Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the Plan Strategy by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Local Development Plan 2030

Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the Plan Strategy October 2023

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/planning

Contents Introduction Part A: Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the Draft Plan Strategy (September 2019) Part B: Addendum to the draft Rural Needs Impact Assessment – Draft Plan Strategy (January 2021) Part C: Second Addendum to Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the draft Plan Strategy (August 2023) Documenting and Recording

Introduction 1.1

This document has been prepared by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEA) to collate the published assessments that contributed to the Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RNIA) of the Mid and East Antrim Local Development 2030 (LDP) Plan Strategy and comprises the following, which are to be read collectively: • Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the Draft Plan Strategy (September 2019); • Addendum to the draft Rural Needs Impact Assessment – Draft Plan Strategy (January 2021); and • Second Addendum to Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the draft Plan Strategy (August 2023).

1.2

For the purposes of the RNIA, the rural area within Mid and East Antrim includes settlements which have a population less than 5,000 and areas of the countryside outside of settlement development limits.

1.3

The DAERA publication ‘A Guide to the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 for Public Authorities (Revised)’ (April 2018) states that ‘rural needs’ means the social and economic needs of persons in rural areas, and that a ‘need’ can be considered to be something that is essential to achieve a standard of living comparable with that of the population in general.

1.4

The Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 places a duty on councils to have due regard to the needs of people in rural areas when developing, adopting, implementing or revising a policy, strategy or plan. In such cases, the DAERA guidance published in 2018 recommends that a RNIA should be conducted.

1.5

Council conducted a RNIA of the draft Plan Strategy (September 2019) which assessed how the draft Plan Strategy is likely to impact on people in rural areas; it identified the main social and economic issues that are particularly relevant for the rural areas of the Borough; it provided details of issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas; and it outlined how the rural needs identified influenced development of the draft Plan Strategy.

1.6

The Council proposed a number of modifications to the draft Plan Strategy in January 2021 and published an Addendum to the draft RNIA (January 2021) which concluded that these proposed modifications did not alter the outcomes of the RNIA of the draft Plan Strategy (September 2019). The draft Plan Strategy was then subject to a number of further modifications directed by the Department for Infrastructure (June 2023). The associated Second Addendum to the RNIA (August 2023) also concluded that the directed modifications did not alter outcomes of the original RNIA or the first addendum to it.

1.7

The Council, in bringing forward the LDP, is committed to ensuring that it fulfils its duty to have due regard to the needs of people in rural areas. Therefore, a Rural Needs Impact Assessment will be carried out at the next stage of the LDP process, the Local Policies Plan.

1.8

Monitoring and review of the LDP is an integral part of the plan making process. The Plan Strategy is accompanied by an annual Monitoring and Review Framework (October 2023) which guides the assessment of the implementation of the Plan Strategy policies. This annual monitoring will be used to indicate whether LDP policies and proposals are achieving their objectives. If no review is triggered as a result of the annual monitoring, a five-year review of the LDP will be carried out subsequent to adoption to ensure the policies and proposals are achieving their objectives. There will be further scope for any potential impacts on rural areas and communities to be considered through this monitoring and review process.

Part A Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the Draft Plan Strategy (September 2019)

Local Development Plan 2030

Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the Draft Plan Strategy September 2019

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/planning

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

Contents Have your say

How to respond

1.0 Introduction

2.0 What is meant by ‘rural’ and ‘rural needs’?

3.0 Draft Plan Strategy Approach to the Countryside

4.0 Main Issues Arising From Rural Needs Impact Assessment

5.0 Rural Needs Impact Assessment

Appendices Appendix A: Population Totals

Appendix B: Information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

Have your say Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is consulting on the Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan – Draft Plan Strategy 2030. The consultation arrangements and protocol are outlined on Page 7 of the draft Plan Strategy and on the Council’s website. A period of pre-consultation will run from 17 September 2019 to 15 October 2019. Thereafter, a period of formal public consultation will be open for eight weeks, commencing on 16 October 2019 and ending at 5pm on 11 December 2019, during which time formal representations to the draft Plan Strategy and associated documents can be submitted to the Council’s Local Development Plan Team. This formal consultation period offers an opportunity for everyone to submit a formal representation(s) to this Rural Needs Impact Assessment. Please note that representations received after the closing date on 11 December 2019 will not be considered. We welcome your comments on any aspects of the Rural Needs Impact Assessment. Such comments may include any consideration or reference to economic and social needs of the rural community, including any economic or social rural needs that have not been addressed within this assessment. All formal representations received will be given due consideration during the process of progressing the draft Plan Strategy through to formal adoption.

