PEOPLE across Derry and Strabane are reminded that anyone hoping to give their views on new Planning policies and zonings for the District have until August 22 to comment on the Preferred Options Paper (POP) for the Local Development Plan (LDP).
The LDP will set out all planning policies here locally and decide on the location of all future buildings and land uses, so Council hopes to engage as many people, businesses and groups as possible in the process of drafting the Plan at the early stages.
The Plan links to the objectives of the Strategic Growth Plan – or Community Plan – for the District, which is now also out for public consultation.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, stressed the importance of contributing to the LDP.
“People should understand the significance of the Local Development Plan in all future development in terms of locating housing, jobs, shops, open spaces, the shape of our settlements, infrastructure and protecting the environment.
“It presents a major opportunity in that we can now set our own planning policies according to the real development needs of our District.
“Council hopes that by engaging as many people as possible at this early stage of the process we can take a more cohesive approach to issues, and develop a strategy that meets the needs of as many people as possible.”
The POP sets out Council’s preferred options for growth and development across Derry and Strabane, with a view to building both a strong and sustainable District.
The LDP is a crucial element in the delivery of the District’s Community Plan.
Its objective of achieving a ‘thriving. prosperous and sustainable City and District with equality of opportunity for all’.
Over the next 15 years, the LDP aims to generate 12,000 new homes and assist in creating up to 15,000 new jobs.
Head of Planning with DCSDC, Maura Fox, said the LDP would act as a major catalyst in the positive growth and transformation of the District.
“Our priority is to create planning policy and land use proposals which will allow us to deliver the infrastructure, housing, capital projects and shape the settlements that we need to enhance the quality of living here for everyone.
“We want to create a thriving City-Region worthy of investment and an attractive place to live which offers opportunity and prosperity to all our people – young and old.
“To achieve this, we need to engage with as many people as possible to find out their aspirations for the development of Derry and Strabane and what will change their lives for the better.
“So I would really encourage everyone to have a look at the POP and see if the options reflect their needs.”
You can find out more about the LDP and view the Preferred Options Paper online www.derrystrabane.com/LDP.
The closing date for the consultation is next Tuesday, August 22, so anyone who has views on local Planning is asked to give their feedback now.
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