Justification and Amplification - Countryside Industrial Development Requirements (5.20-5.23)

While most industrial development is generally best located within settlements the Department recognises that certain industrial projects, because of their size or specific site requirements, may require to be located in the countryside. Developers will need to demonstrate that there is an overriding reason for such a development in the countryside in the interest of the Region as a whole and that a thorough exploration of alternatives, including urban, and edge of urban sites, has been made and these are unsuitable. It will be the responsibility of the developer to explore all environmental impacts, both local and of wider consequence. The Department will consider not only the economic needs and benefits but also the wider long-term environmental effects of the proposal. This will include consideration of the accessibility of the proposal by different modes of transport and may entail the submission of a Transport Assessment and associated Travel Plan. Major projects are likely to be subject to formal environmental assessment under the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (see Para 5.40). Where such a proposal is justified in principle, the Department will expect the design of any buildings and associated development infrastructure to be of the highest standard. It should be accompanied by measures to assist integration of the proposal into the landscape and help promote biodiversity. The Department will not normally grant permission for existing urban-based enterprises seeking relocation in the countryside.