How to respond Representations should be submitted to the Local Development Plan Team via the following options: Online consultation portal: consult.midandeastantrim.gov.uk By email: planning@midandeastantrim.gov.uk By post: Local Development Plan Team County Hall 182 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1QF We would encourage you to use the online consultation portal and to carefully read the accompanying guidance before completing your representation. Note: your responses are public documents that will be made available for public inspection and Independent

Examination. All responses will therefore be held on a database in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR).

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

1.0 Introduction 1.1

The Plan Strategy is the first main stage of the new two-stage Local Development Plan (LDP) process. The draft Plan Strategy sets out a vision to improve the quality of life for everyone through delivering high quality, sustainable and connected places. The vision will be pursued through the strategic objectives and policies and proposals in the Plan Strategy. The adopted Plan Strategy will provide a framework for the Local Policies Plan, the second stage of the LDP process. Once adopted in full, the LDP will be the primary consideration in decision making under the new plan-led system.

1.2

The draft Plan Strategy has been prepared with regard to the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035, the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) 2015 and our Community Plan. It has also been developed using a robust evidence base and has involved extensive engagement with statutory consultees including neighbouring Councils. The responses received in relation to our Preferred Option Paper (POP) have also informed the development of the draft Plan Strategy.

1.3

The Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (‘the Rural Needs Act’) places a duty on councils to have due regard to the needs of people in rural areas (referred to as the ‘due regard duty’) when developing, adopting, implementing or revising a policy, strategy or plan, and when designing and delivering public services. In such cases, the DAERA publication ‘A Guide to the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 for Public Authorities (Revised)’ (April 2018) (hereafter referred to as ‘the DAERA guidance’) recommends that a Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RNIA) should be conducted. Through the ‘due regard duty’, the Rural Needs Act seeks to ensure that consideration of the needs of people in rural areas is embedded within public policy making, thereby helping to deliver better outcomes for people in rural areas and encourage more sustainable rural communities.

1.4

This document sets out the RNIA for the draft Plan Strategy of our Local Development Plan 2030. The principles of rural proofing are incorporated in the RNIA process. These principles require the identification of the potential impacts that a policy or strategy would have on a rural area, a proper assessment of those impacts if they are deemed to be significant and, where appropriate, adjustments to the policy or strategy to take account of rural circumstances.

1.5

The DAERA guidance highlights that conducting a RNIA in itself does not equate to having due regard to rural needs. However, it does emphasise that the RNIA process can help public authorities ensure that the due regard duty is fulfilled. This RNIA uses the recommended RNIA template contained within Appendix 1 of the DAERA guidance.

1.6

The Rural Needs Act does not specifically require consultation in relation to rural needs. However, in line with the DAERA guidance, the Council will include this RNIA as part of the public consultation documentation for the draft Plan Strategy. In this context, this RNIA should be read in conjunction with the draft Plan Strategy, associated technical supplements and other publications and documents that have informed both the draft Plan Strategy and this RNIA. At the Preferred Option Paper (POP) stage, we consulted a number of specific rural groups as part of consultation and engagement with ‘Section 75 groups’. These rural groups will be consulted again as part of the consultation on the draft Plan Strategy and include the following:  



NI Rural Women’s Network Rural Community Network Rural Support

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

2.0 What is meant by ‘rural’ and ‘rural needs’? 2.1

Rural: The default definition of ‘rural’ used in Northern Ireland is that developed by the Inter-Departmental Urban-Rural Definition Group which classifies those settlements with populations of less than 5,000 together with the open countryside as rural (DAERA, 2018). However, the DAERA guidance recognises that alternative definitions of ‘rural’ may be appropriate for different projects and programmes.

2.2

For the purposes of this RNIA, the Council adopts the default definition used by the Inter-Departmental Urban-Rural Definition Group. Therefore, the rural area within Mid and East Antrim includes settlements which have a population less than 5,000 and areas of the countryside outside of settlement development limits1 (in accordance with SPPS para 6.61).

