planning applications and provides a measure of certainty about which types of development will and will not be permitted.development opportunity Sites are zoned where lands in city and town centres are under-utilised or vacant and where development, which might provide a mix of new uses, could promote the vitality and viability of the town centre, or could enhance the townscape, for example, by closing frontage gaps or by replacing unattractive features. Such development within a town centre could enhance shopping frontages, encourage pedestrian movement and so assist commercial growth. Housing including social housing can also be an appropriate use on development opportunity Sites with the added benefit of improving the security of a town centre by increasing the resident town centre population.

outside of town centres Mixed use Sites are zoned where it is desirable to permit a degree of flexibility in the final use of the site, allowing for a range of uses. Such sites are identified at a particularly accessible location in a town or to provide for social and/or community facilities in villages.


19

it is not the department’s practice to zone land within small settlements. Zoning creates a degree of inflexibility that can restrict the orderly development of smaller settlements. However, exceptionally sites have been identified where they are required for planned community facilities or to meet identified social housing need.

Policy SMt 2Development on Zoned land

Planning permission on zoned sites will be granted for the specified uses as well as any range of uses included within the Key Site requirements and any specified complementary uses.

development proposals on zoned land will be considered in the context of all prevailing regional planning policy and with any relevant Plan Policies and Proposals, including, where specified, key site requirements. in general this means that where land is proposed for a specific use, then any proposals should be primarily composed of that use but may be accompanied by a complementary use. For example, housing developments may be accompanied by education, health, community and cultural uses (Policy eCu 1), open space/recreation use, and in some cases, a local convenience shop. Key site requirements have been used where appropriate to specify such uses and identify unacceptable land uses.

Key Site requirementsKey site requirements may include access / infrastructure requirements, public open space provision, landscaping, provision for walking and/or cycling and other site specific requirements. in the case of larger sites, the submission to the department of a Concept Master Plan may be a key site requirement in the interests of comprehensive and quality development.

Infrastructurenew development often requires the alteration of existing infrastructure and/or the provision of new infrastructure. Such works may include improvements to water and sewerage, land drainage or transport networks. under current government policy developers may be required to provide or contribute to the capital cost of works required to facilitate their development proposals. This policy applies to both public and private developments.

under the reform of water and Sewerage Services for northern ireland the provision of infrastructure charges is being reviewed, including the policy for developer’s contribution to infrastructure improvement requirements associated with their development proposals. The department has agreed to continue to work with northern ireland water in order that all development proposals will be scrutinised in accordance with the provisions laid out in Planning Policy Statement 2 - Planning and nature Conservation to ensure that they would not have an adverse impact on the conservation objectives of international conservation designations. There may be the option, in certain cases, for developers, in consultation with northern ireland water and the northern ireland environment agency, to provide private wastewater treatment facilities. developers may also wish to discuss with northern ireland water the possibility of improvements to waste water Treatment works and/or sewerage systems being taken forward as a result of the developer contributing to the cost of such improvements and within a programmed timescale agreed by northern ireland water. in other cases it may be necessary for the department to refuse planning permission in advance of the provision of the necessary infrastructure.

20

in regard to transport infrastructure developers will be required, taking account of the nature and scale of the development proposed, to provide footpath and possibly cycle links to meet existing pedestrian and cycle infrastructure. as a minimum, all developers will be required to provide footpath links across the development frontage.

developers should note that while the key site requirements for the development of zoned sites are set out in the Plan, the need for certain supplementary infrastructural works and/or mitigation measures necessary to facilitate the specific scale and form of development proposed may only be identified at planning application stage. an example may be as a result of an environmental impact assessment (eia) or a Transport assessment (Ta).

where appropriate, planning agreements under article 40 of the Planning (northern ireland) order 1991 may be used to enable developers to proceed. developers are urged to liaise early in the preparation of their proposals with the relevant department, agency or service provider.

Some development sites will require existing infrastructure, such as major water mains and sewers, and designated watercourses, to be safeguarded. This may include ensuring that such infrastructure is not built over and that necessary way leave strips are retained to facilitate maintenance. it is the responsibility of the developer to liaise with the relevant agencies in this regard.

h oUSI ng

Housing continues to represent the greatest pressure on the land resource throughout northern ireland and in the Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts.

it is likely to continue to be the most widespread urban land-use change for many years to come. need for additional housing land is created by the formation of new households through natural

increase in the population, net inward migration and the trend to smaller household sizes. That need includes variety in dwelling size, type and tenure to meet the particular requirements of groups such as the elderly, people with limited incomes and people with disabilities.

regional Policy contextThe rdS 2035 sets policy directions for the provision of housing that aim to deliver development in a more sustainable manner, this means growing population and providing additional housing in the Hubs (SFg12) and sustaining rural communities living in smaller settlements (i.e. smaller towns and villages) and the open countryside (SPg13). it also provides regional guidance for housing development recognising the need to:

• strengthen community cohesion through fostering a stronger community spirit and sense of place and encouraging mixed housing development (rg6);

• support urban renaissance by encouraging and bringing forward under-utilised land and buildings, particularly for mixed used development and promoting regeneration in areas of social need (rg-7);

• Managing housing growth to achieve sustainable patterns of residential development by promoting more sustainable development within existing urban areas and ensuring a an adequate and available supply of quality housing to meet the needs of everyone (rg 8).

The rdS sets a regional target of 60% of new housing to be located in appropriate “brownfield” sites within the urban footprints of settlements greater than 5000 population (rg8). This implies a sequential approach to the allocation of land for housing in cities and towns, focusing firstly on the re-use of previously developed land and buildings informed by capacity studies, and consideration of previously undeveloped land within the existing urban area, before deciding the location and scale of settlement extensions.


21

The rdS 2025 identified a regional housing need for the period 31 december 1998 to 31 december 2015 and allocated this growth to the Belfast Metropolitan area districts and to each of the 20 non metropolitan district council areas by means of Housing growth indicators (Hgis). The rdS review of Housing Figures and the response by drd to the report of the independent Panel following the Public examination uplifted the forecast regional housing need from 160,000 to 208,000, allocating 6,000 and 12,250 housing units as an adjusted Hgi to Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts respectively. The Plan was formulated based on these uplifted figures. These are slightly more generous that the new Hgis in the rdS 2035. The rdS 2035 Housing growth indicators suggest that between 2008 and 2025, 5500 dwellings should be accommodated in Banbridge district and 11200 in newry and Mourne district.

The rdS 2025 and 2035 set down an evaluation framework which is intended as an aid for the Plan in the allocation of housing growth to the various settlements within each district in the Plan area. The framework consists of a series of tests and an assessment against each of these is made in respect of each city, town and village.

details of the housing allocation process, urban capacity studies and urban footprints are contained in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

in addition to the rdS, prevailing regional policy for housing development is currently contained in a number of relevant PPSs and in the Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland.

PPS 12 - Housing in Settlements applies to all residential development proposals within cities, towns, villages and small settlements in northern ireland. The main purpose of this PPS is to define the processes and policies in relation to housing in settlements that will meet the key objectives of the rdS. This includes managing housing growth and distribution, supporting urban renaissance and achieving balanced communities.

PPS 7 - Quality residential environments applies to all new residential development proposals with the exception of single dwellings in the countryside. it sets out the department’s regional planning policies for achieving quality in the design and layout of new residential developments. it embodies the government’s commitment to sustainable development and the Quality initiative.

PPS 21 - Sustainable development in the Countryside sets out regional planning policies for development in the countryside and embodies the government’s commitment to sustainable development.

Supplementary planning guidance for residential development is contained in ’Creating Places - achieving Quality in residential development’ (May, 2000). it is the principle guide for use by prospective developers in the design of all new housing areas.

in addition, dCan 8: Housing in existing urban areas, will be material to the determination of planning applications for small unit housing within existing urban areas.

housing growth StrategyTaking into account the rdS Broad evaluation framework and the Plan’s overall growth strategy, housing has been allocated to focus residential growth on the hubs and sustain, consolidate and regenerate the smaller towns and villages (Table 1).

22

table 1 allocation of the Hgis across the Settlement Hierarchy

council Area Settlement Dwellings

Banbridge district hub

Banbridge 2400

local towns 1650

dromore 1060

gilford 260

rathfriland 330

Villages 480

Kinallen 125

Lawrencetown 140

Loughbrickland 160

Scarva 55

Small Settlements 420

open countryside 1050

banbridge District total 6000

newry and Mourne district hub

newry City 4655

local towns 2530

Crossmaglen 1000

Kilkeel 105

newtownhamilton 1015

warrenpoint/Burren 1215

Villages 2250

annalong 340

attical 60

Ballyholland 90

Ballymartin 100

Bessbrook 160


23

council Area Settlement Dwellings

Camlough 250

Cullyhanna 60

Forkhill 70

Hilltown 290

Jonesborough 80

Mayobridge 210

Meigh 110

Mullaghbane 80

rostrevor 350

Small Settlements 820

open countryside 1995

newry and Mourne District total 12250

Distribution of housing landHousing land is zoned in each of the settlements in line with the housing growth strategy taking into account houses already completed (1998-2003), extant planning approvals, potential windfall, land availability within the urban footprint and appropriate density levels.

24

Allocation hSg 1housing Distribution

A total of approximately 448 hectares of land are allocated to be zoned for housing in the designated settlements as detailed below:

council Area Settlement Area (hectares)

Banbridge district Banbridge 70.17

dromore 28.60

gilford 17.80

rathfriland 9.23

Kinallen 8.25

Lawrencetown 6.24

Loughbrickland 4.65

Scarva 7.73

annaclone 0.45

banbridge District total 153.12

newry and Mourne district newry City 131.16

Crossmaglen 15.42

Kilkeel 35.15

newtownhamilton 2.73

warrenpoint /Burren 42.24

annalong 9.28

attical 2.56

Ballyholland 2.48

Ballymartin 4.42

Bessbrook 8.66

Camlough 5.03


25

council Area Settlement Area (hectares)

Cullyhanna 1.78

Forkhill 1.68

Hilltown 11.39

Jonesborough 2.86

Mayobridge 2.59

Meigh 2.55

Mullaghbane 3.49

rostrevor 4.67

glassdrumman / Mullartown 1.24

Longstone 0.65

newtowncloghoge 2.25

Silverbridge 0.40

whitecross 0.23

newry and Mourne District total 294.91

26


Sites in the city, towns and villages with a capacity of less than 10 dwelling units, and land within the small settlements, are not normally specifically zoned for housing. However, an exception is made where a social housing need has been identified. an unallocated residual allowance is also made for dwellings in the open countryside. Full details of the housing allocation process are set out in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

in view of the amount of committed land, the level of allocation to the towns and the need to ensure choice and an equitable distribution of housing land, it is considered inappropriate to phase zoned housing land.

houses built from 31 December 1998 to 1 August 2003Housing units constructed throughout the Plan area between 31 december 1998 and the Plan base date of 1 august 2003, are included in the overall figures for housing yield since this period falls within the full operational period of the provisions of the rdS. The Population and Housing Technical Supplement provides details of the units constructed within the designated settlements during this period.

land with extant planning approval for housingThere is a significant amount of undeveloped land with extant planning approval for housing in the designated settlements which is considered as committed land. Land with extant planning approval contributes to the potential supply of housing land. Formal zonings in the city, towns and villages include sites where there is:

• an approved yield of 10 or more dwellings; or

• an unspecified yield, but with potential for 10 or more dwellings.

The Population and Housing Technical Supplement provides details of all land with extant planning approval within the designated settlements.

Windfall Sites windfall development is potential future housing development on land not designated for housing. it can arise, for example, as a result of plot subdivision or property conversion and can contribute to the housing land supply over the Plan period. accordingly, past trends and broad-based survey techniques have been used to estimate the potential level of windfall development that might occur during the Plan period; this has been taken into account in the housing allocation process. The Population and Housing Technical Supplement provides an estimate of windfall for each of the designated settlements.

land within Urban Footprints The rdS aims to provide an increased share of future residential development within the existing urban footprint, to reduce greenfield housing extensions and to encourage compact urban forms, in order to promote sustainable forms of development. The rdS states that targets for individual cities and towns will be set through the development plan process.

These targets were set for the city and each town in the Plan area using a sequential approach informed by urban capacity studies and taking account of local circumstances. The estimated proportions of housing development likely to occur within the urban footprints of the city and towns in the Plan area are detailed in Table 2.

