Planning Policies Framework

In exercise of its responsibility for development management in Northern Ireland the Department 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 and other planning policy publications, including the Regional Development Strategy. The Department will also have regard to the contents of published supplementary planning guidance documents. The following policies set out the main planning considerations in assessing proposals for development in the countryside. The provisions of these policies will prevail unless there are other overriding policy or material considerations that outweigh them and justify a contrary decision.