Policy Framework

This part of the Written Statement sets out the Strategic Plan Framework comprising allocations, designations, and policies relating to the whole District, which complement, and are in reference to, the Regional Policy Context.

The potential for growth in tourism within the District rests on the beauty of the landscapes and variety of interests and heritage features to be enjoyed. Lough Neagh, Lough Beg, the River Bann, Moyola River and the Sperrin Mountains are recognised for the quality of their natural landscapes. The District’s built heritage is wide-ranging and varied, and includes historic buildings such as Bellaghy Bawn, and historic monuments such as St. Lurach’s old church in Maghera.

The historic Magherafelt town is located in the heart of mid Ulster and is well placed in relation to the Regional Strategic Transport Network. It is located close to the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has the potential to develop further as a base for touring within the District.

Promotion and marketing of tourism in the District is primarily the responsibility of Magherafelt District Council. It operates a range of local tourist facilities including picnic and amenity sites. The Department of Environment and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provide additional facilities such as specifically assigned tourist walks as well as access to sites in their care.

There are a number of other bodies who are concerned with tourism in the area. Sperrins Tourism Limited has a responsibility for the development and marketing of tourism in the Sperrins area. The Lower Bann Advisory Committee co-ordinates management and policy making amongst the statutory agencies responsible for various aspects of the Lower Bann. The Lough Neagh Advisory Committee aims to manage, enhance and market recreational opportunities for local people and visitors.

The private sector provides tourist accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfast and self-catering chalets, and other tourism services. The potential exists to develop further the range and quality of facilities.

REGIONAL POLICY CONTEXT

The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) promotes sustainable tourism and the establishment of a positive and attractive world-wide image for Northern Ireland.

Departmental planning policy for tourism development and accommodation, caravan and camping sites, signage and the protection of tourism assets is set out in the Rural Strategy.

Realising the tourism potential of the District will continue to require investment in marketing, product development and physical facilities in terms of visitor infrastructure, and especially visitor accommodation. Since a vibrant tourism sector depends on a quality host environment, its growth must be based on the provision of quality tourism facilities and accommodation that contributes to the sustainability of the industry.

The ‘Natural Resource Rural Tourism’ administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in partnership with the Department of Environment Environment and Heritage Service and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is an initiative which may facilitate small scale tourist development.

The NITB in its publication “Tourism in Northern Ireland – A Sustainable Approach” sets out the principles of sustainable tourism and the basis for its assessment of proposals for tourism development.

Tourism Development Opportunity Areas

SPG – ECON 9 of the RDS refers to “Tourism Development Opportunities” related to “Strategic Natural Resources” and based on “Distinctive Tourism Themes”. It identifies two within the District, the Sperrin Mountains and Lough Neagh.

It is intended that the private sector should develop “Destination Resort Complexes” based on “Distinctive Tourism Themes”. The objective is to encourage the development of a cluster of activities led largely by private sector initiatives.

The Regional Development Strategy does not clearly define the extent of the “Tourism Development Opportunities” or establish appropriate locations for the “Destination Resort Complexes”, nor does it place an obligation on development plans to do so. It states that a proposed multi-purpose complex should be sensitively located both in relation to a “Strategic Natural Resource” and a “local tourism gateway town”, as well as to public transport services.

Development proposals based on the theme of “Tourism Development Opportunity” areas and “Destination Resorts” will be subject to the requirements of prevailing planning policy. In addition to the normal planning considerations the suitability of planning applications based on this theme will include an analysis of the nature of the proposal, its content and its location.

Sperrin Mountains

Tourism in the Sperrins is still an emerging industry. It is a major Tourism Development Opportunity related to walking activities, angling, and the appreciation of the area’s culture, landscape, natural and built heritage and overall physical splendor.

Lough Neagh

This is a Tourism Development Opportunity related to wildlife and activity tourism. Lough Neagh already provides excellent opportunities for sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation. At present it is used for a number of different activities including angling, canoeing, walking and cruising.