Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council launched its draft Local Development Plan today in Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn. The draft plan sets out the council’s vision, strategic objectives and policies that will shape how Lisburn Castlereagh will look by 2032.

The launch follows a successful public consultation in 2017 on the Preferred Options Paper for the Local Development Plan. During this next consultation phase, the council is inviting all of its residents, community groups and local businesses to have their say on how they want the Lisburn Castlereagh area to look in the future.

The draft Plan Strategy will be available to view online and in person from today until Thursday 7 November, with the public able to submit their feedback from Friday 8 November for a period of 9 weeks. Comments will not be accepted after 5pm on Friday 10 January 2020.

The Mayor, Councillor Alan Givan, said: “We’re excited to be moving towards the completion of our Local Development Plan for Lisburn Castlereagh. This consultation stage is a unique opportunity to dream big for our council area and let us know if we’re on track with our plans to develop the area for the future. We want everyone who lives, works, invests and studies here to be part of this plan and give us their views.”

David Burns, Chief Executive of the council, added: “This draft Plan Strategy sets out the ambitions and strategic direction for achieving sustainable economic growth, connectivity and healthier lifestyles for our communities. It is based on extensive consultation that took place with residents, businesses and statutory partners and is guided by our Community Plan vision of creating an empowered, prosperous, healthy, safe and inclusive community.”

Chairman of the council’s Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE said: “By making our draft Plan Strategy available from today, we’re providing people with an extra four weeks to review and consider our proposals, before asking them to submit their views. We want everyone to have ample opportunity to understand the Plan and give their thoughts on how we can transform the Lisburn Castlereagh area for the benefit of all.”

Councillor Jonathan Craig, Chairman of the council’s Planning Committee, said: “Once in place, the Local Development Plan will guide all planning decisions in Lisburn Castlereagh, and I’d encourage the public to attend one of the events planned over the next few weeks to find out more and to speak to us about this important Plan.”

To view the draft plan go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or visit the council offices at Lagan Valley Island between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

You can comment on the draft plan in a number of ways:

· Visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk,

· Email LDP@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk, or

· Write to: Local Development Plan Team, Civic Headquarters, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL.