Northern Area Plan 2016
Strategic Plan Framework: Settlements Securing Acceptable Development

The Department will require development proposals to be designed and implemented in accordance with prevailing regional planning policies and with the relevant Plan proposals, including the key site requirements set out for zoned land. The key site requirements identify the most important matters known to the Department that developers will need to address in bringing forward proposals for zoned sites. They focus on the main infrastructure and local design requirements.

Developers should, however, note that there may be a need for certain supplementary infrastructure works and/or mitigation measures necessary to facilitate the specific scale and form of development proposed that can only be identified at planning application stage. Examples may be as a result of an Environmental Impact Assessment or a Transport Assessment.

Many development proposals will require the improvement of existing infrastructure and/or the provision of additional supplementary infrastructure works to enable the development to take place. These may include transport infrastructure, water and sewerage or land drainage. It is presently Government policy that developers should bear the cost of works required to facilitate their development proposals. This policy applies to both public and private sector developments. Where appropriate, planning agreements under Article 40 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 may be used to enable developers to proceed. Developers are urged to liaise early in the preparation of their proposals with the relevant Department, Agency or service provider.

Some development sites will require existing infrastructure, such as major watermains and sewers, and designated watercourses, to be safeguarded. This may include ensuring that such infrastructure is not built over and that necessary wayleave strips are retained to facilitate maintenance. It is a developer’s responsibility to liaise with the relevant agencies in this regard.

² Since the drafting of the Plan, planning appeals have been allowed on a number of sites which are now shown in the Green Belt. The overall housing figures will be reviewed to take account of such commitments prior to any Public Inquiry (See Appendix 5)