Minister signs off Ards Down area plan

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today launched a new framework for future planning decisions and applications in Ards and Down.

The Ards and Down Plan 2015 identifies new land in both council areas which will be zoned for housing, industry and other uses. The Plan also contains measures intended to alleviate traffic problems.

The new plan will also protect and enhance natural and built assets in both council areas, identifying important sites for conservation.

The Minister said at the launch of the plan: “This is a highly significant event in the planning calendar for both councils.

“The plan provides a broad menu of proposals intended to ensure the continued economic and social development of both areas.

“The Department is confident it provides the certainty in the planning framework to guide both districts in the future.

“The area plan follows on from a lengthy consultation process including consideration by the Department of recommendations by the Planning Appeals Commission.”

The new area plan identifies:-

Within Ards Borough, 317 hectares of land zoned for housing in three major towns (Newtownards, Comber and Donaghadee) to cater for all aspects of housing need;

In Down District, 240 hectares of land zoned for housing in the three main towns (Downpatrick, Ballynahinch and Newcastle) to cater for all aspects of housing need;

A total of 32 hectares of land zoned for industry in the main towns in Ards Borough;

In Down District a total of 25 hectares zoned for industry in addition to existing industrial lands;

A total of 79 sites of local nature conservation importance throughout Ards and Down and 11 areas of Townscape Character – five in Down District and six in Ards Borough; and

A total of 152 local landscape policy areas and two areas of high scenic value to ensure development properly integrates into the landscape.

The plan also identifies the site for a new bypass for Ballynahinch and new distributor roads for both Newtownards and Downpatrick to alleviate traffic circulation issues in those towns. Three sites for ‘Park and Ride’ and ‘Park and Share’ schemes are also identified to reduce the number of private cars on local roads.

The Ards and Down plan will inform members of the public, developers, statutory authorities and other interested parties of the policy framework and land use proposals which will guide planning application decisions up to 2015.

As well as identifying sites for appropriate development and for conservation, the plan identifies, defines, designates and safeguards specific areas where the retention of or provision of extra retail, services, leisure and other community facilities will benefit the local population.

The plan will promote appropriate growth of the tourism industry.

Notes to Editors:

1. Copies of the Ards Down Plan 2015 can be obtained from Downpatrick Planning Office, priced £35. Copies are also available on the Planning Service website
2. For media enquiries please contact the DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.