Local Development Plan A Summary of our Preferred Address: Planning LDP Team City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Bridgewater House 23a Castlewellan Road Banbridge, BT32 4AX Options Paper

Telephone: 0300 200 7830 (NI General Planning Line) 0300 0300 900 (Main Council Line) MARCH 2018

Email: [email protected] Website: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

Introduction Figure 1.1: Stages in the Local Development Plan (LDP) Process

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon The LDP will also support the future Borough Council’s Local Development growth and related land-use needs LDP STAGES KEY ACTIONS Plan (LDP) will provide the planning of the Borough in terms of housing, framework for sustainable development employment and services, whilst within the Borough up to 2030. It will protecting and enhancing our unique Sustainability Appraisal Incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment inform the general public, investors, environment and heritage. Once adopted, statutory authorities and other interested the LDP will replace the existing Area parties on the local planning policy Plans and regional-wide operational Publish Timetable context and on land-use proposals, to planning policies produced by the former help guide appropriate development to Department of Environment (DoE) – now Publish Preferred Options Paper the right locations through the decision- Department for Infrastructure (DfI). 1 making process.

The Local Development Plan Process Publish Draft Plan Strategy and associated Assessments/Reports The Local Development Plan (LDP) will It is a public consultation document consist of two separate but related published prior to the preparation of the development plan documents. The Plan Strategy and Local Policies Plan. Independent Examination of Draft Plan Strategy will set out a clear vision It sets out the key issues of strategic Plan Stategy and growth strategy for the Borough, significance deemed to affect the 2 supported by a set of policies focussed Borough, along with the preferred options on facilitating sustainable development. to address them. The key issues have emerged from our evidence base, from Adoption of Plan Strategy Once the Plan Strategy has been adopted engagement with Elected Members and the Local Policies Plan will be prepared, Community/Section 75 Groups and from which will deal with locally specific formal and informal consultation with land use policies and proposals. The Statutory Consultation Bodies. Publish Draft Local Policies Plan and Local Policies Plan will detail settlement development limits, land use zonings and The main purpose of the POP is to associated Assessment/Reports environmental designations as well as promote and stimulate debate on the contain appropriate proposals for certain key issues and to encourage feedback Independent Examination of Draft individual places. from a wide range of interest groups and stakeholders, which will help inform the 3 Local Policies Plan The LDP is prepared within the context of next stage of the LDP process. The POP the Council’s Corporate Plan and will help is not a material consideration in the deliver on those elements of the Council’s determination of planning applications Adoption of Local Policies Plan Community Plan (‘Connected’, 2017- and appeals. 2030) which have a spatial dimension. It will also take account of the regional The POP is accompanied by the following direction and policies set by the Northern supporting documentation: Production of Supplementary Ireland Executive and Central Government Planning Documents Departments. The Regional and Local • Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Scoping Policy Context is set out in Section 2 of Report; the POP. • Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Interim 4 Annual Monitor and 5 year review Report incorporating a Strategic The LDP process consists of four key Environmental Assessment (SEA); stages, as summarised in Figure 1.1. • Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA); Note Further information on the various • Preparatory Papers (evidence base); The indicative timescales for the Key website, at: The formal Timetable lists the relevant stages is set out in Section 1 of the POP • Annual Housing Monitor Summary Stages in the LDP process are outlined in https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon. Assessments / Reports that are published (Introduction). Tables (up to 31 March 2016); and the Local Development Plan Timetable gov.uk/resident/local-development-plan- alongside the main Plan Documents. • Preliminary Policy Review which is available to view on the Council’s residents/ The Preferred Options Paper (POP) marks the end of Stage 1 of the LDP process.

2 3 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

Our Borough – Context and Profile

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon rural and urban landscapes, including the Our Borough has a vibrant and growing Borough extends to an area of Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland (Armagh economic sector with over 8,100 approximately 554 square miles and City), the ‘Orchard County’, rolling drumlin registered businesses, the majority adjoins five neighbouring Council areas countryside and areas of peatland, as well of which are small or medium sized. - Mid Ulster District Council, , as an abundance of heritage assets, such Notable larger employers are also located Mourne and Down District Council, as Dromore Motte and Bailey. within the Borough. Employment levels Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, are higher in the Borough, at 71% of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough The Borough’s population growth is the working age population, compared Council (by Lough Neagh), and Monaghan greater than the regional average and to the NI average of 68% (2016 figures), County Council in the Republic of Ireland this trend is expected to continue over however there is potential to grow the (as illustrated in Map 5.1, Neighbouring the 2015-2030 LDP period, with a 14.3% employment base further. It is estimated Council Areas). With a population of projected increase in population. This that approximately 12,200 new jobs are approximately 210,000, we have the is expected to be the largest growth in needed in the Borough over the LDP largest council population in Northern population of all the 11 NI council areas. period to match the projected increase in Ireland outside of Belfast City. Around population. one quarter of our population lives in the We are strategically positioned along countryside (outside of our existing 104 the main East-West and North-South The Borough Profile Section( 3 of the settlements). economic corridors and are supported POP, P22-23) includes additional key facts by high quality road and rail links that in relation to the Borough’s population, The Borough extends from the southern extend throughout households, economy, infrastructure and shores of Lough Neagh to the foothills and the Republic of Ireland. The Hub environment, as additional context to the of the Mournes in the east, to the Settlements of Armagh City, Banbridge key issues considered within the POP. Blackwater Valley in the west. Three Town and Craigavon Urban Area, as shown main river corridors, Blackwater, Lagan in Map 5.2 (Spatial Context), in particular and Upper Bann, traverse the Borough. have the potential to benefit from this. It comprises a diverse mix of attractive

