Retail Policy Aims

The retail policies within the LDP will seek to address current and future retailing needs over the plan period. This retail strategy will therefore aim to: Provide a range of uses appropriate to the role and function of a city centre which can realise ambitions for growth; Acknowledge the distinctive role of Belfast City Centre as the primary location for retailing in the region; Adopt a sequential approach to the identification of retail and other town centre uses decision making; Maintain and improve accessibility to and within the city centre by supporting connectivity; Provide an appropriate scale of retail and town centres uses in accordance with their scale, role and function; Support local economies by ensuring continued vibrancy and vitality; Develop a compact urban form that maximises opportunities in the city centre; and Provide a focus for economic development.