Local Development Plan

Options for Key Issue 21: Protecting and Enhancing Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation
Option 21A Preferred Option
Protect and enhance all areas of open space and provide opportunity to identify a
limited number of potential new Community Greenways: This option retains the
existing policy-led approach which affords protection to all areas of open space in
accordance with Planning Policy Statement 8: Open Space, Sport & Outdoor Recreation,
but in addition offers opportunity to expand the existing network of open space and
encourage linkages to the natural heritage assets, such as the River Lagan, Regional Park
and countryside.
Option 21B
Protect and enhance all areas of open space: The existing policy-led approach affords
protection to all areas of open space in accordance with the existing policy in Planning
Policy Statement 8: Open Space, Sport & Outdoor Recreation.
Reason
A network of open space, parks and community greenways is considered
important to the health and wellbeing of the community.
Community Greenways can provide many significant benefits which
include:
Health: Promotes active travel & healthy lifestyles, improving physical and
mental wellbeing
Environment: Protects and restores wildlife habitats
Community: Provides new connections between residential areas,
connecting people with facilities, services and places of work.
The identification of a Community Greenway network across the Council
area could open up further opportunities for access to the countryside and
provide important green linkages within urban areas.
A network of open spaces, walkways and parks is critical to providing
healthy habitats for humans, wildlife and plants. Community Greenways
can also act as a cycle network, allowing cyclists to have a safer journey
with less noise and pollution and link areas of open space in urban areas
with the countryside.
Protecting, enhancing and connecting areas of open space, complies with
Regional Guidance contained within the Regional Development Strategy
and regional policies within the Strategic Planning Policy Statement.
Reason
Protecting, enhancing and connecting the Council’s areas of open space,
complies with regional guidance contained within the Regional
Development Strategy and regional policies within the Strategic Planning
Policy Statement.
Have your say! Please use the Council’s Preferred Options Response Form to submit your response to this Preferred Option.
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Key Issues and Options