A new framework - that will guide planning decisions on the Ards peninsula and parts of Co Down - has been unveiled by the Environment Minister.

The Ards and Down Plan 2015 identifies new land in both council areas which will be zoned for housing, industry and other uses. The plan also also looks at measures intended to alleviate traffic problems.

The new plan will also protect and enhance natural and built assets in both council areas, identifying important sites for conservation.

Mr Wilson said: "The plan provides a broad menu of proposals intended to ensure the continued economic and social development of both areas.

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"The department is confident it provides the certainty in the planning framework to guide both districts in the future."

The new plan was open to public consultation and included the input of the Planning Appeals Commission.

Around 317 hectares in the Ards borough have been zoned for housing, with 32 hectares set aside for industry.

In south Down 25 hectares have been zoned for the same purpose, with 240 listed for housing.

The plan also identified the site for a new bypass for Ballynahinch and new distributor roads for both Newcastle and Downpatrick to alleviate traffic circulation issues in those towns.

The Ards and Down plan will inform members of the public, developers, statutory authorities and other interested parties of the policy framework and land use proposals which will guide planning application decisions up to 2015.

(PR/JM)