Map 5.1: Neighbouring Council Areas

Map 5.2: Spatial Context

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Our Vision

Social Objectives Economic Objectives Environmental Objectives The Vision for the LDP is: • To further develop Armagh City, • To facilitate the creation and • To conserve, protect and where “Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Banbridge and the sub-regional maintenance of conditions that possible enhance the natural and Craigavon Urban Area* as the main provide for a dynamic, diverse built environment to improve hubs for growth. and robust economy to encourage biodiversity, achieve quality design Borough will be a place of choice to live, existing and new businesses to and promote health and well-being. • To support the role of local invest. towns and villages as attractive • To promote sustainable high quality • To facilitate the growth of the work and visit with a vibrant and sustainable and vibrant local service centres design in all developments to assist economy by ensuring an adequate providing a level of development with climate change adaptation and provision of accessible land for a appropriate to their position in the place-making. economy supported by a healthy and range of employment uses which settlement hierarchy. offers a choice of sites at a range of • To prevent inappropriate new locations. connected community.” • To support rural communities development in areas known to by providing appropriate and • To support, regenerate and promote be at risk of flooding or that may Our LDP Vision reflects the Council’s sustainable opportunities for vibrant town centres. increase the flood risk elsewhere Community Plan (‘Connected’) Vision by development in the countryside. and put in place measures to assist • To support tourism development in flood risk management. being citizen focused and aspiring to by creating and identifying improve the quality of life for everyone, • To provide a sufficient supply of land for new housing to meet the opportunities for sustainable • To protect and develop networks of but with an emphasis on land use and tourism development and by place-making. housing needs by 2030. green and blue spaces to support safeguarding key tourism assets biodiversity and habitats and • To facilitate the diverse range of from inappropriate development. promote health and well-being. Our Overarching Our Strategic specific housing needs over the • To promote Armagh City as a major Principles Objectives Plan period. tourist destination while respecting • To facilitate integration its unique built heritage assets, between land use, planning and • To facilitate community safety and cultural product and unique setting transportation to encourage a shift The LDP is based on 5 Overarching The LDP is supported by 25 Strategic are then set out across these 3 pillars. shared spaces through high quality through sensitive development. to more sustainable and active Principles in line with regional direction Objectives in order to fully realise its The strategic objectives have informed designs and layouts of proposed modes of transport. in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement vision. These have been developed the Preferred Options. • To facilitate economic development (SPPS), which will be used to guide the taking account of the regional policy schemes. of an appropriate nature, scale • To safeguard unique sensitive plan-making process. They are: direction set out in the Regional The LDP’s Strategic Objectives are as • To facilitate development of and location in the countryside; landscapes from inappropriate Development Strategy 2035 (RDS), the follows: community and cultural facilities including employment in the development. • Improving Health and Well-being; Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS), primary sector (agriculture, forestry • Enhancing Connectivity and the Strategic Planning Policy Statement at locations accessible to the local communities they serve. and mining); while recognising • To protect and enhance the network Accessibility; (SPPS) and other regional policy. the growing importance of self- • Supporting Sustainable Economic Central to regional policy direction is of open spaces in the Borough employment, homeworking and and promote opportunities for Growth of the Borough; sustainable development and as such farm diversification. • Managing and Protecting our the strategic objectives are structured connections to create an enhanced Built and Natural Environment; under the headings of the three pillars • To facilitate economic regeneration network of pedestrian paths, cycle- and of sustainable development - social, and support the connectivity of ways and ecological corridors to • Supporting Quality of Design and economic and environment. The key disadvantaged and deprived areas. improve linkages throughout the Place Making across the Borough. issues (and options) outlined in the POP Borough. • To facilitate investment in power, water, sewerage infrastructure and • To support the generation of waste management, particularly in energy from renewable sources the interests of public health. in appropriate locations whilst • To facilitate physical and digital affording protection to the connectivity which meets the environment including sensitive or needs of businesses and private vulnerable landscapes. households.

