Regional Planning Policies - Sport & Recreation

Policies: REC 1 | REC 2 | REC 3 | REC 4 | REC 5 |

Policy REC 4 Informal Recreation

This policy has been superseded by: PPS8-Open Space,Sport and Outdoor Recreation 271KB To Improve and extend the opportunities for the public to enjoy the countryside. Countryside recreation is the term used to describe informal use of the countryside. It includes activities such as walking, country drives, cycling, horse riding, visits to country parks and to historic parks and gardens, and picnicking. People visit the countryside in their local areas and as tourists; indeed countryside recreation is a major tourism activity throughout Northern Ireland. Countryside recreation can create a demand for facilities such as car parks, picnic areas and pathways. Such facilities should be carefully designed and sited so as not to harm the attractiveness or character of the area, or its natural and man-made heritage. In some cases facilities may need to be limited so that a particular site is not over-used. In consultation with District Councils, the Department will facilitate greater public access to the countryside and seek to ensure that public rights-of-way are not obstructed by new development - see policy SP 9