DPS001 Belfast Local Development Plan Draft Plan Strategy 2035 www.belfastcity.gov.uk/LDP DPS001 Foreword from Party Group Leaders, Belfast City Council Belfast Local Development Plan 2035 Draft Plan Strategy Alderman David Browne Councillor Billy Hutchinson Councillor Michael Long Councillor Ciaran Beattie Councillor Lee Reynolds Councillor Tim Attwood As a capital city we want to support sustainable The LDP vision is that: growth to strengthen our position as the economic driver for the region. We have set out In 2035, Belfast will be a globally ambitious, but realistic goals for sustainable successful, smart regional city that is employment and population growth for the city. environmentally resilient with a vibrant economic and social heart. As a centre of The Belfast Agenda sets out the framework to learning and business, the knowledge support inclusive growth and improve services economy flourishes where collaboration for residents and businesses. Belfast City and innovation attracts investment, talent Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) will and jobs. We will value and conserve our provide the planning framework for the city up unique natural and built heritage to to 2035. enhance and develop tourism. The Local Development Plan will be delivered Thriving socially inclusive well connected alongside the Belfast Agenda and will shape the neighbourhoods, that encourage a physical future of the city. The Local healthy active lifestyle with well- Development Plan is vital to the delivery of the designed homes where people love to outcomes in the Belfast Agenda as it will provide live. A strong, inclusive local economy a 15 year planning framework to support will support progressive, safe and vibrant economic and social outcomes in the city, while communities. The city will provide a providing the delivery of sustainable gateway to opportunities locally, development. nationally and worldwide. The Plan Strategy will set out an ambitious but As the Leaders of each of the six political party realistic vision for Belfast as well as the groups on Belfast City Council, we commit objectives and strategic policies required to ourselves to the collaborative leadership needed deliver that vision. to deliver the Local Development Plan. We would like to encourage everyone to respond to the draft Plan Strategy during the 8 week consultation period and help shape the future of our city. DPS001 Contents 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 What is the Local Development Plan? ................................................................................... 4 1.3 The Local Development Plan process .................................................................................... 5 1.4 Transitional Arrangements ......................................................................................................... 5 1.5 Structure of the Plan Strategy .................................................................................................. 8 2. District Profile ............................................................................................... 10 2.1 Social ............................................................................................................................................... 11 2.2 Economic ....................................................................................................................................... 12 2.3 Environmental .............................................................................................................................. 13 3. Policy context ................................................................................................ 14 3.1 Regional policy context ............................................................................................................ 15 3.2 Local planning policy context ................................................................................................ 16 3.3 The Belfast Agenda .................................................................................................................... 19 3.4 The Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy .............................. 20 4. Vision, aims and objectives .......................................................................... 23 4.1 The Vision ...................................................................................................................................... 24 4.2 Strategic aims and objectives ................................................................................................ 24 5. Strategic policies ........................................................................................... 31 5.1 Growth strategy ........................................................................................................................... 34 5.2 Sustainable development ........................................................................................................ 35 5.3 Improving health and wellbeing ........................................................................................... 36 5.4 Community cohesion and good relations ........................................................................ 37 5.5 Positive placemaking ................................................................................................................ 38 5.6 Environmental resilience .......................................................................................................... 40 5.7 Connectivity .................................................................................................................................. 41 5.8 Green and blue infrastructure ................................................................................................ 42 6. Spatial Development Strategy ..................................................................... 45 6.1 Settlement hierarchy ................................................................................................................. 47 6.2 Settlement areas ......................................................................................................................... 49 6.3 City centre ..................................................................................................................................... 54 DPS001 7. Shaping a Liveable Place ................................................................................. 57 7.1 Housing ....................................................................................................................................................... 58 7.2 Urban design ............................................................................................................................................. 91 7.3 Residential design ................................................................................................................................. 103 7.4 Built Heritage .......................................................................................................................................... 112 7.5 Community cohesion and good relations .................................................................................... 131 7.6 Promoting healthy communities ..................................................................................................... 136 7.7 Community infrastructure .................................................................................................................. 139 8. Creating a vibrant economy ......................................................................... 143 8.1 Inclusive economic growth ................................................................................................................ 144 8.2 Retail ........................................................................................................................................................... 158 8.3 City centre ................................................................................................................................................ 168 8.4 Tourism, leisure and culture .............................................................................................................. 172 9. Building a smart connected and resilient place ........................................ 181 9.1 Infrastructure, telecoms and utilities .............................................................................................. 182 9.2 Waste infrastructure ............................................................................................................................. 191 9.3 Minerals ..................................................................................................................................................... 202 9.4 Transportation ........................................................................................................................................ 205 9.5 Environmental resilience ..................................................................................................................... 222 10. Promoting a green and active place ............................................................ 237 10.1 Open space .............................................................................................................................................