A public consultation on a draft local development plan for the district is now open.
The ‘Local Development Plan 2035’ document and a 12-week consultation period were officially launched by the council at Newcastle’s Burrendale Hotel on Friday. A local authority statement said that the 420-page plan sets out “a bold new vision for the future development of the district.”
“Since taking on planning powers in April 2015, the council has worked within the policy framework inherited from the former Department of the Environment and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI),” the statement read.
“Now, with the publication of its own draft plan strategy, the council is putting forward a tailored framework that reflects the unique needs, opportunities and ambitions of the district. The strategy outlines how the district should grow and develop over the next decade, addressing housing, employment, infrastructure and environmental priorities. The council is encouraging everyone with an interest in the future of Newry, Mourne and Down to review the draft strategy and have their say.”
The statement highlighted that the public consultation will close at 5pm on Monday 22 September.
Speaking at last week’s launch, council chairperson Philip Campbell described the document as “a major milestone.”
“The draft plan strategy sets out our growth agenda and planning policies that align with both our community plan and corporate plan,” he said. “It provides a long-term spatial vision that supports economic development, helps build sustainable communities and protects our rich historic and natural heritage. We want to make sure that the right development happens in the right places – creating places where people want to live, work, visit and invest in.”
In a party statement, Alliance representatives Cllr David Lee-Surginor (Rowallane) and Andrew McMurray MLA – who attended the launch – welcomed the publication of the draft document.
Cllr Lee-Surginor stated that he was “cautiously optimistic” about the direction of the plan. “It’s encouraging to see commitments to sustainable development,” he continued. “However, it’s vital that we see clear, targeted measures for affordable housing, strengthened support for active and public transport, and investment in town centre revitalisation – all of which are essential for places like Ballynahinch, for instance.
“For growing villages such as Crossgar, we need to ensure that future development is well planned, with the infrastructure and services to match. Improvements in rural infrastructure – especially transport and digital connectivity – are key to ensuring balanced growth that works for all residents. I’ll continue to push for an inclusive and transparent implementation process that genuinely reflects local needs and voices.”
Mr McMurray, Alliance’s spokesperson for Infrastructure, added that the plan will “play an important role in shaping the development of the district over the next decade.”
“Poor planning system performance is an ongoing shared challenge for DfI and councils across Northern Ireland,” he said. “Local development plans have a vital role to play in improving performance in this area, providing clarity and helping to create well connected, resilient and attractive places for people to live, work and invest.
“It is important that the final plan meets the needs of our local community, and I would encourage residents, businesses and community groups to read the draft plan and respond to the council’s public consultation.”
The draft plan can be viewed online at www.newrymournedown.org/local-development-plan, and hard copies can be viewed from Monday to Friday (between 9am and 5pm) at the council’s Downpatrick and Newry offices. Details on how to respond to the consultation and upcoming public engagement exhibitions, which will be held in all seven DEAs, are also available on the council’s website.
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