27

table 2 estimated Proportion of Housing development within the urban Footprint

banbridge District newry and Mourne District

Settlement Inside footprint Settlement Inside footprint

Banbridge Town 51% newry City 64%

dromore 74% Crossmaglen 23%

gilford 32% Kilkeel 44%

rathfriland 30% newtownhamilton 51%

warrenpoint 64%

The Population and Housing Technical Supplement provides details of estimated yields for sites within the city, towns and villages. The higher anticipated yields in terms of units constructed on some sites within the urban footprint reflects the higher densities expected on these compared to greenfield sites. Site DensitiesSite densities are specified in the key site requirements in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan in line with prevailing regional policy and in response to specific site circumstances. a minimum site density is specified in the key site requirements for urban capacity sites and greenfield sites within the city, towns and villages. This is to ensure the optimum use of land and to accommodate the housing allocation identified for each settlement in the Plan.

a maximum site density is also stipulated for greenfield sites within the city and towns and on greenfield sites beyond village cores. This is to ensure that greenfield sites are not developed to excess at the expense of urban capacity lands or lands within the core areas of villages. it will also minimise the potential for significant divergence between the Plan housing allocation framework and the rdS strategic objectives.

development will be acceptable within the specified density range. a maximum density is not set for urban capacity sites or sites within the core areas of villages. The implications of densities and yields will be considered at the time of the mid term Plan review.

housing needs Assessmentin accordance with PPS 12 - Housing in Settlements, the department has taken into account the Housing needs assessment (Hna) as prepared by the northern ireland Housing executive in relation to identified areas of the housing market within the Banbridge and newry and Mourne district Council areas for the plan period. These include social housing, affordable housing, supported housing, travellers’ accommodation, regeneration and second homes.

28

Allocation hSg 2Social housing Allocation

land has been allocated for social housing on housing and Mixed Use Zonings and Development opportunity Sites through the imposition of Key Site requirements as detailed below:

council Area locationno of Units

Banbridge district

Banbridge Town 41

dromore 20

rathfriland 21

banbridge District total 82

newry and Mourne district

newry City 447

Kilkeel 62

newtownhamilton 9

warrenpoint/Burren 123

annalong 8

Ballyholland 6

Camlough 39

Forkhill 10

Hilltown 15

Meigh 15

Mullaghbane 8

rostrevor 36

glassdrumman / Mullartown

6

newtowncloghogue 15

newry and Mourne District total 799


Social housingThe Plan makes provision to meet social housing needs as identified by the northern ireland Housing executive through designating development limits, zoning development land and imposing key site requirements for the delivery of a minimum number of social housing units.

The specific sites identified to meet social housing need have been agreed with niHe. Some of the sites may be in niHe ownership and some may already be committed for social housing. The methodology used to select the sites is set out in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

The department recognises that social housing needs change over time depending on both housing supply and the numbers of people in housing stress. where an identified need has not been accommodated through key site requirements on zoned housing land, it is envisaged that it will be met through the development management process. equally, where an application is submitted affecting land subject to a key site requirement it is current practice for the department to liaise with niHe to establish that social housing on that site is still needed.

29

Affordable housing PPS 12 - Housing in Settlements states that the availability of affordable housing is one part of the drive to create mixed and inclusive communities. The planning system has a role to play in creating communities with a wider range of housing in terms of tenure, size, type and affordability. Prevailing regional planning policies aimed at focusing development at higher densities in urban areas, promoting mixed housing developments to accommodate balanced communities and promoting improved infrastructure and communications, should be sufficient to make a positive contribution on affordability.

Supported housingThe term supported housing relates to accommodation with complementary housing support to cater for people with a range of specific needs. The particular locational requirements for supported housing are dependent upon the occupier type. Sites where supported housing schemes have already been programmed by niHe, have been zoned in Banbridge and Bessbrook as detailed in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. Supported housing schemes may be acceptable on land zoned for housing, mixed use or as a development opportunity site.

regenerationniHe plays a key role in identifying regeneration needs within the housing market. it has the power to introduce a series of measures to address a range of issues from unfit housing to neighbourhood renewal. Consideration will also be given to regeneration initiatives from other providers, such as the neighbourhood renewal strategy managed by the department for Social development (dSd). Such initiatives can impact and influence the wider affordable and social housing market.

There are no particular problems with hard to let estates or void dwellings in Banbridge district. Consequently, niHe has no major plans in relation to changes in land use. niHe will continue to work closely with Banbridge district Council through a

multi agency forum to explore the deliverability of regeneration initiatives identified through action plans for dromore, gilford and rathfriland town centres.

in newry and Mourne district, a number of areas in newry City identified as suffering from the most severe multiple deprivation have been chosen for priority treatment under the dSd “People and Place Strategy”. These include large parts of the central and western area of the City such as derrybeg, Carnagat, daisy Hill and Mourneview Park estates which have been identified for funding under this strategy.

travellerswithin the context of meeting local housing need and ensuring balanced communities, it is important to deal with the needs of the Travelling Community.

The Hna for the Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts has identified a need to provide a group housing scheme with additional facilities and amenities, specifically designed to accommodate the extended families of Travellers on a permanent basis. a site for this group housing scheme has been provided in Bessbrook as detailed in Volume 3 of the Plan.

The Hna has also identified a need for one transit site in Banbridge where Travellers may park caravans on a temporary basis and where electricity, water and sewerage are provided. no site has been identified to meet this need. The department will work with niHe and Banbridge district Council to explore how this can best be accommodated.

Second homes Pressure from second home development was raised as an issue as part of the public participation process leading to the formulation of the Plan Proposals. The total number of second homes in the Plan area as declared in the 2001 census is 45 in Banbridge district and 266 in newry and Mourne.

30

although the six Mourne coastal wards account for 187 of these second dwellings, this is relatively small compared to other council areas in northern ireland. However, the report of the Panel on the review of Hgis acknowledged the pressure for second homes in the newry and Mourne district. The Panel suggested a redistribution and indicated that an adjustment be made to the Hgi for the BMa to allocate part of its share of second homes to newry and Mourne district. The revised Hgis have taken account of this.

housing Areas in city and town centres it is important to protect housing within town centres as this can add to the vitality and provide an added degree of security. new town centre housing can be accommodated on appropriate development opportunity Sites and it is also promoted through the Living over the Shop (LoTS) initiative. Policy has been introduced to protect existing housing areas.

Policy hSg 3Protected housing Areas in city and town centres

within designated Protected Housing areas in City and Town Centres, planning permission will not be granted for any development that results in a change of use from housing.

The department will resist the spread of commercial uses into areas which have a useful longer term residential life. They provide a valuable housing stock and are homes for established communities which contribute to the variety and vitality of life in the city / town centre.

Protected Housing areas are designated in dromore, rathfriland and newry City as identified in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

econoM Ic De V e loPM e nt

economic development and employment in the Plan area is concentrated within the main hubs of Banbridge and newry. However, the towns of dromore, Kilkeel and warrenpoint/Burren also have a significant economic development / employment base. The unemployment claimant count rate in January 2013, based on the working age population, was 4.2% for Banbridge district and 5.9% for newry and Mourne. The equivalent rate for the whole of northern ireland in January 2013 was 5.7%.

The 2011 Census of employment figures for the Plan area, (excluding agriculture), indicates that out of nearly 42,000, employee jobs (full-time and part-time) approximately 13% were provided in manufacturing, 6.6% in construction, and 80% in services.

regional Policy contextThe rdS 2035 provides a framework for strong sustainable economic growth across the region and recognises that a growing regional economy needs a co-ordinated approach to the provision of services, jobs and infrastructure. it provides regional guidance to ensure an adequate supply of land to facilitate sustainable economic growth (rg1). This means protecting zoned land and promoting economic development opportunities in the Hubs (SFg11).

PPS 4 – Planning and economic development (november 2010) sets out current regional planning policy for economic development uses comprising Business (Class 1), Light industrial (Class B2), general industrial (Class B3) and Storage or distribution (Class B4) as currently defined in Part B ‘industrial and Business uses’ of the Planning (use Classes) order (northern ireland) 2004.


31

directive 96/82/eC, known as the Seveso ii directive, was implemented in northern ireland by the Control of Major accident Hazards regulations (ni) 2000 and the Planning (Control of Major accidents Hazards) regulations (ni) 2000. These are specifically concerned with the implementation of article 12 of the directive. This article requires that the objectives of preventing major accidents and limiting their consequences are taken into account in land-use planning policies and that these objectives are pursued through controls. There is also a requirement to set up appropriate consultation procedures to facilitate implementation of these regulations. Further information is contained within the industry Technical Supplement.

The Plan does not identify new development sites for the use or storage of hazardous substances. The determination of planning permission for such proposals may entail the submission of an environmental Statement, which may be accompanied by an application for consent to store hazardous materials on a site. granting consent to store hazardous substances would establish a ‘consultation distance’ within which the department is required to consult with Health and Safety executive (northern ireland) and niea on proposals for new development.

details of such guidance and procedures for controlling development in relation to hazardous substances are contained in dCan 12: Planning Controls for Hazardous Substances available from the department’s Planning ni website www.planningni.gov.uk or from the Local area Planning office.

economic development particularly in the form of industrial uses can result in discharges and emissions which can impact on our environment, particularly sensitive habitats such as SaCs, SPas and ramsars. under the Habitats directive (92/43/eeC) and the

Conservation (natural Habitats, etc) regulations (northern ireland) 1995 (as amended), a Habitats regulations assessment is required for any industrial development likely to have a significant effect on a european site. This includes aerial emissions.

existing economic Development landMajor areas of existing economic development within the main settlements are identified for information only in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

within these existing economic development areas, planning applications will be determined in accordance with the provisions of the prevailing regional planning policy. Smaller areas of existing economic development, not identified, are also covered by prevailing regional planning policy.

land for economic DevelopmentLand has been zoned for economic development in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan, as detailed under allocation eCd 1. Class B2: Light industrial and Class B4: Storage and distribution uses will normally be acceptable on land zoned for economic development. Class B3: general industrial uses will only be acceptable where the carrying out of any proposed industrial process is compatible with adjacent uses.

Class B1: Business uses should normally locate within designated city or town centres. The development opportunity Sites zoned in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan could accommodate such development. use for research and development, or as a call centre, may be acceptable at other locations within settlements including some of the land zoned for economic development.

economic development uses may also be acceptable on some of the land zoned for mixed use development in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

32

Allocation ecD 1 economic Development

A total of 220.85 hectares of land are zoned for economic development in the city, towns and villages as detailed below:

council Area SettlementArea (hectares)

Banbridge district

Banbridge 32.33

dromore 16.32

rathfriland 1.54

banbridge District total 50.19

newry and Mourne district

newry City 124.05

Crossmaglen * 3.40

Kilkeel 24.57

newtownhamilton 0.46

warrenpoint/Burren

16.94

Jonesborough 1.24

newry and Mourne District total

170.66

* a key site requirement stipulates that part of a mixed use site in Crossmaglen shall be developed for economic development uses; the site area is included in the above allocation.

no specific sites are zoned for economic development in the villages and small settlements within the Plan area except for an extension to the existing industrial estate in Jonesborough. demand for such use in the smaller settlements is likely to be limited. applications for such uses will be assessed on their merits within the context of prevailing regional planning policy.

where environmental concerns could potentially arise as a result of inappropriate employment use on a site, the range of suitable activities has been restricted through the use of key site requirements. However, the department is mindful of the need to provide flexibility in employment provision to accommodate changes in the economy over the Plan period. Therefore, most sites will be suitable for a range of employment purposes, including manufacturing, storage and distribution, but excluding office and retail development.

details of economic development land supply are contained in the industry Technical Supplement.

re tA I lI ng A n D toW n ce nt reS

Banbridge is the primary commercial centre within Banbridge district and its town centre is well served by shops, banks, offices and retail services. retail provision in the town will be increased by the outlet centre and retail park which is under construction at Bridgewater Park adjacent to the a1.

newry is the main administrative and service centre for newry and Mourne district. its city centre commercial provision is reinforced by The Quays and Buttercrane shopping centres, while the edge-of-town damolly retail Park is an outlet for bulkier goods.

dromore and rathfriland in Banbridge district and Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, newtownhamilton and warrenpoint in newry and Mourne district are important commercial focal points and service centres for their rural hinterlands.

The other towns, villages and smaller settlements throughout the Plan area, provide a range and variety of local and specialist retail and service facilities for their immediate areas.


