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Green infrastructure networks and multifunctional design
4.7NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Networks of green spaces, commonly referred to as green infrastructure, provide a wide range of environmental benefits (in both rural and urban areas) including flood water storage, urban cooling, imp
open-spacedrainageexternal-spaceruralsite-planningenvironmental-protectionNatural and heritage assets for health and well-being
4.10NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The natural and heritage assets of the countryside and coast need to be recognised for the contribution they make to enhancing human health and well-being. Conserving and, where possible, enhancing th
coastalruralconservationexternal-spaceaccessCountryside Development Design Integration
4.30NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
All proposals for development in the countryside must be sited and designed to integrate sympathetically with their surroundings, including the natural topography, and to meet other planning policy an
designruralsite-planningUrban stewardship and design guidance application
4.36NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning authorities must also ensure that, where relevant, the planning process takes account of the 10 qualities of urban stewardship and design set out in the 'Living Places Urban Stewardship and D
site-planningdesignruralRural and Heritage Landscape Protection from Advertising
6.60NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Particular care is also necessary to ensure that advertisements do not detract from the unique qualities and amenity of our countryside nor diminish our archaeology and built heritage.
site-planningruralconservationDefinition 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
ruralcontextSustainable Approach to Countryside Development
6.62NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
To maintain and enhance the attractiveness of the countryside as a place to invest, live and work, the countryside requires a sustainable approach to new development, consistent with the Regional Deve
ruralsite-planningRural Development and Employment
6.63NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The RDS recognises that to sustain rural communities, new development and employment opportunities are required which respect local, social and environmental circumstances. Facilitating development in
ruralsite-planningRegional Variations in Rural Development Policy
6.64NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Government policy also recognises that there are wide variations across Northern Ireland in terms of the economic, social and environmental characteristics of rural areas. Policy approaches to new dev
ruralsite-planningSPPS Aim for Countryside Development
6.65NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The aim of the SPPS with regard to the countryside is to manage development in a manner which strikes a balance between protection of the environment from inappropriate development, while supporting a
ruralsite-planningRegional Strategic Objectives for Countryside Development
6.66NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The policy objectives for development in the countryside are to: manage growth to achieve appropriate and sustainable patterns of development which supports a vibrant rural community; conserve the lan
ruralsite-planningSustainable development in the countryside - planning and environmental balance
6.67NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Planning and other environmental policies must therefore play their part in facilitating sustainable development in the countryside but not at the expense of the region's rich natural assets and not a
ruralsite-planningRegional strategic policy approach - clustering and consolidation
6.68, 6.69NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
In preparing LDPs councils shall bring forward a strategy for sustainable development in the countryside, together with appropriate policies and proposals that must reflect the aims, objectives and po
ruralsite-planningIntegration and design of countryside development
6.70NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
All development in the countryside must integrate into its setting, respect rural character, and be appropriately designed.
ruralsite-planningPrevention of urban sprawl and settlement distinction
6.71NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Development in the countryside must not mar the distinction between a settlement and the surrounding countryside, or result in urban sprawl.
ruralsite-planningHousing growth coordination in countryside policy
6.72NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The policy approach for development in the countryside will also reflect and complement the overall approach to housing growth across a plan area.
ruraldwellingsite-planningNew dwellings in existing clusters
6.73NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
New dwellings in existing clusters: provision should be made for a dwelling at an existing cluster of development which lies outside a farm provided it appears as a visual entity in the landscape; and
ruraldwellingsite-planningReplacement dwellings in the countryside
6.73NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Replacement dwellings: provision should be made for the replacement of existing dwellings where the building to be replaced exhibits the essential characteristics of a dwelling and, as a minimum all e
ruraldwellingsite-planningReplacement dwellings in rural areas
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Replacement dwellings must be located within the curtilage of the original dwelling where practicable, or at an alternative position nearby where there are demonstrable benefits in doing so. Replaceme
dwellingruralDwellings on farms
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Dwellings on farms: provision should be made for a dwelling house on an active and established farm business to accommodate those engaged in the farm business or other rural dwellers. The farm busines
dwellingruralDwellings 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
dwellingruralcommercialInfill and ribbon development
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Infill/ribbon development: provision should be made for the development of a small gap site in an otherwise substantial and continuously built up frontage. Planning permission will be refused for a bu
dwellingruralConversion and re-use of existing buildings for residential use
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The conversion and re-use of existing buildings for residential use: provision should be made for the sympathetic conversion and re-use, with adaptation if necessary, of a locally important building (
dwellingruralDwellings for personal and domestic circumstances
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
A dwelling where there are personal and domestic circumstances: provision should be made for a dwelling to meet the long terms needs of a person where there are compelling and site specific reasons re
dwellingruralTemporary Caravan Provision in Countryside
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
A temporary caravan: provision should be made for a residential caravan or mobile home for a temporary period in exceptional circumstances. These may include the provision of temporary residential acc
dwellingruralSocial and Affordable Housing in Countryside
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Social and affordable housing development: where a need has been identified by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, or the relevant housing authority, plan policies should support the development o
dwellingruralFarm Diversification Schemes
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Farm diversification: provision should be made for a farm diversification scheme where the farm business is currently active and established (for a minimum 6 years) and, the proposal is to be run in c
non-domesticruralAgriculture and Forestry Development
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Agriculture and forestry development: provision should be made for development on an active and established (for a minimum 6 years) agricultural holding or forestry enterprise where the proposal is ne
non-domesticruralConversion and Re-use of Existing Buildings in Countryside
NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The conversion and re-use of existing buildings for non-residential use: provision should be made for the sympathetic conversion and re-use of a suitable locally important building of special characte
non-domesticruralOther Countryside Development
6.74NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Other types of development in the countryside apart from those set out above should be considered as part of the development plan process in line with the other policies set out within the SPPS.
