The settlement hierarchy in Castlereagh consists of Metropolitan Castlereagh, the town of Carryduff, the village of Moneyreagh and the small settlements of Ballyknockan, Crossnacreevy, and Ryan Park as identified in Designation Sett 1 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan. 
 

The District Proposals designate a Metropolitan and settlement development limits, zone land and designate Land Use Policy Areas in Metropolitan Castlereagh and the settlements in accordance with the BMA Settlement Strategy in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan. 
 

The distribution of housing growth potential in Metropolitan Castlereagh and the settlements is in accordance with the approach set out in the Housing Strategy and accompanying Plan Proposals in the Housing section in Part 3 Volume 1 of the Plan.  Approximately 254 hectares of land are zoned and designated for housing, including land for the provision of social housing.  Key Site Requirements are stipulated, as appropriate, against which particular site development proposals will be assessed. 
 

The District Proposals facilitate expansion of economic growth in line with the BMA Employment Strategy in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan and provide 211 hectares of additional employment / industrial land in Castlereagh   (including existing employment and industrial land). 
 

Transportation proposals are identified which are intended to facilitate improved flow of vehicular traffic whilst promoting reduction of car travel and the use of alternative modes of transport. Transportation links will be developed by supporting initiatives such as the Quarry Corner – East Link Road and the development of rapid transit schemes (EWAY and Super Route).
 

The BMA Retail and Office Strategies in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan promote town centres and accordingly the Town Centre of Carryduff is promoted a focus for retailing and offices through the identification of a town centre boundary in Carryduff, and the identification of a Development Opportunity Site.  A District Centre is identified at Forestside and a local centre at Dundonald to complement the shopping offer in Carryduff. 
 

The District Proposals identify, define and designate as appropriate, 6 Areas of Townscape Character, 1 Area of Village Character, 1 Historic Park and Garden and urban design criteria for the town centre of Carryduff and the arterial routes of Cregagh Road, Castlereagh Road and Upper Newtownards Road.  These measures will protect areas of architectural, townscape and landscape importance in accordance with the BMA Urban Environment Strategy in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan. 
 

Areas of conservation, archaeological, scientific, landscape or amenity importance or interest within the natural environment are protected through the designation of 26 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance and 23 Local Landscape Policy Areas in line with the BMA Natural Environment Strategy in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan. 
 

In addition to the Greenbelt and Areas of High Scenic Value identified in the Countryside and Coast Section in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan, the District Proposals designate 2 Rural Landscape Wedges and 3 Areas of High Scenic Value to protect important landscapes.  District Proposals also identify Areas of Constraint on Mineral Development to protect visual and conservation amenity.
 

The District Proposals identify, define, designate and safeguard, as appropriate, specific areas where the retention or provision of additional recreational, tourism and other community facilities are required to serve the needs of the area.
 

The District Proposals identify, define and designate Lagan Valley Regional Park Nodes to facilitate provision of recreational, tourist, interpretative and education facilities in the Park.