• To protect strategically important transportation and public utilities *Craigavon Urban Area consists infrastructure and where possible of , Central Craigavon enhance connectivity within the and . Borough and with other centres

6 7 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

Our Spatial Growth Strategy Key Issue SGS 1: Defining a Settlement Hierarchy

The POP’s proposed Spatial Growth economic development in the main Hubs main Hubs for growth and highlights the The Borough’s existing Settlement The existing settlements vary greatly Strategy, in Section 5, sets out the and sustaining communities living in potential to cluster and capitalise on their Hierarchy is as designated in the in size, form, function and capacity Council’s intended framework for smaller towns, villages, small settlements strategic position on the Belfast/Dublin existing Area Plans – the Armagh Area 3 Hubs to accommodate growth. Some of the allocating growth across the Borough. It and the open countryside. and Belfast/Enniskillen/Sligo Economic Plan 2004 and Alteration No. 1: Armagh larger settlements currently designated is based on the Regional Development Corridors as detailed in the RDS 2035 Countryside Proposals, the Banbridge/ as Villages are urban in character, Strategy (RDS) 2035, which sets objectives The RDS identifies Armagh City, Banbridge Spatial Framework below in Figure 5.1. Newry and Mourne Area Plan (BNMAP) 6 Local Towns accommodating important local for promoting population growth and Town and the Craigavon Urban Area as 2015, the Craigavon Area Plan 2010 & businesses and a range of shops and Craigavon Town Centre Boundaries and services whilst others act more so as Figure 5.1: RDS 2035 Spatial Framework for Northern Ireland Retail Designations Plan 2010; and the 29 Villages ‘dormitory settlements’ adjacent to the Dungannon/South Tyrone Area Plan 2010. Hubs and lack facilities and services. A number of settlements have declined and The existing hierarchy comprises 104 66 Small Settlements lost basic services which were present Settlements, across 4 tiers which are: when designated, whilst some have grown significantly since they were designated.

Preferred Option SGS 1 A Bring forward a new settlement hierarchy through re- classification of existing settlements where appropriate, and to include new settlements / new settlement nodes

Taking account of the RDS Spatial Frame- • 2 Small Settlements re-classified work as well as a wide range of factors upwards to Villages ( and including the population of individual ) settlements and their hinterlands; and • 1 Village re-classified downwards to a their function, including the community Small Settlement (Derrylee) services and facilities they provide; we • 2 new Small Settlements at Pier propose to retain the Borough’s existing / Byrnes Rampart, Craigavon and Settlement Hierarchy (comprising the 4 Whitehall Road, Aghagallon tiers of Hubs, Local Towns, Villages and • 1 additional second Small Settlement Small Settlements) with the following node at , Craigavon changes: Summary of Justification Some of the current Area Plans are now new LDP to the classification of settle- built up nodes in the countryside against past their notional end date and were ments within the hierarchy and similarly a number of criteria including the number The POP’s Borough Profile (Section 3) the 11 Northern Ireland Council areas The Spatial Growth Strategy (SGS) is prepared before the current regional to the designating of any new settle- of existing dwellings, the potential for gives an indication of the level of growth during the LDP period. In addition, the supported by a Settlement Hierarchy, guidance (RDS) and outside the context ments, to ensure a more equitable and additional development (infill), the nature anticipated during the LDP period. With number of households in the Borough which is then used to consider two of the Housing Growth Indicators (HGIs). sustainable approach to future growth and extent of existing services and com- the largest population of the NI Councils is projected to increase by 15.7% (12,349) key growth sectors – the allocation of This has resulted in differences between and development across the Borough. munity facilities, the proximity to other outside of Belfast, our population is over the LDP period which is significantly housing and the allocation of economic the existing Area Plans in relation to the This is preferred over the single Alter- settlements (Hubs and Local Towns) and projected to increase by almost 30,000 higher than the equivalent projected development lands across the Borough’s classification of settlements and the native Option SGS 1B which proposes to any development constraints. between 2015 to 2030, to around 237,000 average growth of 9.4% across Northern settlements. potential for growth within each tier. In maintain the status quo, by retaining all (Source: NISRA). This is the largest Ireland. some cases, this has resulted in generous of the existing settlements with no addi- Our Proposed Settlement Hierarchy is projected population increase of any of settlement development limits. tional settlements or nodes. detailed in Table 5.3 overleaf.

The aim of our preferred approach is to The new Small Settlements and node are introduce a level of consistency in the recommended following an analysis of

