An urban and design guide by the Department of Infrastructure has been commended at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards.

The 'Living Places' document was commended in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said the guide brings together the planning and design for towns and cities in Northern Ireland, paving the way for a solid infrastructure.

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Minister Hazzard said: "This can have a positive impact on our lifestyles. Attractive, well managed and well connected streets encourages more people to walk and cycle to local destinations which improves health, reduces traffic, energy use and pollution.

"I strongly encourage anyone involved in improving the planning, design and management of our towns and cities to use this guide to help create places where people want to live and work."

Roisin Willmott, RTPI Awards Advisor, said: "The judges were impressed by the guide and the training workshops that followed its publication. Both have a welcome emphasis on stewardship and design. The guide is very accessible and provides timely support to new planning authorities that have emerged as a result of recent changes to the Northern Ireland planning system."

(CD/MH)