Economic Development Policy Context and Strategic Framework

Growing a sustainable economy and investing in the future is a key strategic priority of the Northern Ireland Executive. Long term economic growth will be achieved by improving competitiveness and building a larger and more export-driven private sector. This will not only mean creating more employment but also a rebalancing of the economy to meet the challenges of a highly competitive global environment and to improve the wealth and living standards of everyone. Effective planning for the economy requires the planning system to take into account the overarching strategic framework provided by the Regional Development Strategy 2035 (RDS) as well as meeting local employment and economic development needs. In terms of strategic economic development, the RDS seeks to promote a balanced spread of opportunities across Northern Ireland through a Spatial Framework that enables strategic choices to be made in relation to development and infrastructural investment. The RDS promotes further economic growth in the Belfast Metropolitan Area and Derry/Londonderry, the Spatial Framework also aims to exploit the economic potential of the strategic network of urban hubs, key transport corridors and regional gateways and to provide for a diversified and competitive rural economy. The planning system has a key role in achieving a vibrant economy. In this regard, the aim of this SPPS is to facilitate the economic development needs of Northern Ireland in ways consistent with the protection of the environment and the principles of sustainable development.