ruralSpecial Countryside Areas and Exceptional Landscapes
6.75NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Some areas of the countryside exhibit exceptional landscapes, such as mountains, stretches of the coast or lough shores, and certain views or vistas, wherein the quality of the landscape and unique am
ruralcoastalconservationCountryside Development - Siting and Design Requirements
6.77NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
In all circumstances proposals for development in the countryside must be sited and designed to integrate sympathetically with their surroundings, must not have an adverse impact on the rural characte
ruralsite-planningdrainageaccessSupplementary Planning Guidance for Countryside Development
6.78NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Supplementary planning guidance contained within 'Building on Tradition': A Sustainable Design Guide for the Northern Ireland Countryside must be taken into account in assessing all development propos
ruralsite-planningLDP Process and Environmental Evidence Base for Countryside Development
6.76NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The LDP process will play an important role for councils in identifying key features and assets of the countryside and balancing the needs of rural areas and communities with the protection of the env
ruralsite-planningconservationRegional 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 Villages and Small Settlements
6.86NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Within villages and small settlements, the LDP will not normally zone land for economic development purposes, as this could inhibit flexibility. However, favourable consideration should be given to an
economic-developmentruralvillagedesignsite-planningEconomic Development in the Countryside
6.87, 6.88NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The guiding principle for policies and proposals for economic development in the countryside is to facilitate proposals likely to benefit the rural economy and support rural communities, while protect
economic-developmentruralcountrysideindustrialfarm-diversificationsite-planningFlood Risk Overview and Context
6.99–6.100NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Flooding is a natural process that cannot be entirely prevented. Some areas are already susceptible to intermittent flooding from various sources, principally from rivers, the sea or surface water run
site-planningcoastalruralMonitoring to Assess Progress and Inform Intervention
6.141NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
This information will allow a clear view of the overall progress in meeting the housing objectives of the plan and identifying issues likely to require intervention. For example, a need to release sec
dwellingruralsite-planningTransit and Serviced Sites Outside Settlements
6.146NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Where a need is identified for a transit site or a serviced site, which cannot readily be met within an existing settlement in the locality, proposals will be required to meet the policy requirements
dwellingruralsite-planningMinerals - Overview and Policy Context
6.148-6.151NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Minerals, including valuable minerals, are an important natural resource and their responsible exploitation is supported by government. The minerals industry makes an essential contribution to the eco
industrialsite-planningruralRegional Strategic Objectives for Minerals Development
6.152NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The regional strategic objectives for minerals development are to: • facilitate sustainable minerals development through balancing the need for specific minerals development proposals against the need
industrialsite-planningruraldrainageRegional Strategic Objectives for Natural Heritage
6.172NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The regional strategic objectives for natural heritage are to: • protect, conserve, enhance and restore the abundance, quality, diversity and distinctiveness of the region's natural heritage; • furthe
conservationbiodiversitysite-planningruralsustainabilityRegional Strategic Objectives for Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation
6.201NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The regional strategic objectives for open space, sport and outdoor recreation are to: • safeguard existing open space and sites identified for future such provision; • ensure that areas of open space
external-spaceopen-spaceaccessibilityruralOutdoor recreation development in the countryside
6.212NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
The Northern Ireland countryside lends itself to accommodating a wide range of recreational activities. LDPs should contain policy for the consideration of development proposals for outdoor recreation
open-spaceruralsite-planningsportAnaerobic Digestion Plants
6.229NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Well designed and appropriately located anaerobic digestion (AD) plants can make a positive contribution to optimising the potential for renewable and low carbon energy and should be located as close
energysite-planningruralTourism Development in the Countryside
6.267NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
In the countryside planning authorities must carefully manage tourism development. This is necessary in the interests of rural amenity, wider sustainability objectives and the long term health of the
tourismruralnon-domesticMajor Tourism Development in Countryside – Exceptional Circumstances
6.268NI-wide·SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)
Policies or proposals for major tourism development in the countryside may be provided for in exceptional circumstances. Proposals must demonstrate; exceptional benefit to the tourism industry; and su
tourismruralnon-domesticRetail 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-planningrural