Northern Area Plan 2016
Limavady Borough: Limavady Development Strategy

In the context of the strategic policies of the Regional Development Strategy, Limavady has been evaluated as having considerable potential for growth. On this basis it is considered that in the period from 1998 to 2016 provision should be made for 1,510 dwellings. Within the existing development limit there are a significant number of potential development opportunities, including land now zoned for housing that had previously been zoned for other purposes. However, there remains a need for some additional land outside the existing development limit to meet the RDS based housing need.

There are a number of natural and built constraints that contribute to Limavady’s distinctive setting, and these were taken into account when choosing appropriate locations for future housing growth. They include the major Local Landscape Policy Areas of the River Roe floodplain to the north and west; the Roe Valley Country Park to the south and south east; the Drenagh Estate to the north and north east; and Castle River to the east. In addition Limavady by- pass to the north of the town completed in 2003, is a further physical impediment to expansion north of the town. After a thorough evaluation of the options, the Plan has included further land suitable for housing on the southern margins of the town.

Limavady has developed as a compact town with minimal areas of vacancy and under-use. The Plan will seek to consolidate this historic pattern of development. The large industrial zoning at Aghanloo, 3 kilometres north of the town, is retained in its entirety. It is envisaged that this will continue to provide extensive opportunities for industrial and other appropriate business use development throughout the Plan period. Previously this area had poor road access, but with the opening of the Limavady by-pass in mid 2003, it has been transformed and now has excellent road links.

The Plan recognises Limavady town centre to be an important district centre, meeting most of the retail and other business needs of the local community. There is abundant evidence however, that the town centre is losing an increasing proportion of the custom of its traditional catchment (the Roe Valley and Magilligan) to other retail centres. While the town centre remains generally in good health, there are concerns about the limited level of investment and some increase in vacancy. The Plan identifies within the town centre a number of major development opportunities where appropriate development will be encouraged, including retailing. The town centre will also be protected from adverse competition from peripheral commercial development.

There is an identified need for substantial open space within the town. The development of the Bovally lands has proceeded over the past 20 years without any significant provision of open space. None of the major open space zonings of the last Area Plan have yet been developed. There is a need, and the opportunity, for open space provision along the Castle River valley on the edge of the Bovally housing, therefore the previous open space zoning in this area is retained. This is required for both passive and formal recreational activities. Consistent with Planning Policy Statement 7:Quality Residential Developments, significant open space will be required as an integral part of future housing developments.