To protect from development those parts of the coast, within urban areas, which are important in terms of their amenity or nature conservation value.

Within many of Northern Ireland's coastal settlements there are stretches of coastline which are of amenity value - public and private parkland, golf courses, coastal walkways and general amenity open space. Such areas are of great importance to the character of settlements.

There will be a presumption against inappropriate development on green areas and open space along the coast with existing urban areas. Appropriate development would include small scale tourist or recreational development in association with existing open space uses.

The enlargement and enhancement of existing amenity open space along the coastline within existing settlements will be encouraged.

The coastline, and in particular its estuaries, has long been a prime location for human settlement. Along with human settlement however has come great pressure - from industry, pollution, harbours, land reclamation and recreational demand. On the other hand, the sheltered nature of many estuaries, together with a range of habitat types, has resulted in them being of considerable wildlife value. They are particularly important as feeding grounds for migratory wild fowl and wading birds.

Areas of nature conservation interest will be identified, protected, and their positive management and enhancement promoted. Proposals for development will therefore normally be unacceptable if they would seriously affect areas of significant nature conservation importance or other nature conservation interests - see policies CON1 and CON2. The introduction of new amenity areas or habitats in waterfront redevelopment schemes will be encouraged.

Coastal areas, as a result of their long history of settlement, can have significant historical and archaeological potential. The need to protect this maritime heritage will be an important consideration in relation to proposals for development on the coast - see policy CON5.