New Belfast Local Development Plan Approved

Belfast City Council has approved the proposed Local Development Plan Strategy, following the agreement of the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee.

Since the transfer of planning powers in April 2015, Council has been routinely determining planning applications ranging from modest domestic extensions through to major redevelopment schemes based on the suite of policies and plans that were a legacy from the former Department of the Environment and the Department of Infrastructure (DfI).

The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC), in a September 2021 Independent Examination report to the DfI, concluded that Plan Strategy was 'sound', subject to some minor amendments. Following further engagement and consultation, Council received the DfI Direction to adopt the modified Plan Strategy in March 2023.

Welcoming the news, Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Black, said: "The adoption of the Belfast Local Development Plan – Plan Strategy is a significant milestone for Belfast as it represents an important step towards the city formally setting out its own growth strategy and supporting planning policies which will help deliver the ambitions of our community plan, the Belfast Agenda.

"Our Plan Strategy sets out an ambitious but realistic vision for Belfast. The adopted strategy and supplementary documents are now the main documents against which planning applications in Belfast will be assessed. These policies will support the delivery of housing and economic growth alongside measures to address climate change and biodiversity."

The Belfast Local Development Plan – Plan Strategy and supporting documentation along with supplementary planning guidance documents will be available to view at the Planning Service reception during normal public opening hours in Cecil Ward Building, Linenhall Street from 2 May 2023.