33

regional Policy contextThe rdS 2035 supports both urban and rural renaissance (rg7) and recognises that regeneration is necessary to create more accessible, vibrant city and town centres which offer people a choice for shopping, social activity and recreation. urban renaissance is described as the process of development and redevelopment in urban areas to attract investment and activity, foster revitalisation and improve the mix of uses. it advises that innovative ways should be developed to bring forward under-utilised land and buildings particularly for mixed use development with a focus on integrating new schemes within the existing townscape. The rdS 2035 recognises the importance of newry as a cross border centre and regional gateway recognising its ability to cluster with dundalk. The rdS recognises the strategic location of Banbridge on the Belfast dublin Corridor which means it will continue to have a key role as an important retail and commercial centre within the Craigavon, Banbridge and armagh cluster.

PPS 5 - retailing and Town Centres sets an objective of sustaining and enhancing the vitality and viability of town centres and provides the current regional policy for retailing and town centres. it is intended that a revised PPS 5 will be published.

relevant supplementary planning guidance is contained in the following series of dCan s:

• dCan 1 amusement Centres;

• dCan 3 Bookmaking offices;

• dCan 4 restaurants, Cafes and Fast Food outlets;

• dCan 5 Taxi offices; and

• dCan 7 Public Houses.

Accommodating retail growth in preparing the Plan, a city and town centre retail study was carried out by roger Tym Partners (2006, updated 2009) in accordance with PPS 5. This study includes a retail capacity study and town centre

health check, incorporating retailer and shopper surveys. The study advises that between 2010 and 2015:

(i) newry City could accommodate between3, 000 and 4,000 sq metres (net) of additional convenience floorspace and between 17,000 and 28,000 sq metres (net) of additional comparison floorspace of which up to 20%, (i.e. 5,600 sq metres) could be accommodated through the redevelopment, extension and more efficient use of existing retail units.

(ii) There will be no need for additional retail floorspace in Banbridge Town and any spare capacity will be absorbed by the Bridgewater outlet.

(iii) 20% of retailing would be provided in other centres including dromore, gilford, rathfriland, Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, newtownhamilton and warrenpoint, suggesting only modest retail growth (e.g. less than 1000 sq metres net) for any local town.

Since the study was prepared there have been a number of changes in circumstance which indicate that these estimates have been over optimistic, including the impact on consumer spending of the economic climate post 2008. More importantly, population growth has been substantially lower than anticipated by the 2006 projections used in the report, as demonstrated by the 2008 projections and 2011 census results. it is therefore prudent to adopt a more cautious approach for newry City.

retail growth can be accommodated in the city centre by the existing commitment at newry road for mixed use, comprising 8,946 sq metres (net) of comparison and 4,764 sq metres (net) of convenience shopping. This is also complemented by a commitment for a superstore comprising 4831 sq. metres (net) of mixed retailing of which up to 1,960 sq metres may be devoted to comparison goods. Thus, any residual capacity is anticipated to be small.

34

other town centre usesother uses, such as bars, cafes and restaurants also have an important role, complementing the primary shopping function of city and town centres, and contributing to tourism and the evening economy. it is also envisaged that retail services, offices and leisure uses will also locate within city and town centres. Town centre housing also has an important role both in terms of contributing to the vitality of a town/city centre and offering a sense of security and the benefits of the “Living over the Shop” initiative are recognised. The department has not attempted to quantify the amount of floor space that should be devoted to such uses but recognises their value to town centre vitality.

the city/town centre StrategyTo sustain and enhance the vitality and viability of town centres the Plan adopts a strategy for accommodating retail, commercial and leisure growth within existing centres based on their role within the settlement hierarchy:

the hubs - newry City and Banbridge Town Centres offer locations where the proximity of business facilitates competition from which all consumers are able to benefit and maximises the opportunity to use means of transport other than the car. accordingly, city and town centres remain the principal focus for new retail, commercial and leisure activities.

local towns - dromore, gilford, rathfriland, Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, newtownhamilton and warrenpoint contain town centres important for meeting both the daily and weekly needs of surrounding residents. whilst the capacity and demand for retail growth within these centres is limited, mixed use development holds the key to their regeneration.

Villages and local shops - Villages and local shops are important for meeting the daily needs of shoppers. with the exception of Fiveways in newry, these have not been identified as centres, as growth is likely to be small and may be considered within the context of prevailing regional policies.

other locations - retail parks, retail warehousing and other forms of shopping are part of the retail landscape and are often found outside of town centres. any new or further expansion of these facilities may be considered within the context of prevailing regional policy.

as there is no underlying need to accommodate additional retailing in Banbridge Town and most retail growth within newry City can be accommodated by existing commitments and more efficient/expansion of existing retail units, the priority must be on regeneration and increasing the attractiveness and convenience of the town centres for shoppers and other users. The Plan achieves this by recognising and accommodating diversity of use within the town centre; identifying development opportunity sites for appropriate uses; focusing new retail development on the primary retail core; and protecting the retail offer within primary retail frontages. Protected housing areas have also been identified (Policy HSg 3).

The Plan is complemented by a package of measures including public realm schemes and town centre management initiatives targeted at improving the attraction, amenity and accessibility of the centres. These are described in the non statutory town plans prepared by department of Social development and the district Councils which include newry City Centre Master Plan (2011); Banbridge development Strategy (2009); dromore Town Centre development Plan (2003); gilford Town Centre development Plan (2003): and, rathfriland Town Centre development Plan (2003).

city and town centre boundariesBoundaries are designated for the City Centre of newry and the Town Centres of Banbridge, dromore, gilford, rathfriland, Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, newtownhamilton and warrenpoint as detailed in Volumes 2 & 3 of the Plan. development proposals within City / Town Centres will be assessed in the context of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.


35

Development opportunity Siteswithin the designated city and town centres, development opportunity sites are identified to encourage redevelopment and to accommodate town centre uses. These may be developed for a variety of uses as specified in Volumes 2 and 3.

Primary retail coresPrimary retail Cores are designated in Banbridgeand newry as detailed in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. Primary retail cores contain the traditional concentration of retailing and other city / town centre functions and are designated to control the scale and nature of new development and to ensure the continuance of a compact, lively and attractive shopping environment, offering both choice and convenience. Proposals for retail development in city and town centres will therefore be directed towards the primary retail core in the first instance.

development proposals within Primary retail Cores will be assessed in the context of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

Primary retail FrontagesPrimary retail Frontages are designated in Banbridge and newry as detailed in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

Policy rtc 1Primary retail Frontages

Planning permission will only be granted for non Class a1 retail uses within newry’s Primary retail Frontages where it has been demonstrated that no more than 20% of the frontage and no more than two adjacent units are in non retail-use. Planning Permission will be granted for development proposals to convert non-retail uses to retail uses in these frontages.

Planning permission will only be granted for non Class a1 retail uses within Banbridge’s Primary retail Frontages where it has been demonstrated that no more than 20% of the frontage and no more than three adjacent units are in non retail-use. Planning Permission will be granted for development proposals to convert non-retail uses to retail uses in these frontages.

Primary retail frontages are designated to retain the focus of retail uses and ensure the maintenance of a compact shopping environment. Proposals for non-retail uses at ground floor level within the primary retail frontages will be resisted. However, non retail uses will be permitted in upper floors.

exceptionally, bars, cafes or restaurants may be acceptable in primary retail frontages where it can be demonstrated they form part of a mixed use retail led development which contributes to the vitality and viability of city or town centres.

Planning permission may be granted for proposals which only involve refurbishment or rehabilitation of an existing non-retail use.

toU rISM

Tourism is an important industry within the Plan area. There are a great variety of places to visit including forest parks, historic houses and gardens, historic monuments and visitor centres. The Mournes, Carlingford Lough and the ring of gullion are recognised for their quality of landscape and offer opportunities for touring and recreational activities. a wide range of tourist accommodation is available across the Plan area.

The northern ireland Tourist Board (niTB) has overall responsibility for promoting tourism in the whole of northern ireland. Promotion and marketing of tourism within the Plan area is primarily the responsibility of the district Councils. The Councils operate a range of local tourist facilities including tourist information centres, picnic sites and amenity sites. Both dard and doe provide additional facilities such as forest parks with specifically assigned tourist walks and access to monuments and sites in their care.

36

regional Policy context The rdS promotes a sustainable approach to the provision of tourism infrastructure (rg4). This means developing a tourism offer to provide a choice of accommodation whilst balancing this against the need to protect the natural and built environment. The rdS supports the development of the Tourist Signature destinations by encouraging investment in access, accommodation and visitor facilities.

The rdS identifies the Mourne Mountains and ring of gullion as Strategic natural resources. regional planning policy for tourism development, the protection of tourist assets, the provision of tourist accommodation and sites for caravan and camping and advance directional signs are currently set out in the Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland.

draft PPS 16 – Tourism (november 2010) sets out the department’s planning policy for tourism development and also for the safeguarding of tourism assets. it seeks to facilitate economic growth and social well-being through tourism in ways which are sustainable and compatible with environmental welfare and the conservation of important environmental assets. when adopted this will provide a framework against which tourism proposals may be considered.

Key Playerswhile Planning has a role in protecting tourist assets and facilitating tourist development, it is the northern ireland Tourist Board and other government related bodies which are responsible for promoting and developing the tourist offer. Key bodies and initiative include the South east regional Tourism Partnership and the natural rural resource Tourism initiative.

northern Ireland tourist boardThe northern ireland Tourist Board is formulating a new Tourism Strategy for northern ireland which is intended to provide a vision and strategic direction for the development of the region’s tourism industry to 2020 along with an action plan to deliver it. The Strategy is intended to build upon the Tourism Strategic Framework for action 2004 which concentrates on identifying the most effective response to the challenge of attracting visitors, increasing the competitiveness of tourism businesses and stimulating effective communication within the tourism industry. The framework identifies five ‘signature projects’, two of which impact on the Plan area.

The Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage Project, plans to capitalise on the strength of the Christian Heritage product by concentrating on armagh and downpatrick and linking them through a high quality touring trail that will include newry City and dromore. The Mournes Signature Project aims to take advantage of the potential designation of the area as a national Park and the tourism benefits it may bring.

The signature projects have been identified for their potential to deliver world class excellence drawing visitors from home and overseas. They are investment intensive but will also require softer support through visitor servicing, a willingness of the local population to engage with visitors and opportunities for the development of local businesses on the back of the project including private sector, community and social economy enterprises. This also applies to the development of niTB’s winning Themes approach which targets the development of Short Breaks, excellent events, Business Tourism, activity Tourism and Culture and Heritage Tourism.


37

The niTB Visitor Servicing Strategy for northern ireland includes information on the visitor signage strategy. it details the type and nature of interpretation and signage required for tourism products including conservation and archaeological sites. The Strategy also makes reference to the visitor servicing requirements within newry City.

a growing tourism sector depends on a quality host environment but its growth must provide quality tourist facilities and accommodation, which contributes to a sustainable industry, as set out in the niTB publication “Tourism in northern ireland - a Sustainable approach (1993)”.

South east regional tourism PartnershipBanbridge district Council, newry and Mourne district Council and other neighbouring Councils have recently formed the South east regional Tourism Partnership to develop a tourism strategy and establish an appropriate delivery mechanism for the area. The Partnership is responsible for regional tourism development, visitor servicing, marketing, industry liaison, and training and visitor research.

the natural rural resource tourism Initiative The natural resource rural Tourism initiative (nrrTi) is a special initiative within the eu PeaCe ii Programme to help northern ireland’s disadvantaged rural areas take advantage of the particular opportunities that are presented by their natural resources to develop their tourism potential in the context of greater political stability.

The nrrTi is jointly managed by dard, niea and niTB. South armagh Tourism initiative and Mourne Heritage Trust have been appointed to deliver the nrrTi within their respective areas.

the tourism StrategyThe Plan recognises the contribution that tourism can make both in terms of the economy and in relation to the quality of life for both visitors and the resident population. Therefore the Plan’s overall strategy includes the promotion of the development of sustainable tourism. This means facilitating tourist development in suitable locations without adversely impacting on environmental and man made assets which attract tourists. This is achieved in line with the Plan’s overall strategy for promoting settlements as sustainable locations for development and conserving assets through environmental designations. an example being the Mournes Special Countryside area, which affords appropriate protection to one of northern ireland’s primary landscape and tourist assets.

