Local Development Plan

Options for Key Issue 6: West Lisburn/Blaris Major Employment Location (MEL)
Option 6A Preferred Option
Redesignate the Blaris Major Employment Zoning as a
Mixed Use site: this option reclassifies the site to include
a proportion of land for housing (no more than 50%) to
facilitate development of the Knockmore Link road.
Reason
Lisburn’s strategic location at the meeting point of key transport corridors comprises both a strong housing
base and employment base. Given the surplus of employment land identified for the Council area, and the
ambition of the Council to implement the key road scheme - the Knockmore Link - it is considered that an
element of the existing employment zoning at Blaris could be zoned for housing. The proportion of housing
will be determined at Plan Strategy Stage in accordance with the Housing Growth Indicators provided by
Central Government.
This redesignation is in keeping with the Council’s Masterplan for West Lisburn and the Maze lands and with
the thrust of the RDS for directing mixed use development towards sites which will enhance local regeneration
initiatives (SFG1). In addition it supports the regional strategic policy approach identified in the SPPS for
promoting opportunities for mixed use development where this would create synergy and underpin the
economic viability of the development as a whole.
The Council is also considering the possibility of a Simplified Planning Zone at the West Lisburn/Blaris Mixed
Use Site.
Option 6B
Redesignate the Blaris Major Employment Zoning as two
separate zonings for housing and employment:
As per the above option however the site is shown in two
parts. The housing element to the northern part of the
site and employment element to the southern portion
next to the M1.
This proposal is reflective of the West Lisburn Development Framework (referred to under WL6 and WL10)
which indicates employment land to the southern portion of the site with housing lands to the northern
portion. This will provide two distinct zonings, as opposed to the comprehensive development of the site for
Mixed Use. This option is also in keeping with the RDS which identifies the opportunity for a Business Park at
Blaris and the SPPS which supports the LDP in providing a generous supply of land for employment and
housing.
Option 6C
Retain the existing Blaris Major Employment Zoning for
employment purposes only: this option retains the status
quo, recognising the site’s strategic location for
employment on key transport corridors.
Whilst maintaining the status quo will secure the land for employment, there may be a risk that this land could
remain vacant if a major employment provider is not attracted. This would limit the ability to implement the
key Knockmore Link Road Scheme which is a key piece of infrastructure to unlock the development potential
of West Lisburn.
Have your say! Please use the Council’s Preferred Options Response Form to submit your response to this Preferred Option.
Key Issues and Options 79