Northern Area Plan 2016
Strategic Plan Framework: Environment and Conservation Biodiversity

It is important to recognise the biodiversity significance of Northern Ireland’s habitats in the British Isles and beyond. As one of the most westerly outliers of Europe, many of our communities of plants and animals represent extreme oceanic (mild and wet) examples.

The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group, which undertook a study of wildlife and habitats in Northern Ireland, published a set of 76 recommendations for protection and enhancement of biodiversity, including habitats and species identified for priority action. The Northern Ireland Executive committed itself to delivering action on these recommendations and published the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy in August 2002 to protect and enhance Biodiversity in Northern Ireland over the period to 2016.

The Strategy identifies 40 habitats as priorities for conservation action in Northern Ireland. The Northern Area Plan has examples of 22 priority habitats including Coastal sand dunes, Maritime cliffs and Slopes, Coastal and Floodplain grazing Marsh and Wet Woodland. The varied landscape of the Plan area also contains a number of priority species including Red Grouse, Chough, Yellowhammer, and Small White Orchid.

The range of priority habitats and species listed through the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy will be protected from proposals for development that could harm their integrity, continuity, links or ecological relationships.

In exceptional circumstances where development is considered to be appropriate, conditions will be imposed to instruct developers on the required measures for management and enhancement of the site.

A Planning Agreement may be required with the developer in order to reduce, offset or compensate for any of the effects of the development by the provision of new or enhanced habitats or features and their improved management.