The Coast and the Mournes have traditionally been a tourist destination resulting in the Plan area being able to offer existing tourist facilities including hotels, guest houses and caravan parks. it is anticipated that promotion of the Mournes and the St Patrick and Christian Heritage signature projects may result in increased visitor numbers and therefore increased demands for tourist accommodation and facilities. increased cross border trade, particularly linked to shopping, also presents an opportunity for growth in tourism. The best locations for new accommodation and facilities are within existing settlements, particularly the gateway of newry/ warrenpoint, which benefit from both the amenities of the towns and closeness to the mountains. Banbridge, dromore, Kilkeel and the other towns, including the coastal villages also have a role to play. development opportunity sites have been identified within towns where tourism or leisure development may be accommodated.

The Plan has not generally sought to designate local policy areas for tourism, removing the Cranfield Holiday development Limit, as proposals for tourism development will be considered in accordance with the prevailing regional policies.

38

oPe n SPAce , SPort A n D oU t Door recre At Ion

The provision of open space, sport and outdoor recreation facilities in the Plan area is the statutory responsibility of Banbridge and newry and Mourne district Councils. These facilities include playing fields, parks, picnic areas and children’s play areas. The Councils are also responsible for proposals for future provision for open space, sport and outdoor recreation.

other public agencies such as dard, doe, the Sports Council for northern ireland and niHe also provide and manage a variety of publicly accessible outdoor recreation facilities and open spaces.

Various private organisations also provide sports and outdoor recreational facilities i.e. bowling, tennis, hockey, gaelic football, golf, soccer and rugby. Some school playing fields may be available for public use outside school hours; such dual use may be in the wider community interest.

The natural resources of both council areas provide numerous opportunities for open space, sports and outdoor recreational activities. These include Scarva Park, Corbet Lough, Camlough Lough, Slieve gullion Forest Park, Kilbroney Forest Park, Silent Valley, Spelga dam, newry Canal and Tow Path, and part of the County down coast. other natural resources within the Plan area such as Slieve Croob, the dromara Hills and Castlewellan Forest Park, cross over into adjoining council areas.

regional Policy contextThe rdS aims to promote development which improves the health and well-being of communities recognising that a healthy community is better able to take advantage of the economic, social and environmental opportunities which are open to it.

in supporting urban and rural renaissance (rg7), the rdS places importance in promoting recreational space within cities, towns and neighbourhoods, and that new developments or plans should make

provision for adequate green and blue infrastructure (green infrastructure includes parks and green spaces; blue infrastructure includes ponds, streams and lakes). The amenity value of the natural environment if linked to green infrastructure provides opportunities for walking and cycling routes to heritage and other recreational interests and thus contributes to the health and well-being of people living in urban areas.

PPS 8 - open Space, Sport and outdoor recreation sets out the relevant prevailing regional planning policies. This PPS includes policies on the protection of existing open space, the provision of public open space in new residential development, the development of proposals for outdoor recreational use in the countryside and the development of intensive sports facilities.

PPS 7 - Quality residential environments requires developers to make adequate provision for public open space and landscaped areas as an integral part of a residential development.

existing and Proposed open Space, Sport and outdoor recreationMajor areas of existing open space, sport and outdoor recreation are identified for information purposes only in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. These areas and any other areas of existing open space, sport and outdoor recreation are safeguarded under Policy oS 1 in PPS 8 - open Space, Sport and outdoor recreation.

Some open spaces and recreation areas are also designated as Local Landscape Policy areas (LLPas) and/or Historic Parks, gardens and demesnes and will also be subject to Policy CVn 3 of the Plan and to PPS 6 – Planning archaeology and the Built Heritage.

Proposals for providing/safeguarding additional land for open space, sport and outdoor recreation within settlement development limits are identified in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.


39

The department, in liaison with the district Councils, will reassess open space provision and if a deficit is established, the department will work with the Council to explore the appropriate mechanisms to address this.

e DUc At Ion , h e A lt h , coM M U n It Y A n D cU lt U r A l USeS

education, health, community and cultural uses play an important role in maintaining and creating sustainable and cohesive communities. There are a wide range of facilities spread throughout the Plan area including schools, further education campuses, libraries, hospitals, surgeries, community centres and arts venues.

regional Policy contextThe rdS identifies both Banbridge and newry as main hubs to be developed as major locations providing employment, services and a range of cultural and leisure amenities.

The department’s regional planning policies for community needs are currently set out in the Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland.

Supplementary Planning guidance is contained in dCan 9: residential and nursing Homes and dCan 13: Crèches, day nurseries and Pre-school Playgroups.

educationThe department of education, the department of employment and Learning and the department of Culture, arts and Leisure (dCaL) retain overall authority for education policy and finance.

responsibility for the provision of primary and post primary educational facilities in the Banbridge/newry and Mourne areas rests mainly with the following providers:

• the Southern education and Library Board (SeLB);

• the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS);

• the northern ireland Council for integrated education; and

• Comhairle na gaelscolaoichta (Council for irish-Medium education).

The Southern regional College offers further and higher education across three campuses at Banbridge, newry and Kilkeel.

Sites for new schools have been zoned in dromore, newry, Ballymartin, Burren, Forkhill, rostrevor and drumintee as defined in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. additionally, further new educational facilities are proposed at various locations within the Plan area. Some of these developments will be accommodated within existing campuses, in other cases sites have yet to be identified.

The independent Strategic review of education (the Bain report) set out a series of recommendations to address the challenges facing education, in particular in the context of falling enrolments and maintaining viability. The long-time outcome of this review is likely to influence the number of primary and post primary schools across northern ireland.

details of existing and proposed education provision can be found in the education, Health, Community and Cultural uses Technical Supplement.

The department of education has overall responsibility for youth services including policy and finance. SeLB secures the provision of facilities for recreational, social, physical, cultural and youth service activities and for services ancillary to education within the Plan area. SeLB operates outdoor education Centres at Killowen and at Shannaghmore near newcastle.

40

health and Social ServicesThe department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has overall responsibility for policy and funding. The Southern Health and Social Services Board assesses the health and social care needs within the Plan area and secures the care to meet those needs.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust provides community health and social care services in the Plan area including the acute hospital at daisy Hill in newry. The Craigavon area Hospital group Trust provides a hospital outreach facility at Banbridge Polyclinic.

There are gP surgeries, dentists and pharmacies providing additional healthcare services in the towns, villages and rural communities throughout the Plan area.

details of existing and proposed health and social services provision can be found in the education, Health, Community and Cultural uses Technical Supplement.

community and cultural FacilitiesBoth Banbridge district Council and newry and Mourne district Council provide community and cultural facilities in numerous locations within their respective areas. There are performance / theatre venues located in Banbridge, newry, Kilkeel and warrenpoint while both Banbridge and newry have multi-screen cinema complexes. There are also many other community centres and halls scattered throughout the Plan area that provide facilities for a wide range of user groups and organisations.

The Library Service within the Plan area is funded by dCaL and administered by SeLB. There are public libraries in Banbridge, dromore, gilford, rathfriland, newry, Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, warrenpoint and Bessbrook.

Policy for education, health, community and cultural Uses

Policy ecU 1education, health, community and cultural Uses

Planning permission will be granted for education, health, community and cultural uses within settlement development limits provided all the following criteria are met:

• there is no significant detrimental effect on amenity or biodiversity;

• the proposal does not prejudice the comprehensive development of surrounding lands, particularly on zoned sites;

• the proposals are in keeping with the size and character of the settlement and its surroundings;

• where necessary, additional infrastructure is provided by the developer;

• there are satisfactory access, parking and sewage disposal arrangements.

applications for planning permission for community related facilities will be considered in the context of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals. unforeseen demands for new community facilities may arise over the lifetime of the Plan. accordingly, a flexible approach is required in considering such development within settlement development limits in order to make the most effective use of existing facilities, infrastructure, utilities and resources. For the purposes of interpreting this policy, Community use refers to those uses specified in Classes d1 and d2 of the Planning (use Classes) order (northern ireland) 2004.


41

PU b lIc Se rV IceS A n D U t I lIt I eS

The provision of public services and utilities within the Plan area is primarily the responsibility of a number of government departments, agencies and statutory bodies as well as Banbridge and newry and Mourne district Councils. The private sector is, however, playing an increasingly important role. The main public services and utilities are water and sewerage, drainage, waste disposal, cemeteries, electricity, telecommunications and natural gas.

The department consulted all statutory agencies and bodies with responsibility for the provision of public services and utilities within the Plan area. The information provided by those agencies is contained within the Public Services and utilities Technical Supplement.

regional Policy contextThe rdS highlights the importance of infrastructure such as electricity and telecoms connections in servicing economic growth. it emphasises the need to:

• implement a balanced approach to telecommunications infrastructure that will give a competitive advantage (rg3), recognising the need for investment particularly in broad band;

• deliver a sustainable and secure energy supply (rg5) by maximising the contribution of renewable energy and developing ‘Smart grid’ initiatives; and

• promote a more sustainable approach to the provision of water and sewerage services and flood risk management(rg12) including grey water recycling, rainwater harvesting and sustainable surface water management e.g. Sustainable drainage Systems (SudS)

PPS 10 - Telecommunications, PPS 11 - Planning and waste Management, PPS 15 - Planning and Flood risk and PPS 18 renewable energy set out prevailing regional policy relating to those topics.

The Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland contains current regional policies on new infrastructure, major projects, and developments at risk from land instability. it also includes policies on overhead electricity cables, renewable energy and septic tanks.

Water and SewageThe abstraction, treatment and supply of drinking water and conveyance and treatment of sewage are the responsibility of northern ireland water (niw). Future improvements to this infrastructure are also the responsibility of niw.

Throughout the Plan area, northern ireland water has schemes programmed to upgrade the water and sewerage system, where required, and to comply with eu directives regarding drinking water quality and discharge criteria and to meet increasing demand.

The future infrastructural requirements of the Plan area are determined on the basis of a number of appraisal studies including watermain Zonal Studies, drainage area Studies and wastewater Treatment work Studies. information relating to these studies and existing and proposed water and sewerage infrastructure is detailed in the Public Services and utilities Technical Supplement.

Drainagedard rivers agency is the statutory drainage and flood protection authority and will be consulted on matters of flood risk and other drainage issues.

in accordance with government policy, rivers agency is committed to the introduction of procedures for the recovery of developer contributions towards the costs of drainage infrastructure improvement work. Currently, drainage improvements necessary to permit development are subject to strict cost/benefit criteria and scheme prioritisation and whilst drainage works to facilitate development may be identified as viable, their implementation will be dependant on the availability of resources.

42

For those sites where necessary infrastructure improvements are not viable, rivers agency will not consent to any additional run-off beyond existing rates. in these circumstances, developers are recommended to consult with rivers agency and water Service at an early stage prior to submission of a planning application, in order to ensure an acceptable means of storm water drainage.

Many existing urban drainage systems are damaging the environment and are, therefore, not sustainable in the long term. The government wishes to promote a move to Sustainable urban drainage Systems (SudS). These provide a number of techniques for draining an area. details of Suds and the techniques are detailed in PPS 15 – Planning and Flood risk.

There are a number of recorded flooded areas that significantly affect particular settlements within the Plan area. The main areas at risk from flooding include:

• the Bann river valley at Banbridge, gilford and Lawrencetown;

• the Lagan river valley at dromore;

• the newry and Clanrye river valleys to the north and east of newry;

• the Camlough river; and

• the ghann river at rostrevor.

This list is not exhaustive nor is it intended to include the floodplain of every floodplain of every watercourse in each district.

The Strategic Flood Map (ni) – rivers and Sea was published in november 2008 and is available on the rivers agency website www.riversagencyni.gov.uk. The main purpose of this map is to give an indication of the areas across northern ireland that may be at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The map can be accessed via the internet web viewer which will allow users, subject to acceptance of terms and conditions, to view any specific areas of interest using a search facility and to print sections of the map.

Prospective developers are advised to contact the department of agriculture and rural development, rivers agency, at an early stage to clarify flooding or floodplain issues that may affect particular sites.

