Introduction to Planning Policies for Natural Heritage

In exercise of its responsibility for development management in Northern Ireland, the planning authority assesses development proposals against all planning policies and other material considerations that are relevant to it. The planning policies of this Statement must therefore be read together and in conjunction with the relevant contents of development plans; other planning policy publications, including the Regional Development Strategy and must have regard to any strategy designated for the conservation of biodiversity. The following policies set out the main planning considerations a planning authority will take into account in assessing proposals that impact upon our natural heritage both in the countryside and in urban areas.