8 9 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

Table 5.3: Proposed Settlement Hierarchy

Settlement Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Dungannon Hierarchy (Former Council Area) (Former Council Area) (Former Council Area) (Former Council Area) Key Issue SGS 2: Allocating housing Main City/ Armagh City Banbridge Craigavon Urban Area N/A Town/ Urban Area (inc Portadown, Central It is anticipated that we will need 19850 the rural area). The precise number of of the Plan Strategy to ascertain how Craigavon & Lurgan) new housing units by 2030, when we dwellings that will be allocated to each rural housing approval rates sit with the Local Towns Dromore N/A N/A extrapolate the Housing Growth Indicator settlement will be set out later in the allocated yield for the countryside (which Gilford (HGI) provided by Central Government plan-making process, taking account of partly makes up Tier 4 of the Settlement Rathfriland (of 14400 dwellings for 2012-2025) over the size of the settlement, the availability Hierarchy) over the plan period, which the entire LDP period. This part of the of services and facilities, the level of will have a bearing on how local policy Villages Kinallen Clonmore Strategy considers how this housing committed housing and its environmental is tailored. The rural housing element Charlemont Lawrencetown Aghagallon Tamnamore should be apportioned across the 4 Tiers capacity for development. Similarly, is considered in the POP’s Social Theme Loughbrickland Bleary (Eastern part in Co. Armagh). of the Settlement Hierarchy (including further evidence will be gathered ahead (Key Issue SOC 2). Glenanne (Lisdrumchor) Scarva Dollingstown Donacloney /Mullavilly Magheralin Preferred Option SGS 2A Waringstown Middletown Scotch Street Focus housing growth on the Hubs whilst sustaining rural Milford Derrymacash communities to reflect regional direction Richhill The recommended breakdown of across the Borough in the 2011 Census, (up 2%), and with a reduction in the Tier housing allocation across the Settlement but with some adjustment to increase the 4 Small Settlements and the Rural Area Small Acton Annaclone Ballymacmaine Derrylee Hierarchy, as set out in Table 5.5, closely allocation of housing to the main Tier 1 (open countryside) (down 3%). Settlements Aghory Ardtanagh Ballynabragget reflects the breakdown of households Hubs (up 1%) and to the Tier 3 Villages Annaghmore Ashfield / Gowdystown Blackskull Annaghmore (Moss Rd) Ballela Charlestown Ballyroney Derryadd Table 5.5: Preferred Housing Allocation (HGI - 19,850 units) across the Settlement Hierarchy Ardress Closkelt Derrymore Artasooly Corbet Settlement Hierarchy Tiers Preferred Housing Preferred Housing Auglish Glasker Gamblestown Allocation (%) Allocation (No.) Glen Gibson’s Hill 1. Hubs (Armagh City, Banbridge Town & Craigavon Urban Area) 52 10,322 Broomhill Katesbridge 2. Local Towns 10 1,985 Kilkinamurray Milltown (Co. Armagh) Lenaderg Milltown (Co. Down) 3. Villages 13 2,581 Clare Moneyslane Pier/Byrnes Rampart Total of Hubs, Local Towns & Villages (75) (14,888) Collegeland Tullylish Waringsford The Birches 4. Small Settlements & Rural Area 25 4,962 Whitehall Road Borough Total 100 19,850 Derryscollop Drumhillery Eglish Summary of Justification Glenanne The recommended approach to the (open countryside), that is proportionate larger urban areas, which has a regional Kilmore Borough’s Housing Allocation Strategy to their infrastructural capabilities and target of 60% brownfield development in is based on the existing distribution of access to services and that will not settlements of 5000+ population. housing across the Settlement Hierarchy exceed the capacity of the environment. Madden (as recorded in the 2011 Census) but with The adjustment of the allocation to Tier Alternative Option SGS 2B proposes to Milltown (Aghory) slight adjustment in favour of the 3 main 4 Small Settlements and Rural Area, maintain the status quo by allocating Milltown (Benburb) Tier 1 Hubs (upwards by 1% to 52%) to downwards from 28% to 25%, will help housing across the existing household Mullaghbrack further support the objectives of the address the disproportionate amount distribution across the hierarchy (ie. 2011 Salters Grange Regional Development Strategy (RDS) of growth experienced in our smaller Census) without adjustment to the tier St. Mary’s Terrace for strong growth in larger urban areas. settlements and the open countryside shares. The Alternative Option SGS 2C Stonebridge This will help grow our existing main in the last 10 years. The increase in suggestion to allocate housing based Tassagh population centres where infrastructure, allocation to the Tier 3 Villages (by 2% on the distribution of population, rather Tullygoonigan services and employment opportunities to 13%) will help towards sustaining than households, is also considered Tullyroan Corner are already focused. these local service centres and their a less accurate guide to determining surrounding rural communities. future housing unit need. The preferred Suggested changes: Existing settlements reclassified as indicated in red and new candidate nodes/ The allocation to the remaining Tiers 2-4 approach (Option SGS 2A) would better settlements as indicated in blue. seeks to achieve the appropriate level of The two alternative options considered meet the sustainablity objectives of the growth across the Borough’s network of in this key issue do not reflect as well LDP. Note: This option does not un-designate any existing settlements. smaller settlements and the rural area the RDS objectives for strong growth in

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Key Issue 3: Allocating economic development lands

Approximately 12,200 jobs are estimated approximately 226ha of remaining zoned of economic development opportunities to be needed over the LDP period, to employment lands and approximately across the Borough to ensure an match the projected increase in the 125ha of vacant, mixed use or adequate and continuous supply of land Borough’s working age population by undeveloped un-zoned lands suitable for for employment purposes over the LDP 2030. This equates to 245 hectares of employment uses. However, this 351ha period, in the ‘best’ locations that are the economic development lands being (approx.) of potential lands needs to most easily accessible. The focus will be required, at a density of 50 jobs per be assessed for ‘fitness for purpose’ in on larger urban centres taking advantage hectare, as considered in the Council’s terms of their availability (deliverability) of their locations on the regional Employment and Economic Development and their suitability in terms of location, transport network in line with regional Preparatory Paper. size and environmental capacity, taking policy. account of such matters as flood risk. At January 2015, the Borough had This exercise should help provide a range

