Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
Preamble (Page 3 of 3)
Strategic Environmental Assessment
European Directive 2001/42/EC requires SEA of a wide range of plans and programmes, including development plans. The objective of the 'SEA Directive' is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans with a view to promoting sustainable development.
SEA includes:
- preparation of an Environmental Report on the likely significant effects of the Draft Plan;
- consulting on the Draft Plan and the accompanying Environmental Report;
- consideration of the Environmental Report and the results of consultation; and
- preparation of a statement to show how the Environmental Report and results of consultation have been taken into account in the adoption of the Plan.
The Environmental Report of the SEA is published for consultation along with the Plan.
Appropriate Assessment
Article 6 of the European Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC states that any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site shall be subject to appropriate assessment of it's implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. Accordingly, the Plan proposals have been assessed as to their likely effects on the following Natura 2000 sites:
- Carlingford Lough SPA;
- Carlingford Lough SPA (ROI);
- Lough Neagh and Lough Beg SPA;
- Derryleckagh SAC;
- Eastern Mournes SAC;
- Murlough SAC;
- Rostrevor Wood SAC; and
- Slieve Gullion SAC.
An Appropriate Assessment Report is published along with the Plan.
Equality of Opportunity
The Northern Ireland Act 1998, Section 75 has placed the following statutory requirement on each public authority:
- To carry out its functions with due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity:
- Between persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status or sexual orientation;
- Between men and women generally;
- Between persons with a disability and persons without; and
- Between persons with dependants and persons without.
- Without prejudice to its obligation under subsection 1, a public authority shall, in carrying out its functions relating to Northern Ireland, have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.The Department has sought to ensure that the Plan does not have the effect of discriminating against individuals or groups of people who fall within these categories. The Equality Impact Assessment of the policies and proposals contained in the Plan has considered any potentially adverse effects on these groups.
The Anti-Poverty Strategy
The Department is committed to implementing The Anti-Poverty Strategy, which involves tackling social need and social exclusion by targeting efforts and available resources towards people, groups and areas objectively defined as being in social need. This requires the application of objective measures to identify where deprivation occurs, and then targeting existing and new spending more effectively to address the needs of the most deprived peoples and areas.
Planning Service is not a major spending Agency. However, one of the main functions of a development plan is to facilitate development and create a land use framework that will allow investment to take place. The Plan seeks to apply The Anti-Poverty Strategy through specific objectives, policies and proposals.
Review of Public Administration
The Review of Public Administration (RPA) is a far-reaching review of the arrangements for the delivery of public services in Northern Ireland. It is proposed that in future there will be a two-tier model within which all public services in Northern Ireland will operate. The regional tier, which largely comprises central government departments, will concentrate mainly on policy development, strategic planning and setting and monitoring standards. The sub-regional tier, that will have local government at its core, will be the main vehicle for delivery of local public services. It is proposed that there will be seven local authorities with new or enhanced responsibilities including responsibility for the preparation of development plans, development control and enforcement functions. There will also be a single strategic regional health authority and a single education authority to replace the current area boards.
Rural Proofing
The Plan has been prepared in line with "A Guide to Rural Proofing - considering the needs of rural communities" produced by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). Rural proofing ensures that the needs and special considerations of rural communities and areas are routinely and objectively considered as part of the policy development process.
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