2.3

Based on the population figures for settlements published in the 2011 Northern Ireland Census2, the following settlements within Mid and East Antrim have a population of less than 5,000 and are considered part of the rural area:                

Ahoghill Ballycarry Ballygalley Ballystrudder Broughshane Buckna (proposed) Cargan Carnalbanagh Carncastle Carnlough Clough Craigywarren (proposed) Crosshill Cullybackey Glarryford (proposed) Glenarm

               

Glenoe Glynn Grange Corner Kells/Connor Magheramorne Martinstown Milltown (proposed) Moorfields (proposed) Mounthill Mullaghboy Newtowncrommelin (proposed) Portglenone Raloo Slaght (proposed) Whitehead Woodgreen (proposed)

2.4

Note: the draft Plan Strategy proposes to designate eight new small settlements and de-designate 12 existing small settlements. The rationale for designating and de-designating these small settlements is contained in Technical Supplement 2 ‘Settlement Hierarchy and Strategic Settlement Evaluation’. The draft Plan Strategy defines the countryside as any land outside of designated settlement limits.

2.5

Rural needs: ‘rural needs’ means the social and economic needs of persons in rural areas (DAERA, 2018). The DAERA guidance states that, “a ‘need’ can be considered to be something that is essential to achieve a standard of living comparable with that of the population in general”.

1 For the purposes of this assessment, settlement development limits are those located in Mid and East Antrim and designated within the

following extant development plans: Ballymena Area Plan 1986-2001, Carrickfergus Area Plan 2001 and Larne Area Plan 2010, and excluding any settlement development limit associated with a small settlement that is proposed for de-designation within the draft Plan Strategy. 2 https://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/Home.aspx

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

3.0 Draft Plan Strategy Approach to the Countryside 3.1

The Borough of Mid and East Antrim is a predominantly rural area. The open countryside is home to some 22% of the population of the Borough. It is an important resource for a number of economic activities, mainly in the agricultural, tourism, renewable energy and minerals sectors. Council recognises the need to sustain these rural communities by ensuring a healthy rural economy.

3.2

The countryside is also an important environmental resource. There are a number of sites designated at international, national and local levels on the basis of their importance for nature conservation and/or scientific interest. Landscape and seascape is often of high quality, particularly within the 370 square kilometres of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that falls within the Borough. Council recognises the importance of safeguarding these areas not only because of their intrinsic value, but also because of their importance in underpinning a growing tourism sector in Mid and East Antrim.

3.3

Building on our POP and in line with the SPPS, the overarching approach embedded in the draft Plan Strategy in regard to the countryside, is to manage development in a manner which strikes a sustainable balance between protection of the environment from inappropriate development, while supporting and sustaining rural communities.

3.4

The Spatial Growth Strategy, Countryside Strategy and a range of the strategic subject policies pertaining in whole or in part to the rural area, are all directed at achieving this sustainable balance in the countryside.

4.0 Main Issues Arising From Rural Needs Impact Assessment 4.1

After undertaking the RNIA in accordance with the DAERA guidance, the following social and economic issues were identified as being particularly relevant for the rural areas of the Borough:  With a significant rural population, it is important that the draft Plan Strategy aims to meet the economic and social needs of rural communities through facilitating appropriate forms of growth and development in rural areas within the context of sustainable development.  There is continuing demand to reside in the rural area and it is important to provide housing opportunities for rural communities within villages, small settlements and the open countryside.  Some types of economic activity are normally carried out in the countryside. Examples include agriculture and forestry, quarrying, renewable energy development and certain types of tourism and leisure activities. These sectors should be supported and appropriate growth accommodated within the context of sustainable development.  Some rural communities can experience difficulty accessing facilities and services which can lead to a sense of social exclusion and isolation. Within densely populated urban areas the advantages of economies of scale can be exploited in relation to the provision of facilities and services. However, in the rural area where the population density is less, these economies of scale cannot be realised and the provision of facilities and services becomes more expensive. Therefore given public expenditure constraints, the standard of provision of facilities and services is inevitably lower in rural areas than in urban areas. Public transport provision is a good example. Some rural areas within our Borough also experience difficulty with telecommunications connectivity. However, it is important to strive to maintain and improve the delivery of public facilities, services and utilities in rural areas in order to help sustain a vibrant rural community and reduce a sense of social exclusion and isolation in these areas. 6

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

 It is increasingly recognised that the natural environment of rural areas can deliver social benefits in terms of improving human health and wellbeing. Health and wellbeing can be enhanced through the opportunities that the rural area provides for active and passive recreation, while mental health can be helped by the tranquillity, scenic beauty and sense of place offered by some parts of the countryside. Given these benefits, the landscape, environmental and heritage assets of rural areas should be protected in accordance with their relative importance and significance.