Preferred Option SGS 3A Apportion economic development lands in relation to former Council populations and in addition reflect Craigavon’s sub-regional function

Summary of Justification

This preferred approach allocates the The recommended approach then adjusts apportions economic development 245ha of economic development lands the allocation of economic development lands in a way that is more reflective estimated to be needed during the lands by population, to reflect Craigavon’s of population distribution across the LDP period, up to 2030, based on the important sub-regional function in Borough and the catchment of the Hubs distribution of population across the line with direction in the Regional and larger settlements where economic Borough’s former council areas (at the Development Strategy (RDS). By retaining activity should be focused. It also takes time of the 2011 Census, total population Craigavon area’s existing provision of account of Craigavon’s sub-regional 200,702), as follows: 160ha of zoned economic development function and the current offering of lands (an additional 46ha than available economic lands. • Armagh = pop. 59,340 – which equates apportioned by population) would help to 29.6% of the combined total = 72ha; it build on its strong manufacturing and • Banbridge = pop. 48,339 – which industrial base and its location on a key Having dealt with the spatial aspects of equates to 24.1% of the combined total transport corridor (MI). It also contains a the LDP’s Growth Strategy, we now move = 59ha; and large quantity of available Invest NI owned on to a summary of the key issues and • Craigavon = pop. 93,023 – which lands. The potential benefits would preferred options for dealing with them, equates to 46.4% of the combined help support the ‘Enterprising Economy’ as set under the 3 pillars of sustainable total =114ha Outcomes in the Community Plan. development – social, economic and environmental matters, overleaf. This option assumes that the small Therefore, the recommended allocation portion of the former Dungannon / of economic development lands is as South Tyrone Borough Council area follows: that transferred to the new Borough is • Armagh = 72ha principally provided for by the provision • Banbridge = 59ha of employment lands in Armagh and Craigavon. Also this option assumes that • Craigavon = 160ha the population of the former council areas broadly coincide with their hinterlands, in The preferred approach is recommended terms of their catchment. over the two alternative options as it

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Key Issues and Preferred Options Key Issue SOC 1: Supporting quality sustainable urban for the Social Theme housing and balanced communities

Social Theme issues are dealt with first, namely the Borough’s overall ageing The POP’s Social Theme considers 7 Key Preferred Option SOC 1A in Section 6 of the POP. These include population as well as an increase in the Issues under the following topic areas: An approach to new residential development in settlements in line with some of the key components that population of children and young people contribute towards building sustainable (as outlined in the Borough Profile). Urban Housing – existing policies, tailored to reflect regional direction and to meet local communities across the Borough. Key Issue SOC 1 Housing, open space / play provision The theme recognises that good quality, circumstances and community facilities are all seen well-designed, connected places are key Rural Housing – as important means to delivering some to helping communities to flourish and Key Issue SOC 2 of the ‘Community’ and ‘Place’ focused to building civic pride. The Social Issues long term outcomes of the Council’s are also key drivers to improving the Key Issue SOC 2: Supporting sustainable rural housing Community Plan. These issues also health and well-being of communities. Design and Place-Making – acknowledge important population The theme also opens up the issue of Key Issue SOC 3 Preferred Option SOC 2A changes projected across the plan period, developer contributions for debate. Open Space, Sport and Outdoor An approach to rural housing in line with existing policies and further Some key facts relating to the Social Theme Key Issues… Recreation – regional direction, tailored to meet local circumstances Key Issue SOC 4-5 • 327 social housing units are needed within the Borough between 2017-2022 Community and Cultural Facilities – • 24% of our population live in the rural area Key Issue SOC 6 Key Issue SOC 3: Supporting good design • Over 22% of the Borough’s population is aged under 16 – higher and positive place-making than NI average (20.9%), with an 8% projected increase by 2030 – Developer Contributions – the largest increase of all NI Councils Key Issue SOC 7 • Our population is getting older, with the 65+ Age projected to Preferred Option SOC 3A increase from 15% to 19% of the Borough’s population, between 2015-2030 Support good design and positive place-making in both development and advertisement proposals through criteria-based policy, with provision for additional design criteria and supporting guidance for certain identified areas of acknowledged importance/value or types of development where appropriate

Key Issue SOC 4: Protecting open space Preferred Option SOC 4A Protect existing open space (in addition to identifying and zoning land for new provision) in line with existing policy and regional direction, tailored to meet local circumstances

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Key Issue SOC 5: Facilitating open space / play provision in new largescale residential developments

Preferred Option SOC 5A A locally tailored approach, with amendment to the existing criteria for play park provision in largescale residential developments to increase provision in larger schemes to more than one equipped play area (as currently required in existing policy), as well as provide the option for Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), where appropriate, unless otherwise specified in LDP Key Site Requirements

Key Issue SOC 6: Facilitating community and cultural facilities to meet the needs of the Borough

Preferred Option SOC 6A Identify and protect specific sites where a firm proposal is in place; and bring forward a criteria based policy for development proposals to be assessed against, to facilitate new community and cultural facilities (including extensions to existing facilities)