Waste DisposalMatters relating to waste are considered in the waste Management Strategy for northern ireland.

a new approach to waste management has emerged in recent years, driven forward by the uK and eu commitment to the principles of sustainable patterns of development. This commitment is reflected in legislative changes that require the reuse, recycling and recovery of material from our waste. This focus is also coupled with legislation to minimise waste production and policies to educate the public, industry and young people in particular, in effective resource use and reuse. as part of the Southern waste Management Partnership, Banbridge and newry and Mourne district Councils are currently working with six other Councils to develop a sustainable solution for waste management.

recycling and composting is facilitated through the provision of bring facilities, bottle banks and civic amenity sites. information relating to waste management infrastructure is detailed in the Public Services and utilities Technical Supplement.

cemeteriesBanbridge and newry and Mourne district Councils have responsibility for a number of cemeteries within each district. Some churches also manage associated cemeteries and burial grounds.

telecommunicationsThe department recognises the importance of modern telecommunications for the growing needs of business and individuals. northern ireland has a fully digital, fully fibre-optic communications network and is the first region in the uK to achieve virtually 100% coverage of broadband services. Telecommunications provision within the Plan area is primarily the responsibility of British


43

Telecom, supplemented by a number of other private companies. There are a number of providers operating mobile telecommunications networks within each district.

energyThe Strategic energy Framework 2010 (deTi) details northern ireland’s energy future over the next ten years or so and is aimed at ensuring future access to secure competitively priced and sustainable energy supplies. it confirms an ambitious target of achieving 40% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2020.

northern ireland electricity will continue to develop the existing 33kV and 11kV distribution networks as customer requirements and demand change in the future. The existing 33kV networks within the Plan area are presently being reinforced.

The South-north gas pipeline - constructed, owned and operated by Bge (ni) - connects gormanston, County Meath to the existing natural gas transmission network in northern ireland near Ballyclare, County antrim. The pipeline crosses both Banbridge and newry and Mourne district Council areas. Firmus energy is licensed to distribute and supply natural gas to homes and businesses in Banbridge and newry.

The department will treat the high-pressure pipeline as a hazardous installation. This may place constraints on developments in its vicinity in the interest of public safety. all planning applications in the vicinity of the natural gas pipeline will be considered in consultation with the Health and Safety executive of northern ireland.

Ag rIcU lt U re , ForeSt rY A n D FISh I ng

agriculture, forestry and fishing are important economic activities within the Plan area.

regional Policy contextThe Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland contains current regional planning policies for the protection of the best and most versatile agricultural land, agricultural and forestry development, and community woodlands.

a policy for farm diversification is contained in PPS 21 – Sustainable development in the Countryside.

Agricultureagriculture is the predominant land use within the Plan area. in 2011, the sector employed in excess of 6,000 people on approximately 3,400 holdings. approximately 79% of farms are involved in cattle and sheep production. dairy farming is also important, particularly within Banbridge district.

Farm business size within the Plan area tends to be small with over 70% of farms in both districts classed as very small by dard under european standards. only 7% of holdings in Banbridge and 3% in newry and Mourne are described as large. in common with the rest of northern ireland, farm incomes in the Plan area are falling in real terms, leading to an increased demand for alternative employment on and off the farm. The department accepts the need for farmers to diversify into non-agricultural activities in the context of prevailing planning policy to supplement their farming income. dard has a range of grant assistance to support this process.

environmentally Sensitive areas (eSas) are designated by dard and comprise areas of special landscape, wildlife or historic interest which can be protected or enhanced by supporting and grant aiding specific agricultural practices. The Mournes and Slieve Croob eSa falls partly within the Plan area.

44

Less Favoured areas (LFas) are areas where the natural characteristics, including geology, attitude and climate, make it difficult for farmers to compete. However, within these areas, agriculture is the main factor shaping and maintaining valuable landscapes and habitats. Support is, therefore, paid to farmers in the LFa so that society can continue to enjoy these benefits. LFas are divided into disadvantaged and Severely disadvantaged areas. 36% of farms in the Banbridge district fall within LFas and 17% are categorised as Severely disadvantaged areas. 83% of farms in the newry and Mourne district fall within LFas and 37% are categorised as Severely disadvantaged areas.

Forestrydard Forest Service published “northern ireland Forestry: a Strategy for Sustainability and growth” (March 2006). The Strategy states that forestry policy in northern ireland will continue to be stated as:

• The sustainable management of existing woods and forests; and

• a steady expansion of tree cover to increase the many diverse benefits that forests provide.

Public and private woodland within the Banbridge / newry and Mourne area extends to approximately 4700 hectares, representing approximately 3.4% of the Plan area.

Forestry Service carries out state forestry operations within the Plan area; their publicly owned and managed woodland extends to approximately 157 hectares within Banbridge district and 4,187 hectares within newry and Mourne district. Forestry Service currently combines the commercial production of timber with public recreation at a number of locations including two forest parks at rostrevor and Slieve gullion and a number of minor recreation areas.

Forestry Service also assists in the establishment of privately owned woodlands through the woodland grants Scheme with a current annual target of delivering 200 hectares of new woodland.

FishingThe Plan area comprises the Mournes coastal area and has an important fishing industry centred on the busy port at Kilkeel. The landing, processing and packaging of fish is important in economic terms to the town and its hinterland.

in 1998, over half of the full time employment in the northern ireland fishing industry was based in Kilkeel, split fairly evenly between catching and processing / marketing. Just over half of the northern ireland registered fishing fleet was also based in Kilkeel.

other forms of aquaculture continue to develop in Carlingford Lough. a new mussel depuration facility has been developed at warrenpoint Harbour together with berthing and loading facilities to serve the growing shellfish industry within Carlingford Lough.

recreational fishing, mainly under license, also takes place along the various rivers and inland watercourses within the Plan area, which are also important habitats for wildlife.

M I n e r A l S

Mineral resources within Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts comprise greywacke/gritstones which are quarried at a number of locations from Cullyhanna in the south west to edentrillick outside dromore in the north east. newry granite is extracted from two quarries in the area. one such quarry operates north east of newry while the other is located off the newry to warrenpoint dual carriageway. all supplies of sand and gravel in the area originate from the superficial deposits located along the coastal lowlands south of the Mourne Mountains.


45

The distribution of aggregates and quarries within the Mournes is quite distinctive. Sand and gravel reserves are located in the glacial deposits of the coastal plain and are particularly concentrated between Cranfield and Kilkeel. Hard rock quarries in the Mournes area are to be found in the foothills north east of Mayobridge and on the outskirts of newry. The greywacke mineral resource found in the district forms part of the Silurian greywacke series which underlie much of down. There has been a significant change of emphasis in past years from granite quarrying in the Mournes to sand and gravel extraction in the lowlands, which has helped protect the high amenity and unique landscape character of this area. Mourne granite is no longer extracted within newry and Mourne district. The minerals produced from the hard rock and sand and gravel quarries are used to produce building and roadstone aggregates for the construction industry for Banbridge, newry and Mourne and the wider Belfast markets. as well as producing primary crushed rock for use as hardcore, many quarries further crush the material to produce finer aggregate which can be used in a range of secondary processes. Such processes include ready-use concrete production, tarmacadam production and the manufacture of concrete blocks. These processes increase the value of the aggregates and enable the quarries to compete over greater distances.

over the period 1991 - 2001, (with the exception of 1994 when no data was available), the output from the four hard rock quarries in Banbridge averaged some 821,000 tonnes while in newry and Mourne, the output from the nine active quarries averaged 781,000 tonnes. Since 1996, the average output from all the hardrock quarries increased up to 1999 with a small fall in average output only from the Banbridge quarries occurring during 2000. This suggests a consistent demand for such minerals in the Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts which seems likely to continue over the Plan period.

in relation to the supply of sand and gravel over the same period, the output from the newry and Mourne district pits averages some 84,000 tonnes. However, annual output ranges over this period from a low of 42,000 tonnes in 1991 to a high of 147,000 tonnes in 1998. Continued demand for sand and gravel in the newry and Mourne area is likely to continue over the Plan period. The department will seek to meet this demand from mineral resources which are to be found between Kilkeel and Cranfield.

in formulating its mineral policies for Banbridge and newry and Mourne districts, the department has sought to balance the need for extraction in the districts against the need to protect and conserve the environment. as a result, the extraction of sand and gravel minerals in environmentally sensitive areas will be controlled in the public interest.

regional Policy contextregional planning policies for mineral development are currently set out in the Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland. This contains a range of policies for the control of mineral development including peat extraction, taking into account environmental protection, visual amenity, public safety and traffic considerations. Mineral development also needs to respect the environmental policies contained in PPS 2 –Planning and nature Conservation and PPS 6 – Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage.

in May 2012, the Minerals resource Map of northern ireland was launched by the environment Minister alex attwood and the Minister of enterprise, Trade and investment, arlene Foster. The map will provide planners, industry and local communities with a tool to assist future decisions on a county-to-county basis in relation to the continued supply of minerals and in the protection of the environment.

46

in essence, local industry will be able to use local minerals more effectively. Salt to keep roads clear in winter, aggregates and other robust materials to support the local construction industry, mineral supplements for the animal feeds industry as well as base metals to sustain local manufacturing industry will all be more accessible. once published, the Mineral resources Map of northern ireland will be made available for viewing on the department’s website www.doeni.gov.uk. t r A nSPortAt Ion

The movement of people and the efficient distribution of goods and services are essential to the functioning of any area. good communications are, therefore, important to the local economy and to attract inward investment. good transport links also connect people socially and provide access to leisure and recreational opportunities.

There are comprehensive networks of transport infrastructure and services within the Plan area. There is an extensive footpath system in most of the designated settlements. a number of rural recreational footpaths and elements of the national Cycle network pass through the area. Public transport provision consists of rail services on the Belfast to dublin line and a network of urban and rural bus services including inter-urban express routes. There is an extensive network of roads ranging from major strategic routes to minor rural roads. additionally, the port of warrenpoint is located in the Plan area.

Continuing growth in road transport and its consequential environmental impacts in terms of, for example, air quality, tranquillity, and impact on landscapes and habitats present a major challenge to the objective of sustainable development. unmanaged traffic growth also has social and economic consequences, such as congestion and the effect on residents’ quality of environment, and the reduced attractiveness of town centres as retail and service destinations.

The Plan considers how the location and nature of development affects the amount and nature of travel, and how the pattern of development is influenced by transport infrastructure and policies.

regional Policy contextThe ‘northern ireland Transport Policy Statement: - Moving Forward’ (november 1998), signalled a desire to move away from a transportation system dominated by the private car to a more balanced and integrated system, in which public transport together with cycling and walking would play a greater role.

The rdS 2035 aims to:“improve connectivity to enhance the movement of people, goods, energy and information between places.”

it sets guidance to deliver a balanced approach to transport infrastructure (rg2). This means improving connectivity by making more efficient use of road space and maximising the potential and making more strategic use of the regional Strategic Transport network (rSTn) including roads and railways. it also requires providing more attractive transport choices, making innovative approaches to public transport, reducing congestion and adopting measures to improve road safety.

The rdS also requires the integration of land use and transportation through the development of compact urban forms with the focus being on the use of land within existing urban footprints, particularly within the hubs (rg7, rg8). it also recognises that as transportation currently accounts for a quarter of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions, there is a need to reduce dependence on the car and change travel behaviour, as a mitigating response to climate change (rg9).

in addition, the Spatial Framework highlights the need to improve accessibility for rural communities (SFg14), promoting integrated rural transport initiatives which meet the needs of those living in isolated areas.


47

The regional Transportation Strategy (rTS) published in 2002, sets out a vision “to have a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy, and the environment and which actively contributes to social inclusion and everyone’s quality of life”. This vision is still appropriate for the drd’s new approach to regional transportation which will refocus and rebalance our transport priorities and present a fresh direction for transportation with sustainability at its core.

The rTS covers a 10-year period from 2002-2012 and is now being delivered through three transport plans, covering the rSTn, the Belfast Metropolitan area and the remainder of northern ireland respectively. The rSTn comprises the complete rail network, five key transport corridors (KTCs), four Link Corridors, the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Corridors and the remainder of the trunk road network. Those elements of the rSTn within the Plan area are:

• a1 (part of the eastern Seaboard KTC);

• a28 (part of a Link Corridor);

• a27 (a trunk road);

• a2 from newry to warrenpoint (a trunk road); and

• Belfast to dublin railway Line.

in 2012, the drd published its new strategic document ‘ensuring a Sustainable Transport Future – a new approach to regional Transportation’ which sets out how regional transportation will be developed beyond 2015 when the current transport plans reach their conclusion. The document does not include details of schemes or projects but rather lists three High Level aims for transportation along with essential supporting Strategic objectives. These cover the economy, society and the environment and are linked to the eight aims of the rdS. its aim is to provide a transportation network that supports economic growth while meeting the needs of all in

our society and reducing environmental impacts. it shows how strategic transportation developments can be assessed to allow informed decisions making on future transportation investment.

