REGIONAL POLICY CONTEXT

The Transportation Strategy of the Plan and specific policies and proposals are prepared within the context of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) and the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS). Both of these strategies share the vision of 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” as a key factor for their successful implementation.

These Regional Strategies also reflect the transportation principles set out in the current Northern Ireland Transport Policy Statement “Moving Forward” published in November 1998, which provides strategic guidelines for the long-term development of the transport network and promotes a more integrated approach to transportation and land use planning at a regional level.

Further detail on the scope and purposes of these overarching transportation strategies are contained in the Transportation Technical Supplement.

The Department’s current regional planning policies on the roads aspects of transportation policy are set out in PPS 3 -Development Control: Roads Considerations. PPS 3 sets out those matters which will be taken into account in determining planning applications involving development which affects the public road network and road safety. Publication of the revised PPS for consultation was issued in 2003 and is due for publication in 2004.

PPS 3 contains the current regional planning policy in relation to the designated Protected Routes Network, which is to restrict accesses onto selected roads. Protected routes within the Plan area are detailed below and shown on Map No.1 - Countryside and the relevant settlement maps.

• A6 Belfast -Toomebridge - Londonderry.

• A29 Newry – Armagh – Dungannon – Cookstown – Moneymore – Maghera – Coleraine.

• A31 Moneymore -Magherafelt -Cookstown.

• A42 Maghera -Ballymena

The Department for Regional Development is currently preparing PPS 13 -“Transportation and Land Use”, which flows directly from the Strategic Policy Guidelines within the Regional Development Strategy and forms part of the implementation process of the Strategy. The PPS will recognise the significance of the RTS in delivering the transportation vision of the Strategy. Its primary objective is to promote an integrated approach to the planning of transportation and development at all levels in the formulation of policy.

Supplementary Planning Guidance is contained in Development Control Advice Note 15 (2^nd edition): Vehicular Access Standards, August 1999.

LOCAL TRANSPORT STUDY

As part of the Sub Regional Transport Plan the Department for Regional Development will carry out a Local Transport Study which, amongst other things will assess car parking, local transportation safety schemes, public transport and cycling. The findings of the Study will be taken into account at the time of the Plan review in 2008.

TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY

Key elements of the Plan’s Transportation Strategy are set out below. Implementation of the Transportation Strategy will assist in the realisation of broader transportation objectives contained in the RDS and RTS.

• Integration of transportation and land use.

The Plan addresses strategic guidance on this issue through the spatial allocation of housing growth over the District and within individual settlements. It does so for example, by focusing a high proportion of growth into towns and particularly Magherafelt which is the main centre of employment. The Plan also seeks to maintain compact urban areas, for example through the priority given to the identification and zoning of sites for housing within the urban footprint. These measures seek to promote greater integration between transportation and land use and to reduce reliance on the private car and provide scope for the greater use of public transport.

• Development of the transport infrastructure.

The Plan seeks to safeguard routes which are important to the continual development of the transport infrastructure.

• Reduction of traffic congestion.

The Plan seeks to relieve traffic congestion within Magherafelt town centre by protecting a route for the proposed Eastern Bypass road.

• Promotion of public transport use.

In accordance with the vision and guidance within the Regional Development Strategy and the RTS and in order to encourage modal shift from private car to public transport, small scale sites offering potential as Park and Ride or Park and Share sites are identified in Part 3 of the Plan along key commuter corridors. These sites will be subject to feasibility studies, taking account of factors such as location, site availability, service capacity and frequency to determine their suitability for development.

• Promotion of walking and cycling.

The RDS and RTS recognise the importance of walking and cycling as economical, environmentally friendly and healthy means of transport that can provide a realistic alternative to the car for short journeys. The Plan addresses this issue, for example through the zoning of sites for housing within the urban footprint and through key site requirements attached to individual housing zonings which provide for dedicated provision for cyclists and pedestrians to the public road and footpath network. A Transport Study will be undertaken by Roads Service to assess current and potential cycle use and routes and hence identify cycle infrastructure requirements in line with RTS priorities.

• Car Parking.

The transportation strategy does not make provision for additional public car parking areas. Assessment of the need for any additional car park facilities within settlements will be addressed by Roads Service through the Transport Study.

Further details in relation to the key elements of the Transportation Strategy are contained in the Transportation Technical Supplement.

Policy TRAN 1 Planning Protection for Transportation Schemes

Planning permission will not be granted for development that would prejudice the availability of land required for transportation scheme proposals.

Transportation schemes are identified in Parts 3 and 4 of the Plan. Transportation schemes, which are considered necessary for the proper development of the area, will be undertaken as resources permit.