Key Issue SOC 7: Facilitating development through Developer Contributions Preferred Option SOC 7A Provide strategic policy on developer contributions and identify sites where developer contributions would be appropriate in the Local Policies Plan

16 17 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

Key Issue ECN 1: Zoning for economic development

Preferred Option ECN 1A Evaluate existing economic development zonings and identify new sustainably located sites to meet projected needs

Key Issue ECN 2: Locating Class B1 Business Uses

Preferred Option ECN 2A Allow UCO Use Class B1 (Business Uses) in Town Centres, District Centres or Local Centres and within economic development zonings (as identified in the LDP) as part of a sequential approach

Key Issue ECN 3: Supporting start- up and grow-on Businesses

Preferred Option ECN 3A Identify sites within economic development zonings specifically for start-up and grow- on business space and also use redundant Key Issues and Preferred Options buildings or lands on existing economic sites for the Economic Theme for start-up and grow-on business space

Our Borough has…. The Economic Theme’s 18 Key Issues are grouped as follows: Key Issue ECN 4: Supporting • 8100 registered businesses (2016) • 72900 employee jobs (excl. agriculture) (2016) – the highest Economic Development (Urban) – sustainable rural economic number outside of Belfast Key Issue ECN 1-3 • 20.9% Town Centre Vacancy Rate across the Borough’s 3 Hubs development and 6 Local Towns (2016) Economic Development (Rural) – • 3192 active farms (2016) Key Issue ECN 4 • an annual value of £14.5 million generated by quarrying – the Preferred Option ECN 4A highest of all 11 NI Councils Town Centres and Retailing – Support a sustainable approach to rural Key Issue ECN 5-9 economic development in line with existing The POP’s Economic Theme is dealt with economic development activity in the in Section 7. 18 Key Issues are grouped main Hubs and largest settlements, the Tourism – policies and regional direction tailored to Key Issue ECN 10 across 7 topic areas, with the collective theme sets out the Council’s preferred meet local circumstances, including in relation aim of supporting the Council’s strategic approach to a range of locally relevant objectives for growing the local economy. economic-related issues. These include Minerals Development – to facilitating the apple orchard / cider Key Issue ECN 11 considerations around protecting, tourism experience The central focus of the theme is on strengthening and regenerating our facilitating sustainable growth through town centres; how the Council can Infrastructure, Telecommunications the LDP policies and land-use proposals support and develop opportunities and Utilities – that contribute towards a dynamic, in locally important industries such Key Issue ECN 12 diverse and robust economy that is as tourism and quarrying; support attractive to investors. appropriate rural economic development Transportation – in the countryside; and help facilitate Key Issue ECN 13-18 Developing on from the LDP’s overall improvements to physical and digital Spatial Growth Strategy, which focuses connectivity and other infrastructure.

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Key Issue ECN 5: Defining a Hierarchy of Centres Key Issue ECN 8: Facilitating office development (Class A2 Uses) Preferred Option ECN 5A Identify a new hierarchy of centres within settlements, based upon the Preferred Option ECN 8A current role and function of our centres and identify new centres, where Bring forward a sequential approach towards office development (UCO Use appropriate Class A2: Financial, professional and other services) in town centres

Key Issue ECN 6: Protecting and strengthening town Key Issue ECN 9: Identifying Development Opportunity centres Sites (DOSs)

Preferred Option ECN 6A Preferred Option ECN 9A Review and identify Town Centre Boundaries and Primary Retail Cores, Review existing Development Opportunity Sites (DOSs), as designated, and where appropriate, accompanied by policy to protect and strengthen town identify new DOSs where appropriate centres Key Issue ECN 10: Supporting sustainable tourism Key Issue ECN 7: Supporting the evening and night-time development economy Preferred Option ECN 10A Preferred Option Carry forward an approach in line with existing policy and further regional ECN 7A direction to support and facilitate appropriate sustainable tourism development in both settlements and the countryside, with additions Promote town centres as that are tailored to meet specific local tourism needs and protect tourism first choice locations for a assets within the Borough variety of complementary town centre uses to facilitate growth of the Key Issue ECN 11: Supporting sustainable minerals evening and night time development economy Preferred Option ECN 11A Support a balanced approach between the need for mineral resources and the need to protect the environment and other interests of acknowledged importance, in line with existing policies and further regional direction, by designating Mineral Safeguarding Zones (MSZs) and Areas of Constraint on Minerals Development (ACMDs), where appropriate

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Key Issue ECN 12: Facilitating sustainable infrastructure, Key Issue ECN 15: Protecting the Borough’s Disused telecommunications and utilities development to meet Transport Routes the needs of the Borough Preferred Option ECN 15A Preferred Option ECN 12A Protect disused transport routes in line with existing policy and identify Provide a criteria based policy in line with existing policies and regional and safeguard routes in the LDP that have a reasonable prospect of direction becoming useable in the future

Key Issue ECN 16: Protecting key Park and Ride sites

Preferred Option ECN 16A Protect existing and proposed key Park and Ride sites and identify and safeguard potential new Park and Ride / Park and Share sites within the Borough

