Settlement Areas - Overview and Justification

The settlement areas have distinct functions based on existing development patterns within the Belfast City settlement area. Thematic policies will be applied to the defined settlement areas to: • Ensure that new residential development is in keeping with the character of the surrounding area and is prioritised in accordance with a sequential approach; • Provide housing of an appropriate density to maximise the use of existing infrastructure and services; • Ensure good accessibility to local services and community facilities; • Provide an appropriate scale of retail and office uses in accordance with a hierarchy of centres; • Ensure good accessibility to existing and new employment opportunities; and • Ensure better integration between land use planning and transportation, particularly sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport and connectivity through and to the port and airport.