Fermanagh and Omagh Local Development Plan (LDP) draft Plan Strategy 2030 is ready to enter a key phase later this week.

The Strategy will undergo Independent Examination hearing sessions starting tomorrow, Tuesday 18 January 2022.

Once adopted, the LDP will set out the long term social, economic and environmental objectives for the Fermanagh and Omagh district, ensuring that lands are appropriately zoned and designated, to meet future development needs.

The Independent Examination is a key stage in the overall process in the preparation of a Local Development Plan by the Council.

Speaking about reaching the Independent Examination stage of the process, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, said: "This is another significant step in the preparation of the Local Development Plan for the district which, when complete, will provide the framework for future planning and sustainable development of the district until 2030.

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"The Independent Examination stage follows on from the public consultation of the draft Plan Strategy and related proposed changes allows for further scrutiny by an independent external body to ensure the Plan is sound."

The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) has been appointed by the Department for Infrastructure to undertake the Independent Examination to assess whether the draft Plan Strategy satisfies all statutory requirements and is 'sound'.

Anyone who submitted a representation to the draft Plan Strategy during the public consultation stage and requested to speak at the Independent Examination hearing sessions have been invited by the PAC to participate in the hearing sessions over the coming weeks.

Due to the ongoing health pandemic the sessions will be held virtually and will be available to view online.

Once the hearing sessions are complete the PAC will prepare a report with recommendations which will be sent to the Department for Infrastructure for its consideration, Department will then consider the recommendations and then issue a direction to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to either adopt as originally prepared, adopt with modifications or withdraw the draft Plan Strategy.

The hearing sessions take place from Tuesday 18 January until the end of March.