Key Issue ECN 17: Promoting active travel and Key Issue ECN 13: Protecting the Borough’s Protected sustainable transport Routes Preferred Option ECN 17A Preferred Option ECN 13A Promote active travel networks and sustainable transport in all new Bring forward an approach that is in line with existing Protected Routes development within Settlements to demonstrate accessibility to and policy, tailored to the needs of the Borough integration with existing public transport, walking and cycling networks

Key Issue ECN 14: Protecting proposed Strategic Road Key Issue ECN 18: Promoting and enhancing access to Improvement Schemes greenways

Preferred Option ECN 14A Preferred Option ECN 18A Identify and safeguard Key Strategic Road Improvement Schemes in the Identify and protect accessible and safe Greenways in order to encourage a LDP to enhance accessibility within the Borough modal shift away from the private car, connect people and places through active travel and enable ecological linkages

22 23 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

Key Issues and Preferred Options Key Issue ENV 1: Protecting, conserving for the Environment Theme and enhancing built heritage and archaeological assets

Section 8 of the POP consider issues given to how best the LDP should go across the Environment Theme. It about conserving and protecting these Preferred Option ENV 1A reflects the importance placed on the environmental assets. Borough’s natural and built environment, An approach in line with existing policy with regards to including its unique built heritage Consideration is also given in this theme protecting, conserving and enhancing built heritage and and archaeological features, nature to other important environmental issues conservation sites (including those of that include how to address flood risk, archaeological assets within the Borough; and review international importance) and overall support climate change adaptation existing areas / designations and identify new areas / biodiversity as well as its many attractive through appropriate renewable energy designations as appropriate landscapes. Existing assets and development as well as how we can designations are identified across various prevent or reduce waste - all with a focus Key Issues in the context of the existing on sustainability. policy framework, with consideration Key Issue ENV 2: Protecting international, national and local nature conservation Our Borough’s Environmental Assets include: designations (that are designated outside • 5 Conservation Areas the LDP process) • 1052 Listed Buildings / Structures • 37 Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes (Registered and Supplementary Lists) • 1 Area of Significant Archaeological Interest (ASAI) at Navan, Preferred Option ENV 2A Armagh An approach in line with existing policy with regards to • 1467 archaeological sites and monuments, including 14 State Care Monuments protecting and enhancing international, national and local • 4 Nature Conservation Sites of International Importance nature conservation sites that are not LDP designations • 26 Nature Conservation Sites of National Importance • 80 Nature Conservation Sites of Local Importance Key Issue ENV 3: Identifying and protecting Section 8 sets out 10 Key Issues and consideration of options, including local nature conservation designations Preferred Options, across 6 ‘Environment’ topic areas as follows: Preferred Option ENV 3A Built Heritage and Archaeology – Flood Risk and Drainage – An approach in line with the existing policy with regards Key Issue ENV 1 Key Issue ENV 7-8 to protecting and enhancing local nature conservation designations; and review existing and identify new LDP Natural Heritage – Renewable Energy – Key Issue ENV 2-3 Key Issue ENV 9 designations as appropriate

Landscape – Waste Management – Key Issue ENV 4-6 Key Issue ENV 10

24 25 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

Key Issue ENV 4: Identifying and protecting Sensitive Key Issue ENV 7: Developing within areas of flood risk Landscapes (flood plains) Preferred Option Preferred Option ENV 7A ENV 4A Adopt a precautionary approach in line with existing policy and regional Consider areas of sensitive direction by having a presumption against development in flood plains landscape for designation other than in exceptional circumstances. The precautionary principle will as Areas of High Scenic be applied to areas which are currently subject to flood risk or in the future Value (AoHSV) or Special Countryside Areas (SCA) Key Issue ENV 8: Encouraging Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Key Issue ENV 5: Identifying and protecting Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) Preferred Option ENV 8A Bring forward policy to encourage the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems Preferred Option ENV 5A (SuDS) in new development where appropriate Evaluate and, as appropriate, retain existing Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) designated in the extant Area Plans; consider the identification of new LLPAs; and introduce a consistent LLPA policy Key Issue ENV 9: Facilitating appropriate renewable energy development Key Issue ENV 6: Identifying and protecting Urban / Rural Landscape Wedges Preferred Option ENV 9A An approach to renewable energy development in line with existing Preferred Option ENV 6A policy but in addition identify areas of sensitive landscape which may be unsuitable for particular forms of renewable energy development Review existing open space wedges and policy zones as potential Urban Landscape Wedges; and identify both new Urban and Rural Landscape Wedges with associated policy Key Issue ENV 10: Facilitating sustainable waste management Preferred Option ENV 10A An approach to waste management in line with existing criteria based policy but tailored to meet local circumstances; and in addition identify suitable locations for waste management facilities where appropriate

