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Material Considerations - Departmental Planning Documents
1.12NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
All Departmental planning documents which will continue to be treated as material considerations during the transitional period (or as the case may be after the expiry of the transitional period) are
site-planningdesignresidentialcommercialenergyPlanning System Requirements for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
3.13NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The planning system should therefore help to mitigate and adapt to climate change by: • shaping new and existing developments in ways that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and positively build communit
energysite-planningcoastaldwellingcommercialindustrialSupporting sustainable economic growth
4.18, 4.19NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
A modern, efficient and effective planning system is essential to supporting the Executive, and wider government policy, in its efforts to promote long term economic growth in the interests of all the
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningLocal Development Classification
5.46NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Local developments comprise the vast majority of residential and minor commercial applications likely to be received by a council.
site-planningdwellingcommercialZoning for coastal-dependent uses in local development plans
6.44NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Some developments require a coastal location. Examples include ports, marinas, port-related industries and recreational projects. Where appropriate, LDPs should identify land to be zoned for such uses
coastalsite-planningcommercialindustrialControl of Outdoor Advertisements - Policy Context
6.52NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Advertising is a familiar feature of our environment that can contribute to a vibrant and competitive economy. All advertisements affect the character and appearance of the building or place where the
non-domesticcommercialexternal-spaceLegislative Controls on Advertisements
6.54NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning legislation enables planning authorities to restrict or regulate the display of advertisements in the interests of amenity or public safety, including road safety. Furthermore, roads legislat
non-domesticcommercialexternal-spacepublic-safetyAdvertisement Consent and Deemed Consent
6.55NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The consent of the planning authority is required for the display of advertisements. However, certain types of advertisement benefit from 'deemed consent' provided certain conditions are met.
non-domesticcommercialexternal-spaceRegional Strategic Objectives for Advertisement Control
6.56NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The regional strategic objectives for the control of advertisements are to: ensure that outdoor advertisements respect amenity and do not prejudice public safety, including road safety; and help every
non-domesticcommercialexternal-spacepublic-safetyRegional Strategic Policy for Advertisement Display
6.57NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The policy approach for the display of outdoor advertisements that require the consent of the planning authority is to ensure that proposals do not prejudice amenity or public safety, having regard to
non-domesticcommercialexternal-spacepublic-safetyDwellings for non-agricultural business enterprises
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Dwellings for non-agricultural business enterprises: provision should be made for a new dwelling in connection with an established non-agricultural business enterprise. A site specific need must exist
dwellingruralcommercialEconomic Development Policy Context and Strategic Framework
6.79-6.81NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Growing a sustainable economy and investing in the future is a key strategic priority of the Northern Ireland Executive. Long term economic growth will be achieved by improving competitiveness and bui
non-domesticcommercialindustrialsite-planningRegional Strategic Objectives for Economic Development
6.82NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The regional strategic objectives for facilitating economic development through the planning system are to: • promote sustainable economic development in an environmentally sensitive manner; • tackle
non-domesticcommercialindustrialruralsite-planningEconomic Development in Larger Settlements
6.84, 6.85NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Within larger settlements such as cities and towns, planning decisions must, to a large extent, be informed by the provisions made for economic development through the LDP process. In these larger se
economic-developmenttown-centrecommercialnon-domesticsite-planningMonitoring Economic Development Land Take-Up and Loss
6.93NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
A system to monitor the take up and loss of land allocated for economic development purposes as well as ongoing assessment of future requirements and trends will help to identify any shortfalls that m
site-planningnon-domesticcommercialindustrialPreviously Developed Land for Economic Development
6.93NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Where appropriate, LDPs should identify previously developed land within settlements for potential economic development use. This will serve to return vacant or underused land to productive use and to
site-planningnon-domesticcommercialindustrialMixed Use Development with Economic Uses
6.94NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
LDPs should also identify opportunities for mixed use development, including economic development uses, where this would create synergy and underpin the economic viability of the development as a whol
site-planningnon-domesticcommercialindustrialaccessibilitySpecification of Acceptable Economic Development Types in Zoned Sites
6.95NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Where appropriate, LDPs should specify the type or range of economic development uses that will be acceptable within zoned sites or broader areas of economic development designated by the Plan. Within
site-planningnon-domesticcommercialindustrialSupporting Actions and Key Site Requirements for Economic Development
6.96NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
LDPs should normally contain a number of supporting actions to assist in meeting the needs of business enterprises in ways which are workable and that will ultimately deliver sustainable and high qual
site-planningnon-domesticcommercialindustrialaccessibilityLocal Development Plan guidance for economic development infrastructure
6.97NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The LDP should also provide guidance in terms of key design, layout and landscaping requirements.
non-domesticcommercialindustrialsite-planningPlanning authority approach to sustainable economic development
6.97NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning authorities should generally adopt a positive and constructive approach to determining applications for appropriate sustainable economic development informed by the provisions of the LDP, the
non-domesticcommercialindustrialsite-planningPre-application discussion for economic development
6.98NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Issues associated with economic development can be complex; therefore pre-application discussion to highlight and address potential issues at an early stage is encouraged.