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

5.0 Rural Needs Impact Assessment SECTION 1 - Defining the activity subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016 1A. Name of Public Authority: Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 1B. Please provide a short title which describes the activity being undertaken by the Public Authority that is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016. Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan 2030 – Draft Plan Strategy The Plan Strategy is one of two Local Development Plan documents to be produced in accordance with Part 2 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. 1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to. Policy Strategy Plan 1D. Please provide the official title (if any) of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service document or initiative relating to the category indicated in Section 1C above. Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan 2030 draft Plan Strategy. 1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service. The LDP Vision (as set out in paragraph 1.1) is to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, enjoy, invest and visit Mid and East Antrim – to the extent that this can be delivered through the planning system; with the emphasis on delivering high quality and sustainable development and good place-making. The Vision is supported by 25 strategic objectives which are framed around the three themes (economic, social and environmental) of sustainable development. 1F. What definition of “rural” is the Public Authority using in response of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service? Please refer to Part 2.0 “What is meant by ‘rural’ and ‘rural needs’?” of this report for details on the definition of “rural” adopted by this report.

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

SECTION 2 – Understanding the impact of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service 2A. Is the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service likely to impact on people in rural areas? Yes 2B. Please explain how the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas. Urban-Rural Divide This RNIA has adopted the default definition of “rural” used in Northern Ireland developed by the Inter-Departmental Urban-Rural Definition Group which defines the rural area as those settlements with populations of less than 5,000 together with the open countryside (DAERA, 2018). Therefore, all areas within the Borough and outside of the settlement development limits of Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Greenisland are considered rural in the RNIA context. Based on this demarcation of the urban-rural divide, approximately 40% (53,548) of the Borough’s population reside in the rural area (see Table 2 of Appendix A). Draft Plan Strategy Strategic Proposals and Policies The draft Plan Strategy takes account of the RDS 2035 and the overarching aim is to further sustainable development. The draft Plan Strategy Spatial Growth Strategy and Countryside Strategy seek to direct and manage growth, whilst the strategic subject policies will provide the policy framework for decision making on planning applications. An explanation of how these various elements are likely to impact on people in rural areas is provided below. Spatial Growth Strategy The Spatial Growth Strategy (SGS) sets out the broad locations where new growth (housing, economic development, retail etc.) will be directed over the Plan period to 2030. The SGS takes account of the RDS and is linked to the Settlement Hierarchy set out in the draft Plan Strategy, which provides the spatial framework for delivery of the SGS through strategic spatial proposals and operational policies. The SGS will impact differentially on people in rural areas depending on where they live, work or visit. All our small towns with the exception of Greenisland fall within the RNIA definition of ‘rural’. Here the SGS aims to “facilitate appropriate growth in our small towns to provide opportunities for business, retail, housing and services.” Below this settlement tier, the SGS aims to ‘sustain rural communities living in and around villages and small settlements’. The open countryside, for the purposes of the LDP, consists of all other land outside designated settlement development limits. Here, the SGS aims to ‘facilitate sustainable development, balancing the need to protect the environment and rural character, while sustaining a strong and vibrant rural community’. In summary, the SGS will provide for a ‘tiered’ approach to development in the rural area, with greater provision in the small town tier relative to the village and small settlement tiers. Countryside Strategy The Countryside Strategy sets out what types of development are acceptable in principle in the countryside. It also sets out a range of strategic policy designations and associated policies which aim to protect landscapes which are of exceptional quality or of unique amenity value, or which are important for the setting of settlements. As these designations are located in the countryside they are likely to have an impact on the Borough’s rural community. Special Countryside Areas (SCAs) have been designated in order to protect exceptional landscapes along the coast, around Slemish and adjacent to Lough Beg. The SCAs are very restrictive in relation to the types of development permitted. However, it should be noted that in the context of the Borough, they cover a relatively small area and will impact on a very low percentage of the population. Other designations such as Areas of Constraint on High Structures (ACHS) are larger in extent but are less restrictive as they only seek to restrict the height of wind turbines, pylons and masts as well as other obtrusive types of development. In a similar manner, the three Areas of Constraint on Mineral Development 9

