Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
Introduction: Regional Supplementary Planning Guidance

The Department's publication, "A Design Guide for Rural Northern Ireland"(May 1994), provides guidance on building in the countryside. Its purpose is to improve the quality of design and to help ensure that new buildings fit into the landscape.

The Department's publication, "Creating Places"(May 2000), provides guidance on the design, character and layout of new housing developments in Northern Ireland. The guide outlines the contributions which developers will be expected to make to achieving sustainable quality residential developments.

The Department also publishes, and updates as necessary, a set of Development Control Advice Notes (DCANs). These explain the planning criteria and technical standards that the Department considers when dealing with specific categories or particular aspects of development in Northern Ireland. DCANs are listed in Appendix 4.

It should be noted that the Department is continuously reviewing its regional policies and advice. It is, therefore, advisable to contact the Divisional Planning Office to ascertain the current relevant policies and supplementary guidance that apply within the Plan Area.