Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
District Proposals: Rathfriland Settlement

The settlement development limit has been designated to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing and sites that have not yet been approved but are at a stage in the planning application process where there is reasonable expectation that approval will be granted. The settlement development limit has been drawn to take account of the role of the settlement, accommodating sites for new development while protecting its extremely attractive and distinctive natural setting.

The settlement development limit recognises the important contribution of the steep slopes on the northern and western sides of Rathfriland to the setting of the town. It is important that these slopes are protected from development. It is considered that development in these areas would alter the context of the settlement and should remain free from development. The limit will prevent further intrusion of development into the countryside on the north and west edges of the settlement, while consolidating the town and preventing intrusive sprawl into the countryside on the southern and eastern edges of the town along Back Road, Loughbrickland Road, Newry Road and Drumlough Road.