The District Proposals have been developed in the context of the Plan Strategy and the Plan Proposals contained in Volume 1 of the Plan. They therefore reflect the planning policy content of the Regional Development Strategy, Planning Policy Statements and the Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland.
In addition to the Strategic Planning Guidelines relevant to the development of the Plan Proposals applying to the BMA as a whole, which are set out in Part 3 of Volume 1 of the Plan, there are also a number of SPGs and measures specifically relevant to Carrickfergus as follows:-

Strategic Planning Guidelines and measures for Carrickfergus:

• To create a thriving Metropolitan Area centred on a revitalised city of Belfast which aims to build on the distinctive and complementary roles of each of the component urban centres within the BMA to create a strong city complex capable of competing in the league of European Cities (SPG-BMA 1).
   

• To develop the Town of Carrickfergus and strengthen the multi functional role of its Town Centre by (BMA 1.3):-
   

  • recognising Carrickfergus as a heritage town and an important industrial and service centre with a strengthened housing role, whilst continuing to regenerate its Town Centre and waterfront area;
     

  • the improvement of road and rail links with Belfast and the regional gateways, to give the Town advantages in terms of potential for further investment and development as an important centre of industry and commerce; and
     

  • focusing on the unique attractions of Carrickfergus Castle and the marina and maximisation of the benefits of the Lough Shore location.
     

• To promote an urban renaissance throughout the Belfast Metropolitan Area by (SPG-BMA 2):-
   

• promoting urban economic development at key locations, and on suitable sites, throughout the Metropolitan Area including:-
   

  • the promotion of a renewed focus on the regeneration of Carrickfergus Town Centre and areas of disadvantage and deprivation; and
     

  • developing tourism potential by enhancing the role of the BMA as a major gateway to Northern Ireland, developing Carrickfergus as a seaside centre of leisure and embracing opportunities to create ‘a string of pearls’ waterfront development on the seafront of Belfast Lough with specific opportunity at Carrickfergus Castle and Marina Area.
     

• Enhance the quality of the urban environment throughout the Metropolitan Area by (BMA 2.3):

• Protecting Areas of High Scenic Value around the Metropolitan Area and seeking to keep hill slopes and skylines free from urban development:-

   

  • protecting and enhancing a network of open space including county parks, landscape wedges, parks and community greenways; and
     

  • by keeping buffer wedges at the edge of the main component areas to distinguish and maintain the identities of Bangor, Carrickfergus, Dundonald, Holywood and Lisburn.
     

• To develop and enhance the Metropolitan Transport Corridor Network by (SPG- BMA 3):-

The Metropolitan Transport Corridors that radiate from Belfast City Centre and link together with the constituent parts of the BMA are important for integrating land use and planning. To develop these corridors it will be necessary to:-

• create an integrated Metropolitan Transport Corridor Network, developing a system of strategic transport corridors based on the Metropolitan Transport Corridors and their connections to the Key and Link Transport Corridors. These will form the main development spines around which future land use patterns will be planned;
   

• prepare Transport Corridor Plans, to achieve general consistency in programming the implementation of integrated transportation measures with the housing and employment opportunities, provide for more efficient linking of Belfast with other parts of the BMA including Carrickfergus; and
   

• balance inner and outer accessibility by recognising the different role and potential of orbital, as well as radial corridors and assess the need for additional transport corridor plans for orbital routes to improve accessibility links around the BMA.
   

• To extend travel choice for all sections of the community by enhancing public transport through (SPG-TRAN 2):-
   

  • strengthening the bus network in ways which will reinforce the locational policies in the Spatial Development Strategy; and
     

  • strengthening the regional rail system by further developing commuter rail services in the BMA connecting Belfast to other cities and towns such as Carrickfergus providing linkages with the line to Derry and Larne.
     

• To integrate land use and transportation by (SPG-TRAN 3):-
   

  • developing land use patterns which contribute to a much better range of travel choices for all, and reduce the demand for travel (TRAN 3.1).

• To set housing growth indicators to guide the distribution of housing in the Region over the period to 2015, through the development plan process, in accordance with the Spatial Development Strategy (SPG-HOU 3).

• To continue to create and sustain an attractive and unique rural environment in the interests of the rural community and the region as a whole (SPG-RNI 5).

This involves the control of development in areas, particularly the main commuter zone around the BMA where there is pressure for development by means of Green Belt to maintain the rural character and tranquillity of the countryside. The Department shall plan for a more measured growth in those small towns and villages in the BMA hinterland which have been growing too fast due to mobile housing demand, in order to protect their identity, character and setting.

• To protect and enhance a varied range of tourism development opportunities as set out below (SPG-ECON 9):-

   

  • protect and enhance water based visitor amenities through the development of the water based pursuits at existing marinas including Carrickfergus by developing new marinas and moorings; and

   

  • promote cultural and historic attractions through the protection of a network of heritage towns including Carrickfergus as a focus for cultural heritage tourism.