Northern Area Plan 2016
Strategic Plan Framework: Industry, Business and Distribution Identification of Land for Industrial, Business and Distribution Development

Under existing and emerging policy guidance contained in PPS 4 and the replacement Consultation Draft PPS 4, the Department may designate land for a range of activities under the general description of Industry. The types of uses referred to in the PPS are:

The Department zones land to meet the needs of new industry and business enterprises over the Plan period. These are shown on the relevant settlement maps.

The range of uses for each site has been individually identified to provide clear guidance. Where environmental concerns could potentially arise as a result of inappropriate employment use on a site, the range of suitable activities has been restricted. However, the Department is mindful of the need to provide flexibility in employment provision to accommodate changes in the economy over the Plan period. The zonings therefore provide as wide a range of uses on sites as possible.

The need to maintain water quality in areas where there is limited capacity in local water bodies to receive treated waste-water may constrain the development of industries that generate significant volumes of process or cooling effluent.

The key site requirements affecting zoned lands are set out in the relevant settlement sections in Volume 2 of the Plan. These include the provision of infrastructure, landscaping and appropriate access arrangements as well as matters relating to form, design and layout of development. Many sites will be acceptable for a range of employment purposes, including manufacturing, storage and distribution, but excludes office and retail development.