26 27 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

Next Steps Have your say

Public consultation on the Preferred Options Paper (POP) will begin on 28 March 2018, and will be open for a period of 9 weeks, ending on 30 May 2018. This Preferred Options Paper (POP) preparation of the LDP in accordance with identifies: the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. The Public Consultation Report will Availability of Preferred Options Paper • a broad range of key strategic be published on the Council’s website The POP document and supporting information, including the Sustainability Appraisal planning issues which are likely to and will also be considered during the (SA) Interim Report, will be available on the Council’s website: influence the direction of future Independent Examination of the Plan www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk development within the Borough, Strategy. during the life-time of the LDP (up to The POP document is also available in hard copy to view during office hours at the 2030); Representations made at the POP stage following locations: • a range of options to address these should relate to strategic matters only issues; and as these will be used to inform the Planning Office, Bridgewater House, 23a Castlewellan Road, Banbridge, BT32 4AX • the Council’s preferred approach preparation of the Draft Plan Strategy. to addressing these issues, with There will be an opportunity, further on, Banbridge Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge, BT32 3JY justification. at Local Policies Plan stage to submit representations of a site specific nature Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre, 66 Lakeview Road, Craigavon, BT64 1AL It is hoped that the POP and associated and such representations will only be documentation (published alongside) considered at that stage. Palace Buildings, The Palace Demesne, Friary Road, Armagh, BT60 4EL will encourage feedback from a wide variety of interested parties. All feedback Indicative timescales for the key stages in received (relating to strategic issues), the LDP process are outlined in the Local during the consultation period, will be Development Plan Timetable which is Your comments on the POP Document and supporting information can be submitted by taken into account during the preparation available to view on the Council’s website the various means below: of the Draft Plan Strategy, the next stage at: in the LDP process. By email: [email protected] www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov. After the close of the 9-week consultation uk/resident/local-development-plan- By post: Planning LDP Team (on 30 May 2018), a summary of all residents/ Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council representations received will be Bridgewater House presented to Elected Members in the The POP offers the opportunity for 23a Castlewellan Road form of a Public Consultation Report. anyone who lives or has an interest in Banbridge, BT32 4AX This report will detail the strategic issues the future of the Borough to get involved raised in the consultation responses. in the Council’s first Local Development Online Questionnaire: https://armaghbanbridgecraigavon.citizenspace.com All representations will be held on a Plan-making process, from this early database which will be used for the stage. The closing date for the receipt of comments is: 30 May 2018, at 5.00pm

Please note that representations made at the POP stage should relate to strategic planning issues affecting our Borough. There will be an opportunity to engage in respect of more specific issues later in the LDP process.

The POP and supporting documents can be made available on request in other formats, and alternative languages where possible, by contacting the Council’s Planning Office:

By telephone: 0300 200 7830 (NI General Planning Line); 0300 0300 900 (Main Council Line)

28 29 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Preferred Options Paper

30 31 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Rural Housing

Key Issue SOC 2 Supporting sustainable rural housing

The drawing up of this key issue and related options follows a preliminary review of the existing planning policy framework as well as having taken account of comments received during Pre-POP consultation and engagement exercises. A detailed policy review will be carried out before formulating the Plan Strategy, supported by further evidence gathering as required.

Local Development Plan

Background

• 24% of the Borough’s population live in the rural area (outside of settlements) • The rural area sits with 66 Small Settlements in the fourth and lowest tier of the Borough’s Settlement Hierarchy (out of a total of 104 Settlements) • 3,192 active farms in the Borough (2016 DAERA Agricultural Census) A Summary of

Our Borough’s countryside is a precious development, as dealt with in Key Issues the LDP facilitates appropriate rural resource made up of distinctive ECN 4 and ECN 10 respectively. development, which contributes to the landscapes, rich in heritage, cultural character, economy and social fabric of and environmental assets, including The countryside, which is defined in the the Borough but that protects its natural our Preferred Address: Planning LDP Team Armaghinternationally City, Banbridge important and andCraigavon designated Borough LDPCouncil as land lying outside of settlement resources and its environmental assets. nature conservation sites. We have a limits, is seen as a desirable place in Bridgewater House special relationship with our countryside, which to live and work. This has resulted The role and function of the Borough’s 23a Castlewellan Road with around a quarter of our population in significant development pressure in settlements, along with their location, Banbridge, BT32 4AX Options Paper living there. It contributes to a unique the countryside over a long period of has a significant bearing on the rural sense of place and identity for our rural years, in particular from single dwellings. area in terms of access to services and Telephone: 0300communities, 200 7830 (NI and General acts as Planning an important Line) Over-development in parts of the infrastructure. Whilst the Borough has 0300recreational 0300 900 and (Main tourism Council asset. Line) It Borough has resulted in suburban sprawl, a large number of settlements (104), MARCH 2018 supports our important agricultural and landscape deterioration and habitat relative to other Council areas, a large Email: [email protected] industries, with many rural loss. It can adversely affect water quality number of these are classed as Small Website: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.ukdwellers employed in farming and local from the increased use of non-mains Settlements (66 in total) in the 4th enterprises. Key to sustaining our rural sewerage systems and it can impact on (lowest) Tier in our Settlement Hierarchy, communities is supporting sustainable the sustainable growth of our towns and located in the outer rural area. A large rural economic development and tourism villages. It is important therefore that number of these ‘rural’ Small Settlements www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

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