Community Cohesion and Shared Space Policy Justification

The council's community cohesion policy seeks to create and enhance 'shared space' as a core planning principle. Planning authorities are directed by the SPPS to utilise development planning and development management powers to contribute to the creation of an environment that is accessible to all, enhances opportunities for shared communities, has a higher standard of connectivity and supports the shared use of public realm. It highlights the Executive's TBUC policy goal for the removal of all interface barriers by 2023, which in Belfast, would have a secondary benefit of releasing stymied vacant land for development. The LDP is therefore positively supporting the development of a shared, accessible and connected urban environment, to secure a better future for the residents of Belfast.