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

(ACMD) only apply to the extraction and processing of hard rock and aggregates from quarries, in the interest of protecting sensitive landscape and heritage assets within the AONB. Rural Landscape Wedges, which are relatively small in extent, are designated at Carrickfergus and Greenisland in order to protect their settings and to ensure coalescence of settlements does not occur in these areas. Again, these designations will not impact significantly on the rural population as a whole. Strategic Subject Policies The strategic subject policies are largely topic related, i.e. relative to various types of development (such as housing, retail or transportation). They also include policies that aim to restrict or carefully manage development in the public interest. Examples include policies for flood risk, the historic environment and the natural environment. Many of these policies will have some impact on rural dwellers, depending upon the way in which they seek to manage development in the countryside. However, in general, these policies contribute positive net benefits for the wider community through helping to secure sustainable patterns of development. As previously stated, the overarching approach in determining planning applications is to manage development in a manner which strikes a sustainable balance between protection of the environment from inappropriate development, while supporting and sustaining rural communities. For example, helping to conserve and protect valuable heritage and landscape assets in the countryside can stimulate and sustain economic growth through tourism and enhance health and wellbeing benefits for everyone. Where appropriate, the draft Plan Strategy does allow for development opportunities in the countryside if the relevant policy tests are met, for example, policies allowing for residential development, farm diversification, tourism development, renewable energy development and minerals development. Overall, it is considered that the draft Plan Strategy strikes a balance between accommodating appropriate development and sustainable growth in the rural area whilst offering a sufficient level of protection for our natural and historic heritage assets and landscapes commensurate with their significance and value to the wider community. 2C. If the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently from people in urban areas, please explain how it is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently. Draft Plan Strategy - Spatial Growth Strategy The draft Plan Strategy Spatial Growth Strategy (SGS) and the Settlement Hierarchy will set the broad parameters for the distribution of housing, economic development and retail growth across the Borough over the plan period. There are 36 settlements identified in the draft Plan Strategy and these have been categorised across four tiers of settlement type based on their role, facilities and services available and their potential for accommodating development. The draft Plan Strategy SGS identifies the three main towns of Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne as a focus for population growth and economic development in order to strengthen their roles as prime locations for business, retail, housing, administration, leisure and cultural facilities. In accordance with the RDS Spatial Framework Guidance, there will be diminishing opportunities for growth within respective settlements as the strategic importance and size of the settlement decreases and, consequently, there will be more opportunities for development in urban areas than rural areas. Although the ‘main hubs’ of Ballymena and Larne, as well as Carrickfergus will be the focus of growth, the draft Plan Strategy seeks to support and facilitate appropriate growth in rural areas in order to sustain a vibrant rural community. For example, villages, which function as local service centres and help meet the daily needs of the rural community, will be consolidated and sustained. In more isolated parts of the Borough, small settlements will act as a focal point for housing and may provide access to community facilities or make provision for rural businesses. Further, there will be opportunities for single dwellings and appropriate types of economic development in the open countryside provided they are sustainable and avoid harmful impacts on rural character and the environment. Importantly, it is considered that the urban settlements also contribute to meeting the economic and social needs of the rural community in relation to the provision of community services, opportunities for leisure and recreation and as hubs of employment.

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

Draft Plan Strategy - Countryside Strategy The Countryside Strategy will also impact people in rural areas differently from people in urban areas because the various designations previously referred to will not generally apply within settlements. However, such designations are deemed to be in the overall public interest and often only seek to restrict or carefully manage particular forms of development in the countryside which does not affect the day to day lives of most rural dwellers. Further, Special Countryside Areas which are the most restrictive designations are relatively limited in extent and are located in areas of sparse population. It is important to note that the LDP will also seek to restrict or carefully manage development in the public interest within some urban areas through other appropriate mechanisms, for example within Conservation Areas, Areas of Townscape or Village Character, or Local Landscape Policy Areas. Draft Plan Strategy – Strategic Subject Policies The strategic subject policies are operational in nature and apply across the Borough. These will form the basis for assessing development proposals, including those within rural settlements or the open countryside. Some strategic subject policies are shaped differently and contain different policy criteria for the open countryside visà-vis designated settlements. For example, such differential approaches apply to policy areas for economic development, housing and tourism. Policies which seek to protect the landscape and heritage assets may be more restrictive in some rural areas than others, depending on the quality of the landscape and the heritage assets present. It is also accepted that where strategic subject policies are shaped differently for the open countryside than for settlements that they generally tend to be more restrictive. For example, within settlements there is a general presumption in favour of tourism development which does not apply universally outside of settlements. With regard to housing, the draft Plan Strategy does not generally cater for the development of multiple housing units in the countryside and places significant restrictions on opportunities for single dwellings. This policy approach differs from that which applies to settlements, where there is a general presumption in favour of all types of residential development. However, it should be noted that such differentiation aligns with the draft Plan Strategy SGS and also the Regional Development Strategy, the SPPS and the thrust of existing Planning Policy Statements relating to the particular subject area, all of which are primarily directed to furthering sustainable patterns of development. For the draft Plan Strategy to significantly depart from this regional direction would render it vulnerable to being found to be ‘unsound’. Again, it should be noted that all but one of our settlements below the ‘main town’ level fall within the RNIA definition of the rural area. Accordingly, the differential impacts of the policies per se, are limited to those who live, work or visit the open countryside. Further, even within the open countryside, some of the strategic subject policies will have differential impacts. A good example is tourism development, which will be restricted in some vulnerable areas, or required to be carefully managed elsewhere in the countryside, or actively promoted in particular ‘opportunity sites’ in the countryside. 2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on. Given the scope of the topic areas contained within the draft Plan Strategy, it is likely to have a direct or indirect impact on the following areas of interest to the rural community: 

