Northern Ireland Planning Service

Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015
District Proposals: Metropolitan Carrickfergus

Designation MCS 01 Metropolitan Development Limit (Carrickfergus)
A portion of the Metropolitan Development Limit is designated in Carrickfergus district as identified on Map No. 2 - Metropolitan Carrickfergus.

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The Metropolitan Development Limit relates to the entire Contiguous Development Zone and in addition to the portion within Carrickfergus District, extends into the neighbouring council area of Newtownabbey as well as Belfast, North Down, Castlereagh and Lisburn Council Areas.
The portion of the Metropolitan Development Limit within Carrickfergus Borough is designated to prevent suburban sprawl and urban impingement into the open countryside between the Contiguous Development Zone and surrounding settlements, including Greenisland. The opportunity for outward expansion is constrained by the coast to the south east and by topographical and environmental factors, including elevated land and high quality landscapes to the north.
A compact urban area will assist in maximising the use of existing infrastructure and resources, reducing the growth in commuting and supporting more effective public transport.

Employment

The University of Ulster, Jordanstown is one of four University of Ulster campuses in Northern Ireland providing teaching, learning and recreational facilities and a centre for innovative research and development. The University is proposing to invest significantly in education and learning facilities at the Jordanstown Campus. The investment will comprise the development of a science park adjacent to the existing university campus within Carrickfergus Borough.
The Plan makes provision for the expansion of university resources to facilitate education/science park uses adjacent to Jordanstown University by zoning 7.72 hectares of land for Employment/Industry to be developed as a Science Park in accordance with Allocation EMP 1 of Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan. All proposals will be assessed in line with the Key Site Requirements as set out below.
The following site MCS 02 is zoned for Employment/Industry as identified on Map No. 2 – Metropolitan Carrickfergus.
Zoning MCS 02 Employment/Industry Land Adjoining the university of Ulster at Jordanstown, Shore Road
Key Site Requirements:-
  • The entirety of the site shall be developed as a science park, consisting of the following university related uses:-
    • research and Development, as defined in Use Class 4 of the Planning (Use Classes) Order (Northern Ireland) 1989 as amended;
    • science and Technology Incubation Units, as defined in Use Class 4 of the same Order;
  • Buildings shall exhibit variety in their elevational treatment with a maximum height of 2-3 storeys set within a generous parkland setting interspersed with high quality landscaping;
  • Development of the site shall only be permitted in accordance with an overall comprehensive masterplan for the site to be agreed with the Department. This shall outline the design concept, objectives and priorities for the site;
  • Access shall be from the existing University of Ulster entrance onto the Shore Road. A Transport Assessment (TA), agreed with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/public transport/transportation facilities in the area;
  • A flood risk assessment of the watercourse within and adjacent to the site shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for the development of the site;
  • A comprehensive landscaping scheme for the proposed development shall be submitted with any planning application for development. This shall include all of the following:-
    • the retention of existing vegetation on the south-west and south - east boundaries unless the Department determines that such vegetation is not of a quality to merit retention or is required to be removed to facilitate a safe means of access to the site. The existing vegetation on these boundaries shall be supplemented with a 5-10 metre belt of trees and planting of native species to provide screening for the development, to be agreed with the Department;
    • the results of a comprehensive survey identifying trees, hedgerows and other vegetation to be retained and incorporated into the proposed development;
    • a detailed planting plan and programme of works for all new vegetation in relation to boundary definition and the provision of high quality landscaping within the site, to be agreed with the Department; and
  • Positive long-term landscape management proposals shall be required to mitigate and integrate any development and to protect and maintain the landscaping on the site. An Article 40 Agreement may be required to ensure delivery of this in accordance with the Department’s requirements.
Detailed consultation with Water Service, DRD will be required regarding Water Service infrastructure within and adjacent to the site.

Detailed consultation with Rivers Agency, DARD will be required.

Detailed consultation with Built Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service, DOE will be required regarding the site’s buried archaeological potential.

A foul sewage pumping station and a water main extension may be required to serve the site.
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