PPS 13 - Transportation and Land use has been prepared to assist and guide the implementation of the rdS. it provides a set of principles for integrating transportation and land use planning which include:

• promoting sustainable transport choices;

• promoting accessibility for all; and

• reducing the need to travel, especially by private car.

PPS 3 - access, Movement and Parking, sets out regional planning policies for vehicular and pedestrian access, transport assessment, the protection of transport routes and parking.

Supplementary Planning guidance is contained in dCan 15 (2nd edition): Vehicular access Standards.

transport Plans / transport Studiesimplementation of the rTS in the Plan area will be through the regional Strategic Transport network Transport Plan (rSTnTP) and the Sub regional Transport Plan (SrTP).

The rSTnTP, published by drd in March 2005, contains proposals for the maintenance, management and development of the regional Strategic Transport network (rSTn). The proposals include schemes for the improvement of transport infrastructure and improvements to public transport services. Significant schemes are summarised, by mode, below and those with land use implications are detailed in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

The SrTP published by drd in June 2007, deals with transportation infrastructure and services in other urban areas and the rural areas not included in the rSTnTP.

48

Both the Plan and the SrTP were informed by Local Transport Studies that were commissioned by drd roads Service for newry, Banbridge, warrenpoint and Kilkeel. These studies considered the needs of the area in terms of provision for walking, cycling and public transport in addition to traffic and parking. The key findings of the studies are contained in the Transport Technical Supplement.

The SrTP contains further transportation measures and proposals that were not appropriate for inclusion in the Plan. These include a variety of schemes which have no land use implications.

Walking and cyclingMost journeys involve some walking and in urban areas, walking is an important alternative to the car. Cycling is an economical, environmentally friendly and healthy means of transport that can provide a realistic alternative to the car for short journeys.

The Plan provides for the enhancement of walking and cycling networks through the Key Site requirements for many of the zonings and development opportunity sites in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

national Cycle network routes 9 and 93 pass through the Plan area and Sustrans intend to extend and improve these routes.

The SrTP makes further provision for walking and cycling within the Plan area, such as greater priority for pedestrians on local roads, Quality walking routes / networks and development of the existing cycle network. The SrTP also targets improved integration between walking and cycling and public transport through better links to stations and stops and the provision of cycle stands.

Public transportThe northern ireland Transport Holding Company, under the ‘Translink’ brand name, operates most rail and bus services within the Plan area.

The Belfast to dublin railway line runs through the Plan area with stations at newry, Scarva and Poyntzpass. The rSTnTP proposed a new/upgraded railway station in newry with associated park and ride provision. Planning permission for this has been granted. Translink also intend to provide a park and ride facility at Scarva.

The rTS identified the need to improve public transport travel opportunities by providing new bus services in urban and rural areas. inter-urban express bus services link newry and Banbridge to Belfast, dublin and other main towns. Local town bus services operate in the larger settlements and further services operate in rural areas.

The rSTnTP proposes a new bus station in Banbridge, an accessible (bus) docking point in dromore and dedicated park and ride facilities at newry Bus Station. The SrTP makes further provision for bus transportation within the Plan area. Such provision includes the introduction of networks of high frequency radial, cross-town and orbital services in urban areas and innovative “demand responsive services” in rural areas.

Some essential services in the rural area, such as group Transport and door - to - door Transport, are provided by Community Transport Partnerships funded through the rural Transport Fund.

Specific public transport schemes are, where appropriate, detailed in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan and shown on the relevant maps.

highwaysThe rdS emphasised the importance of improving connections between regional gateways, cross-border links and the rSTn especially the Key and Link Transport corridors.

Significant Strategic road improvements (Sris) comprising dual-carriageway and grade separated junctions are proposed on the a1 Belfast to dublin


49

road (a Key Transport Corridor) and a widened single carriageway is proposed on the a28 newry to armagh road (a Link Corridor) to provide a safe guaranteed overtaking opportunity. These schemes are proposed in the rSTnTP.

a newry Southern relief road is proposed as a long-term Sri to improve the link from the a1 to the a2 warrenpoint road and consequently provide a better connection from warrenpoint Port to the eastern Seaboard KTC and provide newry City Centre with further relief from through traffic.

a number of new non-strategic road schemes are proposed in newry, Banbridge, gilford and Kilkeel. These are identified in the Local Transport Studies contained in the Transport Technical Supplement and are, where appropriate, included in the SrTP. The SrTP also includes other road improvement schemes within the Plan area.

Highway transportation schemes are, where appropriate, detailed in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan and shown on the relevant maps for indicative purposes only.

Parkinggood quality secure parking is important to maintain the vitality and viability of town centres, and to enable retail and leisure uses to flourish. Management of the level and type of car parking can be used as a means of reducing levels of traffic and promoting public transport, cycling and walking as alternatives to the private car.

an effective form of management is to ensure that short-stay spaces are available in those car parks and streets convenient to town centres. This can be achieved through the use of charging for both on-street and off-street spaces. Park and share sites are proposed adjacent to the a1 at Banbridge, Sheepbridge and Cloghogue. These are proposed in the rSTnTP. The SrTP contains further measures for the provision and management of car parking within

the Plan area. Car parking proposals are, where appropriate, detailed in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. Further information on parking is contained in the Transport Technical Supplement.

retention of existing town centre parking is important in the interests of providing accessible and convenient town centres for shoppers. any development proposed on a car park within a designated development opportunity Site will be required to replace the car parking provision on or close to the site unless it has been demonstrated that the full non-replacement of spaces complies with existing regional policy.

Seaportswarrenpoint Port is located in the southern part of the Plan area, 10km south of newry, at the head of Carlingford Lough. The port has daily scheduled freight ferry sailings to Heysham in nw england and a diverse range of further services to continental europe with a twice weekly container service to rotterdam, a weekly container and general cargo service to norway, Sweden and denmark and regular sailings to the Baltic. Trade includes the importation of timber, steel, animal feed, block stone and paper. The eastern Seaboard KTC provides direct access from the Plan area to other major ports on the east Coast of ireland at Larne, Belfast, dublin and rosslare. These ports provide many passenger, car and freight services to great Britain, Continental europe and beyond.

AirportsThere are no airports located within the Plan area. Belfast international airport is 50km north of Banbridge; george Best Belfast City airport is 50km north east of Banbridge and dublin airport is 100km south of newry. These airports provide a range of domestic, european and long haul destinations.

50

Protected routesPPS 3 – access, Movement and Parking contains regional planning policy in relation to the designated Protected routes network, which is to restrict access onto selected roads. allowance is also made to permit development plans to prepare local policies, containing further access restrictions, for certain stretches of protected route.

The Protected routes are identified in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan and shown on the relevant settlement maps.

Disused transport routesPPS 3 – access, Movement and Parking contains regional planning policy in relation to the protection of disused transport routes, which is to prevent development that would prejudice their future reuse for transport or recreational purposes. The Plan area contains a number of disused rail and tramway track beds and the disused newry Canal. Those sections of route with potential for future use are identified in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. The potential of these for the provision of road lines, public transport routes, cycle or walking routes will be assessed during the Plan period.

e n V I ron M e nt A n D conSe rVAt Ion

The Plan area contains a wealth of environmental assets including locations prized for their rich biodiversity; structures and sites with recognised built heritage interest and landscapes with notable scenic value. it is imperative that the importance of such assets is acknowledged and that they are provided with appropriate protection.

regional Policy contextThe rdS 2035 aims to protect and enhance the environment for current and future generations. it recognises that northern ireland’s environment is one of its greatest assets which has benefits in terms of the economy and quality of life. regional

guidance seeks to:

• reduce our carbon footprint and facilitate mitigation and adaptation to climate change whilst improving air quality (rg9);

• manage our waste sustainably (rg10);

• conserve, protect, and where possible, enhance our built heritage and our natural environment (rg11);

• promote a more sustainable approach to the provision of water and sewerage services and flood risk management (rg12)

PPS 2 - Planning and nature Conservation, PPS 6 - Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage and PPS 6 addendum, areas of Townscape Character set out the current regional policy for the protection of conservation interests.

PPS 21 – Sustainable development in the Countryside and the Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland contain current regional policies in relation to the environment including protection of rural landscapes and the coast.

The northern ireland Biodiversity Strategy 2002 sets the framework for biodiversity action. The Biodiversity Strategy describes the main features of biodiversity in northern ireland, identifies the main factors affecting it and proposes a number of measures to support biodiversity conservation up to 2016.

nature conservation and biodiversityBiodiversity is the total variety of all living things – of wildlife habitats, wild plants and animals. at the larger scale, biodiversity relates to the variation in landscapes and habitats and at the smallest scale to genetic differences in plants and animals. Biodiversity is vital to the health of the planet and to quality of life. The enhancement of biodiversity will be one of the most powerful indicators of progress towards sustainability.


51

it is important to recognise the biodiversity significance of northern ireland’s habitats in the British isles and beyond. as one of the most westerly outliers of europe, many of our communities of plants and animals represent extreme oceanic (mild and wet) examples.

The northern ireland Biodiversity group, which undertook a study of the state of wildlife and habitats in northern ireland, published a set of 76 recommendations for protection and enhancement of biodiversity, including habitats and species identified for priority action. The northern ireland executive committed itself to delivering action on these recommendations and published the northern ireland Biodiversity Strategy in august 2002 to protect and enhance biodiversity in northern ireland over the period to 2016.

The Biodiversity Strategy identifies 40 habitat types as priorities for conservation action in northern ireland. Banbridge / newry and Mourne area Plan has examples of 31 priority habitats such as upland Heath, Fen and Bog, river Valley woodlands, Loughs and rivers, Coastal and Marine Habitats and Parkland. The varied landscape of the Plan area also contains a number of priority species such as Harbour Porpoise, red Squirrel, Bats, otters, irish Hares and Barn owls.

Further information on these habitats and species is contained in the Countryside assessment Supplement.

The range of priority habitats and species listed through the northern ireland Biodiversity Strategy will be protected from development and proposals that could harm their integrity, continuity, links or ecological relationships. in exceptional circumstances where development is considered to be appropriate, conditions will be imposed to guide developers on the necessary measures for management and enhancement of the site.

a Planning agreement may be required with the developer in order to reduce, offset or compensate for any of the effects of the development by the provision of new or enhanced habitats or features or their improved management.

The most common form of conserving biodiversity is designation, protection and management of the best sites of nature conservation importance. while areas of international and national nature conservation importance are already protected from development through other statutory designations, conservation of biodiversity is enhanced in the Plan through the designation of Sites of Local nature Conservation importance (SLnCis). Priority habitats identified by the northern ireland Biodiversity Strategy are also a material consideration. Management of these sites may be achieved through regulation of activities, negotiation with landowners or through public ownership.

a hierarchy of designations is available under european and local legislation and designation is primarily the responsibility of niea. generally sites are selected for their rarity value or for the diversity of species and habitats they contain, or as a representative example of their habitat type on a local, national or international scale.

Sites of international importance comprise sites listed under the ramsar Convention on wetlands of international importance, and european Sites (SPas and SaCs) designated under the Conservation (natural Habitats, etc.) regulations (ni) 1995 (as amended). Consultation zones have been identified where appropriate for european Sites. Proposed developments within these consultation zones will be scrutinised to ensure that in line with the Habitats directive, there will be no adverse effects.

52

Sites important in a national context include aSSis and nature reserves designated under the environment (ni) order 2002 as amended. additional designations include wildlife refuges established under the wildlife (ni) order 1985 as amended and Local nature reserves that may be established by local councils under the nature Conservation and amenity Lands (ni) order 1985 (as amended).

There are various non-statutory sites, with nature conservation value, cared for by public agencies or voluntary conservation bodies. dard Forest Service has designated Forest nature reserves at Hawthorn Hill and rostrevor oakwood. The woodland Trust manages 4 woodlands within the Plan area at Ballymaganlis (dromore), Canal wood (Poyntzpass), Carnbane and daisy Hill (newry).

Sites of Local nature Conservation importancein accordance with PPS 2 - Planning and nature Conservation, SLCnis are designated in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. The department can provide larger scale maps of these upon request.