Rural business;



Rural tourism;



Rural housing;



Jobs or employment in the rural area;



Education or training in rural areas;



Telecommunications (broadband or mobile) in rural areas;



Transport services or infrastructure in rural areas;



Poverty in rural areas; 11

Rural Needs Impact Assessment



Deprivation in rural areas;



Rural crime or community safety;



Rural development;



Agri-Environment; and



Other (please state) – natural heritage, historic environment, landscape character, minerals development, renewable energy development.

2E. Please explain why the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is NOT likely to impact on people in rural areas. N/A

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SECTION 3 – Identifying the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas 3A. Has the Public Authority taken steps to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas that are relevant to the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service and whom it is likely to impact on. Yes 3B. Please indicate which of the following methods or information sources were used by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas. The following methods and information sources were used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas:       

Consultation with rural stakeholders; Consultation with other organisations; Published statistics; Research papers; Integrated Village Plans produced as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020; Other publications; and Other methods or information sources (details included in Section 3C below).

3C. Please provide details of the methods and information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas including relevant dates, names of organisations, titles of publications, website references, details of surveys or consultations undertaken etc. Information Sources: Publications, Reports and Statistics Various sources of information and publications were used to generate an evidence base that has informed our Preferred Options Paper (POP) and the draft Plan Strategy. In particular, maps, statistics and publications produced by central government departments such as Department for Communities (DfC), Department of Finance (DoF), Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) were utilised. Appendix B of this RNIA includes a list of some of the sources of information used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas. Research Papers During the initial preparatory stage of the LDP, 14 position papers were produced to provide baseline evidence for the various topic areas falling within the scope of the draft Plan Strategy. These position papers have informed the production of our POP, draft Plan Strategy and the Sustainability Appraisal (SA). Each position paper sets out the planning policy context, establishes a baseline position regarding the topic area and identifies key issues that need to be addressed. Each position paper considers the whole Borough and, therefore, all are to some extent of relevance to the rural area. Following public consultation on the POP, the evidence base for various topics was reviewed and updated where necessary. The updated evidence base was used to inform the production of a series of Technical Supplements which support the draft Plan Strategy. The Countryside Assessment, Settlement Hierarchy and Strategic Settlement Evaluation and a range of other Technical Supplements relating to particular forms of development have all, to various degrees, informed policy development for the open countryside. The Countryside Assessment includes a review of the baseline data for the Borough’s environmental assets (outside of settlement development limits), a review of the Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment (NILCA) 2000 and an analysis of the development pressure experienced in the open countryside from residential and renewable energy development. The Sustainability Appraisal assessed each policy and proposal in the draft Plan Strategy against a range of indicators of 13

