A consultation has launched to shape the new Local Development Plan (LDP) which is set to replace the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP).

The Local Development Plan will:

• provide a 15-year plan framework to support economic and social needs in the city, in line with regional strategies and policies, while providing the delivery of sustainable development

• facilitate growth by coordinating public and private investment to encourage development where it can be of most benefit to the wellbeing of the community

• allocate sufficient land to meet the needs of the city

• provide an opportunity for all stakeholders, including the public, to have a say about where and how development within the local area should take place

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• provide a plan-led framework for rational and consistent decision making by the public, private and community sectors and those affected by development proposals

• deliver the spatial aspects of The Belfast Agenda, the city's community plan.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín called on communities in the city help to shape the new LDP.

She said: "The LDP has recommendations on assessing planning applications and site specific proposals on the development and use of land in Belfast.

"Consultation on the LDP will run until the 15th of November this year and I am calling on communities and sectors across the city to take part in the consultation and any subsequent public enquiries.

"Sinn Féin has concerns for example about ensuring that land will be used for housing to cater for the approximately 11,000 people currently living in housing stress.

"Affordability must be defined in any new housing policy, including the ability to buy a home and affordability in renting a home and we welcome a greater definition of developer contributions."

(CD/CM)