Policy cVn 1Sites of local nature conservation Importance

Planning permission will not be granted to development that would be liable to have an adverse effect on the nature conservation interests of a designated Site of Local nature Conservation importance.

The Plan designates, on the basis of their flora, fauna or earth science interest, 167 SLnCis, of which 45 are in Banbridge district and 122 in newry and Mourne district. SLnCis may include non-statutory nature reserves managed by public agencies or voluntary conservation bodies. The Countryside assessment Supplement contains details of each SLnCi.

in assessing development proposals on or adjacent to these sites, priority will be given to the protection of their intrinsic nature conservation interest.

where exceptionally a development is permitted which might adversely affect the nature conservation interests, the department will endeavour to ensure that such effects are kept to a minimum. Consideration will be given to the use of conditions in order to protect, manage and enhance the conservation interest or to require appropriate mitigation measures. where appropriate, developers will be asked to enter into a planning agreement to secure these outcomes.

Archaeology and the built heritageevidence of past human activity within the Plan area is illustrated by archaeological sites and monuments, vernacular and historic buildings, features and structures surviving from past industries, planned parkland landscapes and in the pattern of streets and buildings in our historic townscapes. There is also a particular maritime element in the local heritage of coastal areas. This heritage is finite and vulnerable and it is important that it be cherished and protected for future generations to enjoy as we do.

all settlements have their own identity and character, drawn from the sense of place and influenced by human activity, which over time has shaped the present built form. in some places, the variety, or consistency of the overall character, including style of construction and, in some instances landscaping, is particularly distinctive or pleasing, and merits specific protection from inappropriate change. rural vernacular buildings can often have a positive impact on the countryside.

The Plan area contains many buildings of special architectural or historic interest of which some are listed under article 42 of the Planning (northern ireland) order 1991. Conservation areas have been designated, under article 50 of the Planning (northern ireland) order 1991, in Bessbrook, dromore, newry and rostrevor in recognition of their architectural and historical interest. The Plan makes use of ‘area of Townscape Character’, ‘Historic Park, garden and demesne’ and ‘Local Landscape Policy area’ designations to protect further areas of built heritage value.


53

The Plan area contains a range of important archaeological sites, many of which are scheduled under the provisions of the Historic Monuments and archaeological objects (ni) order 1995 and some are presently in the care of the department. The interrelationship between the surrounding landscape and upstanding remains often heightens the appreciation of an archaeological site. The preservation of such sites and their settings is of the highest priority.

with ongoing archaeological survey work there may be changes to the exact location of these sites. over the Plan period, additional archaeological remains may be discovered. The existence of such remains may represent a material change that can affect the nature of development that will be permitted in respect of an area within a settlement, or in the countryside.

in some cases, archaeological sites and monuments have formed the basis for, or contributed to the designation of Local Landscape Policy areas; (see Plan Policy CnV 3).

where planning permission is granted for a scheme which may impact on archaeological remains, it will normally be conditional on the implementation an appropriate programme of archaeological mitigation. This may include field survey, preservation of remains in situ, or the investigation of remains through excavation recording, and the analysis, archiving and preparation of results as an archaeological report.

it should be noted that within the Plan area there is a very wide range of archaeological sites and monuments, from find spots of prehistoric tools through to major sites of industrial and defence heritage. development proposals which may impact on any of those sites already identified in the northern ireland Sites and Monuments record will be determined on their merits having regard to the department’s regional planning policies and the policies and guidance in the Plan.

Areas of townscape characterareas of Townscape Character (aTCs) are designated in accordance with PPS 6 –Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage and PPS 6 (addendum) – areas of Townscape Character. aTCs have been designated in the following settlements.

Banbridge district newry and Mourne districtannaclone (1) annalong (1)Banbridge Town (3) Bessbrook (2)dromore (2) Crossmaglen (1)gilford (2) Forkhill (1)Leitrim (1) Hilltown (1)rathfriland (1) Jerrettspass (1)Scarva (1) Kilkeel (1)Tullylish (1) newry City (10)Loughbrickland (1) rostrevor (2) warrenpoint/Burren (2)

( ) indicates the number of aTCs designated in the settlement.

development proposals within aTCs will be considered in the context of prevailing regional policy and the Plan Proposals.

More detail on the traditional character, appearance and key features of the designated aTCs, with advice on development within these areas is provided in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

historic Parks, gardens and Demesnesin accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, archaeology and the Built environment, Historic Parks, gardens and demesnes are designated in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. Policy for their protection is contained in Policy BH 6 of PPS 6 - Planning archaeology and the Built Heritage. information about each designated site is contained in the Countryside assessment Supplement.

54

These historic parks, gardens and demesnes are detailed in a register to be published by niea. The register summarises the historical significance of each site and the contribution such planned features make to the local landscape. it also seeks to encourage the public, as well as owners, to value and support the protection and maintenance of such sites.

Areas of Significant Archaeological Interestin accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage, an area of Significant archaeological interest (aSai) is designated at the dorsey as identified in Volume 3 of the Plan.

Policy cVn 2Areas of Significant Archaeological Interest

within designated areas of Significant archaeological interest, planning permission will not be granted for proposals for large scale development, unless it can be demonstrated that there will be no significant impact on the character and appearance of this distinctive historic landscape.

The department will use its development management powers to ensure that the setting of the monuments is preserved, and that development does not have a detrimental effect on sites and monuments, or the character, appearance or visual amenity of the surrounding landscape. accordingly, there will be a general presumption against large-scale developments within the aSai, such as quarrying or mining operations, waste disposal, industrial units, major tourism schemes and the erection of masts, pylons or wind turbines as it is considered the scale and overall impact of such proposals could be particularly damaging to the distinctive appearance, character and heritage interests of the area. other development proposals will be determined on their merits having regard to the prevailing regional planning policy and the policies and proposals in the Plan.

in exceptional circumstances where planning permission is granted for development within an aSai, the department will require the implementation of appropriate mitigation works.

Areas of Archaeological Potentialin accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage, the following areas of archaeological Potential (aaPs) are highlighted for information in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

Banbridge district newry and Mourne districtBanbridge newrydromore Crossmaglengilford Kilkeelrathfriland newtownhamiltonLawrencetown annalongLoughbrickland atticalScarva CamloughPoyntzpass Cullyhannaannaclone / Monteith Forkhillardtanagh HilltownBallyward MayobridgeCorbet rostrevordechomet Belleekglasker CregganKatesbridge CullavilleLenaderg greencastleMoneyslane JerrettspassTullylish Killowen

These areas indicate to developers that, on the basis of current knowledge, it is likely that archaeological remains will be encountered in the course of future development or change within the area. Submission of an archaeological assessment or evaluation in support of a planning application may be required to allow informed and reasonable decisions to be taken. archaeological assessments may be required under the provisions of prevailing regional policy.

all greenfield sites, whether or not they contain known features, have archaeological potential. The Plan area contains areas within which archaeological potential may exist but has yet to be fully assessed. where archaeological remains or their settings may be affected by development, applicants


55

should submit an assessment or evaluation of the archaeological implications of their scheme and how any impacts will be mitigated as part of their planning application.

developers are strongly advised to liaise with the department before submitting any proposals within these areas. advice on the treatment of archaeological sites and monuments within residential developments is contained within the department’s Publication ‘Creating Places: achieving quality in residential developments’.

Planning policy in relation to archaeology is contained in PPS 6 - Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage.

landscapeThe Plan area has a rich and varied landscape which includes much of the Mournes aonB (including Slieve Croob), the ring of gullion aonB and the shores of Carlingford Lough. The landscape character areas within the Plan area are described in the published northern ireland Landscape Character assessment (niLCa) 2000.

local landscape Policy Areasin accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage, LLPas are designated in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

Policy cVn 3local landscape Policy Areas

within designated LLPas, planning permission will not be granted to development proposals that would be liable to adversely affect their intrinsic environmental value and character, as set out in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

where riverbanks are included within LLPas, public access may be required to the river corridor as part of the development proposal.

where proposals are within and/or adjoining a designated LLPa, a landscape buffer may be required to protect the environmental quality of the LLPa.

LLPas are designated to help protect the environmental assets within or adjoining settlements. They include:

• archaeological sites and monuments and their surroundings;

• listed and other locally important buildings and their surroundings;

• river banks and shore lines and associated public access;

• attractive vistas, localised hills and other areas of local amenity importance; and

• areas of local nature conservation importance, including areas of woodland and important tree groups.

Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan identify the principle environmental assets included within the LLPa. However, this does not represent an exhaustive list. non-statutory supplementary guidance will be made available identifying other interests of acknowledged importance such as listed buildings and archaeological remains.

The LLPas are identified on Maps 2/01 and 3/01 and the relevant Settlement Maps. The department can provide larger scale maps of these upon request.

The use of Tree Preservation orders (TPos) will be considered by the department for those LLPas where a tree or trees contribute significantly to visual amenity, or are considered under threat from development. in cases where a TPo is already in existence, the LLPa policy will act in addition to and without prejudice to any other statutory provision associated with this order.

where LLPas contain significant parts of historic parks, gardens or demesnes, conservation areas, listed buildings, and archaeological monuments, this policy will apply in addition to and without prejudice to any other statutory provision or policy relating to these features.

56

coU nt rYSI De A n D coA St

The character of the countryside throughout the Plan area, its landscapes, biodiversity and heritage are detailed in the Countryside assessment Supplement.

The Plan area coastline extends for approximately 50 kilometres from the newry river estuary in the west to Maggy’s Leap, at the foot of Slieve donard, in the east. The city of newry and the towns of warrenpoint and Kilkeel, as well as a number of villages and small settlements, are located adjacent to the coast. almost all of the coastal area is within either the Mourne aonB or the ring of gullion aonB.

Sections of the coast are protected by a number of international and national nature conservation designations. These include:

• Carlingford Lough ramsar site;

• Carlingford Lough Special Protected area (SPa);

• Murlough Special area of Conservation (SaC);

• Carlingford Lough area of Special Scientific interest (aSSi);

• Kilkeel Steps (aSSi)

• Mourne Coast area of Scientific interest (aSi); and

• South Mourne Coast aSi.

details of these designations can be found in the Countryside assessment Supplement and are indicated on the accompanying district Maps.

regional Policy contextThe rdS sets strategic guidance to:-

• sustain rural communities living in smaller settlements and the open countryside (SFg13); and

• improve accessibility for rural communities (SFg14)

This is balanced against guidance to conserve, protect and where possible enhance our natural environment (rg11).This means conserving, protecting and where possible enhancing areas recognised for their landscape quality and protecting designated areas of countryside from inappropriate development. The rdS has identified the Mournes as a Strategic natural resource.

Planning Policy Statement 21(PPS 21) - Sustainable development in the Countryside (doe, June 2010), sets out planning policies for development in the countryside. it aims to manage development in the countryside which strikes a balance between the need to protect the countryside from unnecessary or inappropriate development, while supporting rural communities.

PPS 21 recognises the importance of:

• managing growth in the countryside to achieve appropriate and sustainable patterns of development that meet the essential needs of a vibrant rural community;

• conserving the landscape and natural resources of the rural area and to protect it from excessive, inappropriate or obtrusive development and from the actual or potential effects of pollution;

• facilitating development necessary to achieve a sustainable rural economy, including appropriate farm diversification and other economic activity; and

• promoting high standards in the design, siting and landscaping of development in the countryside.


57

it also recognises that there are some areas of the countryside with exceptional landscapes, such as the High Mournes, stretches of the coast or lough shores, and certain views or vistas, wherein the quality of the landscape and unique amenity value is such that development should only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Based upon the Countryside assessment, these areas will be identified and designated as Special Countryside areas.

Policy coU 1Special countryside Areas

within Special Countryside areas, planning permission will only be granted to development proposals which are:

• of such national or regional importance as to outweigh any potential detrimental impact on the unique qualities of the upland environment; or

• or the consolidation of existing development providing it is in character and scale, does not threaten any nature conservation or built heritage interest and can be integrated with the landscape.

DeSIg n

our quality of life can be enhanced through good design. The department wishes to secure a high quality of design, layout and landscaping in all new development to ensure more attractive and sustainable environments for present and future generations. This emphasis on quality and sustainability means that, these matters are considered as important as the suitability of the site in deciding whether to grant planning permission.