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sustainability and considered rural impacts generally, as part of this process. Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement The first stage of the LDP process was the publication of our POP in June 2017. The main purpose of the POP was to identify the main planning issues for our Borough and through public consultation to obtain feedback from statutory consultees, various interest groups and the general public on our ‘Preferred Options’ for addressing these key issues. The POP and responses to it have informed the draft Plan Strategy. Prior to publication of the POP engagement took place with overarching bodies who represent the 9 identified Section 75 groups. Some 120 groups were contacted in writing, offering them the opportunity to identify any particular issues or needs that they considered the Plan should address. Key Section 75 groups were also consulted again on publication of the POP. Groups representing the rural community were included in the list of Section 75 groups, for example, the NI Rural Women’s Network, the Rural Community Network, the Rural Development Council and Rural Support. Publication of the POP was advertised in local newspapers, in the Borough’s ‘Connections’ magazine, on the Council’s website and social media platforms. Targeted letters were also sent to various consultees, political representatives, business and interest groups and planning agents. The POP and the Sustainability Appraisal Interim Report were subject to 12 weeks public consultation, during which, there were nine public engagement events which consisted of six ‘public events’ held in the three main towns and three ‘drop-in sessions’ held in three villages across the Borough. Further, during the consultation period, comments were welcomed from the public and interest groups via email, letter and through an online survey. The public events, drop-in sessions and consultation period arrangements gave statutory consultees, interest groups and the general public an opportunity to actively participate in and inform the LDP process and a total of 132 responses were received. The Council received six specific responses in relation to the POP’s Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Scoping and Interim Report, including two from statutory consultees. A total of 45 responses to the POP commented on the SA. All consultation responses, including those that raised issues specific to rural communities and the rural area, were considered in a public consultation report on the POP that was published in November 2017 (available at https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/downloads/POP_Public_Consultation_Report.pdf), and these consultation responses have informed the policy approach of the draft Plan Strategy. During the SA process, the approach and policies of the draft Plan Strategy have been considered in detail with the aim of ensuring that the overarching aim of sustainable development is considered throughout the document. Elected Members of the Council, council departments and statutory consultees have extensive knowledge of the issues facing rural communities in the Borough. During the drafting stages of the POP and draft Plan Strategy, a series of workshops were held that gave Elected Members, council departments and statutory consultees the opportunity to discuss and contribute to the policy approach of both documents. Policy Review In preparing the POP, the Local Development Plan team carried out a review of the extant regional operational policies contained in the Planning Policy Statements and extant LDP policies. The policy review and recommended changes to the policies were discussed with the Elected Members before being published in the POP for public consultation. Further refinement of the policies subsequent to the POP was undertaken, taking account of the POP responses and input of statutory consultees and ongoing engagement with Elected Members. The result of the policy review process is a suite of strategic subject policies now contained in the draft Plan Strategy, which take account of the unique circumstances of Mid and East Antrim and address the economic and social needs of the Borough, including the rural community. This approach is balanced with cognisance of the regional direction and the obligation to further sustainable development.

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the Public Authority. Based on population figures of the 2011 Census (see Table 2, Appendix A), approximately 60% of the population of MEA is concentrated in the four towns of Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Greenisland. With approximately 40% of the population residing in rural settlements or the open countryside, it is recognised that there is a need to facilitate sustainable development within rural areas which can help meet the social and economic needs of the rural community. The population of Mid and East Antrim is projected to increase and reach a total of 142,114 by 2030 and this is likely to result in a modest increase in demand for residential development and facilities and services in the rural area. Going forward, it is also important to protect our environment, exceptional landscape features and heritage assets from the adverse impacts of inappropriate development as they provide net benefits for the rural community and the wider Borough, for example, through contributing positively to the proper functioning of ecosystem services and the continued growth of tourism. Mid and East Antrim has an active and vibrant rural community. From the collated evidence (see Section 3C) and engagement with Elected Members of the Council, various interest groups and stakeholders, including those representing the rural community, and the general public, the following economic and social needs of the rural community were identified:     



     

The need for sustainable economic development and employment opportunities in the rural area in order to maintain and sustain the vibrancy of the rural community; The need to support rural businesses such as agriculture and forestry, farm diversification, minerals development and sustainable forms of tourism; The need to protect the natural environment in order to ensure that development does not adversely impact on biodiversity, ecosystem services or valued natural heritage assets; Within rural areas, there is a need for affordable housing provision and to accommodate sustainable patterns of residential development in order to help meet the housing needs of the rural community; The need to have access to leisure facilities, for example, in relation to sport, recreation, leisure, walking and cycling. Addressing this need can help alleviate social isolation in the rural area as well as enhancing health and wellbeing; The need to have access to services including health, education, transport (including public transport) and broadband. Addressing this need can help alleviate social isolation in the rural area as well as meet the need for good connectivity to necessary services; The need to adapt to climate change and utilise renewable energy sources where appropriate; The need to avoid new development in areas known to be at significant risk from flooding, coastal change or land instability, taking account of ‘increased vulnerability’ associated with climate change; The need to feel safe; The need to protect the natural beauty and/or character of the rural area, particularly where the landscape is of high scenic quality or unique amenity value; The need to safeguard the unique character and amenity of our coastline, loughs and river corridors; and The need to protect valued historic environment assets which are inextricably linked to the cultural heritage, evolution and identity of the rural area and community.

