Council unveils district development blueprint

Council unveils district development blueprint

2 July 2025

A BLUEPRINT detailing the future of residential, commercial and industrial development across the district over the next decade has been officially launched.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council took the wraps off the new local development plan at an event in Newcastle last week.

Council officials say the draft plan sets out a “bold new vision” for the future development of the district.

The new area plan is essentially a framework to support economic and social needs in the district, in line with regional strategies and policies, while providing the delivery of sustainable development. 

It informs the public, statutory authorities, developers and other interested bodies of the policy framework and land use proposals that will guide development decisions.

And the document will be the primary consideration in the determination of planning applications for the development or use of land in the district.

The draft plan has been prepared within the context of the local authority’s corporate and community plans, providing a vision of how places should change and what they will be like in the future.

Ten years ago, the council assumed responsibility for local planning, with officials working within the policy framework inherited from the former Department of the Environment and Department for Infrastructure.

Now the organisation has published its own plan, putting forward a tailored framework that reflects the unique needs, opportunities and ambitions of the district.

The strategy outlines how the district should grow and develop over the next decade, addressing housing, employment, infrastructure and environmental priorities.

A 12-week public consultation is now open with the council encouraging residents, businesses and community groups to help shape the future by submitting their views before Monday, September 22.

Council chairman Philip Campbell described the launch of the new area plan as a “major milestone” for the organisation.

He said the draft plan strategy sets out the local authority’s growth agenda and planning policies that align with both its community and corporate plans.

“It provides a long-term spatial vision that supports economic development, helps build sustainable communities and protects our rich historic and natural heritage,” said the council chairman.

“We want to make sure that the right development happens in the right places – creating places where people want to live, work, visit and invest in.”

South Down MLA Andy McMurray and Rowallane councillor David Lee-Surginor have welcomed the publication of the draft development plan.

Mr McMurray, Alliance infrastructure spokesman, said the document will play an important role in shaping the district’s development over the next decade. 

“Poor planning system performance is an ongoing shared challenge for the Department for Infrastructure and councils across Northern Ireland. 

“Local development plans have a vital role to play in improving performance in this area, providing clarity and helping create well-connected, resilient and attractive places for people to live, work and invest,” he said.

“It’s important that the final plan meet the needs of our local community and I would encourage residents, businesses and community groups to read the draft plan and respond to the council’s public consultation.”

Cllr Lee-Surginor said he’s “cautiously optimistic” about the direction of the new plan and its commitments to sustainable development.

But he said it will be vital to see clear, targeted measures for affordable housing, strengthened support for active and public transport and investment in town centre revitalisation all of which are essential for places like Ballynahinch.

Cllr Lee-Surginor added: “For growing villages such as Crossgar, we need to ensure that future development is well-planned, with the infrastructure and services to match. 

“Improvements in rural infrastructure, especially transport and digital connectivity, are key to ensuring balanced growth that works for all residents.”

Anyone keen to make comment on the plan is asked to view the plan online at www.newrymournedown.org/local-development-plan, while hard copies can be viewed in person from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm at the council’s Downshire Civic Centres in Downpatrick.

Details on how to respond to the consultation and upcoming public engagement exhibitions are also available on the Council’s website.