non-domesticcommercialindustrialResidential Use Above Shops and Business Premises in Town Centres
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Within town centres, residential use above shops and other business premises should be facilitated, where appropriate, as this can promote sustainability through utilising underused space, maintaining
dwellingcommercialtopic-site-planningTourism - Overview and Economic Importance
6.258-6.259NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Tourism makes a vital contribution to the Northern Ireland economy in terms of the revenues it generates, the employment opportunities it provides, and the potential it creates for economic growth. As
public-buildingcommercialopen-spaceconservationRegional Development Strategy and Sustainable Tourism
6.260-6.261NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The Regional Development Strategy 2035 (RDS) also recognises tourism as a key element underpinning sustainable economic growth in Northern Ireland and Regional Guideline 4 (RG 4) seeks to promote a su
public-buildingcommercialconservationsite-planningSPPS Aim for Tourism Development
6.262NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The aim of the SPPS in relation to tourism development is to manage the provision of sustainable and high quality tourism developments in appropriate locations within the built and natural environment
public-buildingcommercialsite-planningRegional Strategic Objectives for Tourism
6.263NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The regional strategic objectives for tourism are to: • facilitate sustainable tourism development in an environmentally sensitive manner; • contribute to the growth of the regional economy by facilit
commercialpublic-buildingconservationsite-planningTourism development policies in local development plans
6.271NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Policies to safeguard tourism assets, together with policies for tourism development such as tourist accommodation (hotels, self catering, holiday parks etc) and tourist amenities (visitor attractions
tourismplanningcommercialTown Centres and Retailing - Overview and Policy Context
6.274-6.277NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Town centres are important hubs for a range of land uses and activities, and can have a positive impact on those who live, work and visit them. They provide a wide variety of retailing and related fac
commercialpublic-buildingsite-planningRegional Strategic Objectives for Town Centres and Retailing
6.278NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The regional strategic objectives for town centres and retailing are to: • secure a town centres first approach for the location of future retailing and other main town centre uses; • adopt a sequenti
commercialpublic-buildingsite-planningTown Centre First Approach for Retail and Main Town Centre Uses
6.280NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning authorities must adopt a town centre first approach for retail and main town centre uses.
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningRetail Need and Capacity Assessment
6.281NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
In preparing LDPs councils must undertake an assessment of the need or capacity for retail and other main town centre uses across the plan area. Councils must also prepare town centre health checks an
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningTown Centre and Retailing Strategy in Local Development Plans
6.282NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
LDPs should include a strategy for town centres and retailing, and contain appropriate policies and proposals that must promote town centres first for retail and other main town centre uses.
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningDistrict and Local Centres Strategy
6.283NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning authorities should retain and consolidate existing district and local centres as a focus for local everyday shopping, and ensure their role is complementary to the role and function of the to
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningLocal Development Plan Requirements for Centres and Retail
6.284NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
LDPs should also: • define a network and hierarchy of centres - town, district and local centres, acknowledging the role and function of rural centres; • define the spatial extent of town centres and
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningRetail Development in Villages and Small Settlements
6.285NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Policies and proposals for shops in villages and small settlements must be consistent with the aim, objectives and policy approach for town centres and retailing, meet local need (i.e. day-to-day need
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningruralRetail Development Location and Countryside Resistance
6.286NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Retailing will be directed to town centres, and the development of inappropriate retail facilities in the countryside must be resisted. However, as a general
non-domesticcommercialsite-planningruralRetail facilities outside settlement limits
6.287NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
exception to the overall policy approach some retail facilities which may be considered appropriate outside of settlement limits include farm shops, craft shops and shops serving tourist or recreation
commercialsite-planningSequential test for main town centre uses
6.287NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
A sequential test should be applied to planning applications for main town centre uses that are not in an existing centre and are not in accordance with an up-to-date LDP. Where it is established that
commercialsite-planningOrder of preference for main town centre uses
6.288NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning authorities will require applications for main town centre uses to be considered in the following order of preference (and consider all of the proposal's catchment): primary retail core; town
commercialsite-planningAssessment of need for retail developments
6.289NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
In the absence of a current and up-to-date LDP, councils should require applicants to prepare an assessment of need which is proportionate to support their application. This may incorporate a quantita
commercialsite-planningRetail impact assessment threshold
6.290NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
All applications for retail or town centre type developments above a threshold of 1000 square metres gross external area which are not proposed in a town centre location and are not in accordance with
commercialsite-planningRetail Impact and Assessment of Need Factors
6.297NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Factors to be addressed in a retail impact and assessment of need include: • the impact of the proposal on trade and turnover for both convenience and comparison goods traders, and the impact on town
site-planningtown-centrecommercialImpact Assessment Criteria for Retail and Town Centre Development
6.298NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Where an impact on one or more of these criteria is considered significantly adverse or where in balancing the overall impacts of each of the criteria the proposed development is judged to be harmful,
non-domesticcommercialtopic-site-planningGeneral Planning Assessment for Retail Development
6.299NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
In order to ensure high quality and otherwise satisfactory forms of development all applications for retail development or main town centre type uses will also be assessed in accordance with normal pl
non-domesticcommercialaccesstopic-site-planningLand Use Allocations and Transport Infrastructure Requirements
6.308NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Land Use Allocations and Associated Transport Infrastructure: Reducing the need for motorised travel can be achieved through allocating sites for housing development in proximity to existing or planne
site-planningdwellingcommercialnon-domesticEfficient Movement of Freight and Storage
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Efficient movement of freight and storage is of significant economic importance. LDPs should allocate land for distribution and storage facilities at locations such as the edge of urban areas that are
industrialcommercialsite-planningAccess to protected routes in rural areas
6.308NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
farm dwelling or a dwelling serving an established commercial or industrial enterprise, and where access cannot be reasonably be obtained from an adjacent minor road, then use of an existing vehicular
dwellingcommercialindustrialsite-planningruralMinor Development (Flood Risk)
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Non-residential extensions (industrial/commercial/leisure etc) with a footprint less than 150 sq metres. Alterations: development that does not increase the size of buildings, e.g. alterations to exte
dwellingnon-domesticcommercialindustrialPlanning Application Determination and Noise Considerations
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
In managing development, planning authorities should treat noise as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications for proposals likely to give rise to significant levels of no
soundindustrialcommercial