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Archaeological and Built Heritage Overview
6.1NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Archaeological and built heritage assets such as tombs and ring forts, historic and vernacular buildings, planned parklands, buildings and features associated with industrial heritage, are all importa
contextIdentification of unsuitable coastal areas for development
6.45NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Some coastal areas may be unsuitable for development due to their amenity or landscape value, nature conservation interest or historical or archaeological importance. The LDP should identify areas whe
coastalcontextIdentification of areas at risk from flooding, erosion, or instability
6.46NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
LDPs should identify areas of the coast known to be at risk from flooding, coastal erosion, or land instability where new development should not be permitted.
coastalcontextProtection of public access to the coast
6.47NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
LDPs should also promote and protect public access to and along the coast where possible.
coastalcontextMitigation of adverse impacts in sensitive coastal locations
6.48NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Where development is permitted in sensitive locations, particularly in the undeveloped coast, it will be incumbent upon the planning authority to mitigate any adverse impacts through the use of approp
coastalcontextMarine plan compatibility with Local Development Plans
6.49NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The Department is currently engaged in the preparation of a marine plan for Northern Ireland's inshore and offshore areas, and in doing so is required to take all reasonable steps to ensure that such
coastalcontextCompliance with Marine Policy Statement and Marine Plans
6.50NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Of particular relevance to planning authorities, particularly those with an interface with the marine area, is the current legislative requirement that all public authorities taking authorisation or e
coastalcontextCoordination between terrestrial and marine planning in the inter-tidal area
6.51NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The terrestrial planning system and the marine planning and licensing system are legally and functionally separate but overlap in the inter-tidal area. Planning authorities should work closely with th
coastalcontextDefinition of Countryside
6.61NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The countryside is recognised as one of our greatest assets, with its highly valued landscapes, an outstanding coastline, a complex variety of wildlife, rich built and cultural heritage, for the ecosy
ruralcontextAreas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)
6.186NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are designated by the Department primarily for their high landscape quality, wildlife importance and rich cultural and architectural heritage under the Natu
conservationcontext