Quality design comes from achieving a balanced response to all the factors influencing a scheme. it will require schemes with individuality and which respond to a local context by making the most of a site’s characteristics and its landscape or townscape setting. Quality design also entails variety and contrast within developments in terms of layout, boundaries and planting, and in adapting the buildings and spaces around them, to enhance local distinctiveness. it requires a greater attention to detail and consideration of other matters which contribute to a sense of place, such as the creation of landmarks and the use of public art. Quality design addresses the needs of children and the elderly and encourages pedestrian and cycle movements, makes provision for increased use of public transport, promotes biodiversity, encourages wildlife and integrates open space.

good design can contribute to the creation of a safer and more secure environment through careful consideration of how buildings and the spaces around them will be used and perceived. areas which are well used or benefit from passive surveillance, feel safe and are less likely to suffer from problems with anti-social behaviour and crime. useful advice and guidance is available through the Secured by design initiative (uK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of ‘designing out crime’.)

regional Policy contextThe rdS 2035 recognises that the right environment can help strengthen community cohesion (rg6), foster a stronger community spirit and increase our sense of place. it supports urban and rural renaissance (rg7), which involves the process of development and redevelopment in urban areas and revitalising the centres of small towns and villages. redevelopment can include the reuse of both Listed Buildings and of locally important buildings, particularly the reuse of vernacular buildings and industrial heritage buildings/structures.

58

it is therefore important to:

• develop innovative ways to bring forward under-utilised land and buildings, particularly for mixed use development; there should be a focus on integrating new schemes within the existing townscape;

• promote regeneration in areas of social need;

• ensure that environmental quality in urban areas is improved and maintained, particularly with adequate provision of green infrastructure; and

• reduce noise pollution. noise levels which are above comfort levels can be caused by traffic, construction, industrial, and some recreational activities.

PPS 1 - general Principles sets out the key themes that underlie the department’s overall approach to planning across the whole range of land use topics. it highlights the importance of good design in promoting sustainable development; improving the quality of the existing environment; attracting business and investment; reinforcing civic pride and creating a distinct sense of place.

PPS 7 - Quality residential environments sets out the department’s regional planning policies for achieving quality in the design and layout of new residential developments. it is accompanied by two addendums – residential extension and alterations (March 2008) and Safeguarding the Character of residential areas (august 2010).

PPS 6 - Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage and addendum to PPS 6 - areas of Townscape Character, set out the department’s regional planning policies for the protection and conservation of the built heritage.

PPS 21 - Sustainable development in the Countryside contains regional planning policies for the location, siting and design of development in the countryside.

Further regional planning policies relating to urban design are currently set out in the Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland (SP 18, deS 2 and deS 4)

Supplementary planning guidance is contained in the following documents: -

• ‘Creating Places, achieving Quality in residential developments’ (May 2000);

• ‘Building on Tradition’ a Sustainable design guide for the northern ireland Countryside (May 2012) ;

• Various Conservation area designation documents and design guides;

• dwellings in the Mournes: a design guide (april 1990); and

• ring of gullion aonB: guide to designation (doe (ni) december 1991).

Urban Designinteraction with the urban environment is an unavoidable part of everyday life. it is therefore desirable to create attractive, high quality, sustainable places in which to live, work and relax. development often presents opportunities to improve the urban environment and how it is occupied and used. Careful consideration should be given to how any development will interact with the existing surrounding built form and how any new buildings and spaces will be used.

Careful design is particularly important in areas of built heritage importance such as Conservation areas and areas of Townscape Character (aTCs). The aTC designations contained in Volume 2 and Volume 3 of the Plan detail those features that contribute to the distinct character of the urban form.

Many of the sites zoned in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan have key site requirements which contain design guidance relating to the layout of the site, building height etc.


59

Urban Design Policiesregional policies provide an adequate framework for assessing design within the Plan area. However, given the importance attached to retaining attractive town centres, encouraging urban renaissance and urban regeneration, a need for a policy on security grilles and shutters has been identified.

Policy Dgn 1Security grilles and Shutters on non-industrial buildings

where new development includes security shutters, they shall be fully integrated into the frontage of the building at the initial design stage, with the shutter box recessed behind the fascia, and the guide rails concealed within the shop front surround or window reveals.

in the context of building refurbishment and installation of new shop fronts, security shutters shall either be fully recessed behind the fascia, or properly integrated into the new fascia.

Surface mounted shutters will not be granted planning permission.

Shutters shall be perforated or lattice type and colour coated to match the shop front. unpainted galvanised shutters will not be granted planning permission.

increasing levels of crime and vandalism, and the fear of them, have led to many businesses taking measures to improve security. a number of options are used, including video surveillance, alarm systems, provision of removable external grilles, and other external roller shutters of various designs.

whilst some of these measures may have little impact on the appearance of a building, others can have a significant impact both individually and collectively on the street scene. externally mounted security shutters can be highly intrusive and damaging to the appearance of an area, particularly when located on Listed Buildings or on buildings within Conservation areas or aTCs. Their impact can be reduced by installing latticed or perforated shutters colour coated to match the shop front. This also permits some penetration of light from within the premises creating a more pleasant night-time environment.

internal lattice grilles are the least damaging, allowing window displays and lighting to remain visible. use of toughened glass is another alternative.

in determination of applications for planning permission for external grilles and shutters, account will be taken of their impact individually and cumulatively on the street scene and the need for security.

DOWNDISTRICT

ARMAGH CITY& DISTRICT

REPUBLIC OFIRELAND

Newtownhamilton

Crossmaglen

NEWRY

Warrenpoint/Burren

Kilkeel

NEWRY & MOURNEDISTRICT

CRAIGAVONBOROUGH

LISBURNCITYDromore

Rathfriland

Gilford

BANBRIDGE

BANBRIDGEDISTRICT

Map No. 1 - Overview

Banbridge / Newry & MourneArea Plan 2015

This material is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authorityfrom the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right, NIMA No. EMOU206.1 (2013).

0 2.5 5 Kilometres

Special Countryside Area

Plan Area Settlement

Council Boundary

Plan Area Boundary

Road Network

61

Volume 1 - APPen DIceS

Volume 1 - APPenDIceS

62

A PPen DIX 1

PolIc Y cont e X t

• The Belfast agreement – The outcome of the multi-party negotiations on the future of northern ireland, april 1998;

• The northern ireland act 1998;

• The uK government’s white Paper on Partnership for equality, dFP March 1998 (leading to the development of new Targeting Social need Policy);

• Policy appraisal and the environment, deTr april 1998;

• The uK government’s white Paper on the future of Transport, “a new deal for Transport: Better for everyone”, deTr 1998;

• “Moving forward – the northern ireland Transport Policy Statement”, doe 1998;

• “a Better Quality of Life – a uK Strategy for Sustainable development”, deTr May 1999;

• The Strategic Planning (northern ireland) order 1999;

• The Planning (amendment) (northern ireland) order 2003;

• Strategy 2010 – a report by the economic development Strategy review Steering group, March 1999;

• “Creating Places – achieving quality in residential developments”, design guide published by doe and drd, May 2000;

• The northern ireland Programme for government;

• Biodiversity in northern ireland: recommendations to government for a Biodiversity Strategy, northern ireland Biodiversity group, october 2000;

• river Conservation Strategy: an environment and Heritage Service strategy to protect,

conserve and enhance to natural and built heritage values of rivers in northern ireland and facilitate their sustainable use, doe 2001;

• “Shaping our Future – rdS for northern ireland 2025”, September 2001;

• “regional Transportation Strategy for northern ireland 2002 - 2012”, July 2002;

• northern ireland waste Management Strategy, doe 2005;

• “northern ireland Biodiversity Strategy” northern ireland Biodiversity group, august 2002;

• The regional Strategic Transport network Transport Plan, March 2005;

• “Public examination – report of the Panel on the review of Housing growth indicators”, Shaping our Future – Housing review, March 2006;

• “review of Housing Figures – response by the department of regional development to the report of the independent Panel following the Public examination”, June 2006;

• “a Sustainable development Strategy for northern ireland: everyone’s involved”, northern ireland executive 2010;

• regional development Strategy 2035 – “Building a Better Future,” March 2012


63

A PPen DIX 2

Pl A n n I ng PolIc Y StAt e M e ntS

Published

PPS 1 general Principles- March 1998

PPS 2 Planning and nature Conservation- June 1997

PPS 3 (Clarification) access, Movement and Parking- February 2005

PPS 4 Planning and economic development-november 2010

PPS 4 (Clarification) Planning and economic development- September 2011

PPS 5 retailing and Town Centres- June 1996

PPS 6 Planning, archaeology and the Built Heritage - March 1999

PPS 6 (addendum) areas of Townscape Character- august 2005

PPS 7 Quality residential environments- June 2001

PPS 7 (addendum) residential extensions and alterations- March 2008

PPS 7 (addendum) Safeguarding the Character of residential areas- august 2010

PPS 8 open Space, Sport and outdoor recreation- February 2004

PPS 9 The enforcement of Planning Control- March 2000

PPS 10 Telecommunications- april 2002

PPS 11 Planning and waste Management- december 2002

PPS 12 Housing in Settlements- July 2005

PPS 12 Policy HS 3 (amended) ‘Travellers’ accommodation’- January 2013

PPS 13 Transportation and Land use- February 2005

PPS 15 Planning and Flood risk- June 2006

PPS 17 Control of outdoor advertisements- March 2006

PPS 18 renewable energy- august 2009

PPS 21 Sustainable development in the Countryside June 2010

Issued for consultation

PPS 2 (draft) (revised) natural Heritage- March 2011

PPS 5 (draft) retailing, Town Centres and Commercial Leisure developments- July 2006

PPS 16 (draft) Tourism- november 2010

PPS 23 (draft) enabling development- January 2011

64

A PPen DIX 3

De V e loPM e nt cont rol A DV Ice not eS

Published

dCan 1 amusement Centres

dCan 2 Multiple occupancy

dCan 3 Bookmaking offices

dCan 4 restaurants, Cafes and Fast Food outlets

dCan 5 Taxi offices

dCan 7 Public Houses

dCan 8 Housing in existing urban areas

dCan 9 residential and nursing Homes

dCan 10 environmental impact assessment

dCan 11 access for People with disabilities

dCan 12 Planning Control for Hazardous Substances

dCan 13 Crèches, day nurseries and Pre-School Playgroups

dCan 14 Siting and design of radio Telecommunications equipment

dCan 15 Vehicular access Standards

Issued for consultation

dCan 11 access for all – designing for an accessible environment (revised)


65

A PPen DIX 4

Acron Y MS & goV e rn M e nt De PA rt M e ntS

AcronYMS

AAP area of archaeological Potential

Aonb area of outstanding natural Beauty

ASI area of Scientific interest

ASAI area of Significant archaeological interest

ASSI area of Special Scientific interest

Atc area of Townscape Character

bMA Belfast Metropolitan area

bnMAP Banbridge / newry and Mourne area Plan

cPA Countryside Policy area

ctA Community Technical aid

DcAn development Control advice note

DeFrA department of environment, Food and rural affairs

eIA environmental impact assessment

eQIA equality impact assessment

eSA environmentally Sensitive area

hgIs Housing growth indicators

hnA Housing needs assessment

Ktc Key Transport Corridor

lFA Less Favoured area

llPA Local Landscape Policy area

nIeA northern ireland environment agency

nIhe northern ireland Housing executive

nIlcA northern ireland Landscape Countryside assessment

nItb northern ireland Tourist Board

nnr national nature reserve Site

nrrtI natural resource rural Tourism initiative

AcronYMS

PAc Planning appeals Commission

PPS Planning Policy Statement

PSrnI a Planning Strategy for rural northern ireland

rDS regional development Strategy

rPA review of Public administration

rtS regional Transportation Strategy

rStntP regional Strategic Transport network Transport Plan

SAc Special area of Conservation

ScA Special Countryside area

Selb Southern education & Library Board

SlncI Sites of Local nature Conservation importance

SPA Special Protection area

SPg Strategic Planning guidelines

SrI Strategic road improvements

SrtP Sub-regional Transport Plan

SUDS Sustainable urban drainage Systems

tA Transport assessment

northern IrelAnD goVernMent DePArtMentS

DArD department of agriculture and rural development

DcAl department of Culture, arts and Leisure

DhSSPsdepartment of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Doe department of the environment

DrD department for regional development

DSD department for Social development

BanBridge/newry and MourneA re A Pl A n 2015

Volume 1

Plan StrategyAnd Framework

20

13

plan strategy and framework - planning portal · sites of local nature conservation importance 52...

Documents