Local Development Plan

Much of the parks amenity landscapes are within the Historic Park, Gardens
and Demesnes such as Lisburn Castle Gardens, and have their own distinctive
character. These areas have an historic designed landscape with a variable
urban and recreational character, mature woodlands and grassland diversity.
The character of the rural area of the Park is one of settled countryside
consisting of a rolling landscape, fields, hedgerows, narrow lanes, farmsteads
and small settlements. The variety in character contributes to the richness
and importance of the Park as a major regional recreational asset.
and contribute to the health and wellbeing of society and reduce air
pollution, provide shade and mitigate flood risk.
Sustainable forest management, as set out by the Forestry Standard, is a
fundamental part of forest policy in the Northern Ireland. One of the
purposes of the Forestry Act (NI) 2010 is to manage forests to help
protect the environment and biodiversity. Unless otherwise exempt, the
Forestry Act and associated subordinate legislation, regulates the felling
of trees in private woodland.
Lisburn & Castlereagh Draft Community Plan 2017-32
A primary outcome of the Draft Community Plan is:
‘We live and work in attractive, resilient and people friendly places,
safeguarding the local and global environment.’
Lagan Valley Regional Park
Trees and Woodland
Trees are a valuable element of the green and blue infrastructure
network. They have a number of important benefits including creating a
varied and attractive landscape, defining and creating a sense of place.
Trees can help screen and integrate development, provide wildlife habitat
The Draft Plan states: ‘The physical world that surrounds us is vital to our
wellbeing…the wellbeing of our environment relies on our sense of
stewardship so that both the local and global environment is enhanced
and protected both now and in the future. The plan will help tackle a wide
range of issues from local biodiversity to climate change.’ The plan has a
strong commitment to sustainable development as one of its three core
principles.
Further supporting outcomes are:
• The built and natural environment is protected and enhanced.
• There is good access to the countryside and other green spaces for
everyone
• Children and young people are physically active and enjoy good
mental health.
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Key Issues and Options