Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has launched a new plan which will boost balanced growth, development and employment in Banbridge, Newry and Mourne.

The Banbridge/Newry & Mourne Area Plan identifies land for specific uses that will help the economy and provide more certainty in the planning process for people living in these areas. It will also provide a firm foundation for Councils to formulate their own plans when the planning function transfers to them after the Reform of Local Government in 2015.

Highlights of the Plan

• 448 hectares of land identified for housing, including social housing. This will mean that local housing needs can continue to be met whilst providing a greater choice of sites. The standard of new housing development will be improved with clear guidance on what is expected, including higher design standards and better paths for cycling and walking;

-- Advertisement --

• 220 hectares of land to enhance economic development with land zoned for industrial, storage and distribution uses. Land zoned in this way will make these kinds of development more attractive to potential investors as well as creating job opportunities;

• 80 hectares of land ear-marked for mixed use development sites and town centres. This will promote the importance of Banbridge Town and Newry City Centre as main hubs, encouraging population and economic growth and helping promote vibrant town centres by day and night, whilst building on the strength of Belfast-Dublin transport links;

• Warrenpoint's role as a major Port will be promoted with sufficient land for industrial expansion and housing;

• The unique heritage and character of towns and villages will be protected with controls on demolition and development introduced;

• New development will be balanced against the need to protect the natural and built heritage to enhance the area’s unique countryside and coastal areas surrounding the Mourne Mountains.

Mr Durkan said: "This Plan will bring many benefits to the Banbridge, Newry and Mourne areas. Zoning our land to maximise economic development and new housing, developing Newry and Banbridge further as vibrant hubs, and facilitating the expansion of Warrenpoint Port, will certainly boost the area.

"The Area Plan will also provide a firm foundation for Councils to formulate their own future plans. The majority of planning powers will transfer to local Councils in April 2015 which will provide the new Councils with the responsibility for preparing a local plan for their area for the first time in over 40 years. It will also allow greater community and public involvement."

(CD/MH)