IF THE RESPONSE TO SECTION 3A WAS “YES” GO TO SECTION 4A. 3E. Please explain why no steps were taken by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas? N/A 15

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

SECTION 4 – Considering the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas 4A. Please provide details of the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas. Approximately 40% of the Borough’s population reside in settlements considered rural or in the open countryside. In accordance with the RDS and SPPS, the draft Plan Strategy aims to accommodate sustainable development within rural areas, whilst simultaneously protecting our environment, exceptional landscapes and historic and natural heritage assets from the adverse impacts of inappropriate development. The population of Mid and East Antrim is projected to increase and reach a total of 142,114 by 2030 and this is likely to result in some further pressure for residential development in the countryside and a modest increase in demand for services and facilities from the rural population. Housing Need In relation to an increase in demand for residential accommodation in the rural area, the draft Plan Strategy Strategic Housing Allocation and policies related to housing, are largely directed by the RDS, SPPS and the proposed LDPs Spatial Growth Strategy, with larger settlements being prioritised for growth. In the rural area, the draft Plan Strategy allows for appropriate growth within small towns, sufficient growth to sustain villages and small settlements, and there are opportunities for residential development (mainly single dwelling units) in the countryside. Given that the growth in the number of ‘approved’ single dwellings in the open countryside across Northern Ireland in the period pre-dating Planning Policy Statement 21 was considered to be unsustainable and having a significant adverse impact on the rural character of the countryside; the draft Plan Strategy seeks to consolidate the approach of PPS 21 by supporting sustainable patterns of residential development in the open countryside. The draft Plan Strategy also makes provision for affordable housing in rural areas and for meeting the needs of people with special personal or domestic circumstances. As part of the settlement evaluation process, it was concluded that 12 existing small settlements should be dedesignated (Trooperslane is to be subsumed into Carrickfergus settlement development limits) and eight new small settlements should be designated. On adoption of the draft Plan Strategy, any de-designated settlements will be considered as part of the open countryside with any new small settlements considered as open countryside until new settlement limits have been identified at Local Polices Plan stage. It is acknowledged this process may restrict some development opportunities until such time as settlement development limits are designated for the “new” small settlements. However, it is considered that this approach will lead to a more sustainable pattern of housing development with potential for some opportunities for new housing development in the “new” small settlements where this will serve to sustain their role in supporting the rural community. Economic Need The draft Plan Strategy recognises that the aim to support and sustain rural communities depends much on ensuring a vibrant and rural economy. Accordingly, the Spatial Growth Strategy will assist the rural economy through supporting sustainable economic development in both rural settlements and the open countryside. Tourism is expected to be a key economic driver for the Borough and in order to support the sustainable growth of this sector, the draft Plan Strategy seeks to direct tourism growth to the most appropriate locations and to provide protection for important heritage and landscape assets within the rural area that are attractive to tourists, for example, at Slemish, the Gobbins and along the Antrim Coast Road / Causeway Coastal Route. Outside of designated areas, the draft Plan Strategy will accommodate appropriate types of economic development in the countryside provided such proposals do not adversely impact the natural or historic environment, quality landscapes or rural character and accord with a sustainable pattern of development. Subject to these caveats, appropriate types of economic 16

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

development can include farm diversification, agriculture and forestry development, sustainable tourism, small rural start-up projects, minerals development and renewable energy. The draft Plan Strategy recognises that telecommunications infrastructure and overhead cables are necessary for ensuring our homes, businesses and services throughout the Borough are well connected to a safe, secure and reliable communication network and energy supply. Enhanced access to reliable high speed digital infrastructure is an important factor in ensuring our businesses remain competitive and growth of the local economy is supported. However, some rural parts of our Borough continue to suffer from poor indoor mobile coverage and 4G access and experience relatively low broadband speeds. The draft Plan Strategy seeks to facilitate the provision of infrastructure necessary for modern telecommunications and other utilities, whilst protecting highly sensitive landscapes, in order that all the domestic and business needs of the Borough can be met, including those of the rural community. Social Need The draft Plan Strategy aims to help meet the social needs of the rural community and recognises that access to facilities and services can improve ‘quality of life’ and help reduce social isolation. Although major population growth and economic development is to be focused in the three main towns, it is recognised that the business, retail, administration, leisure and cultural facilities within these towns all contribute to serving the needs of the rural hinterland. Appropriate growth will also be accommodated in small towns and in villages and small settlements where this will help to sustain rural communities. These lower tier settlements, particularly small towns and villages, perform an important role as local centres of employment, facilities and services that help to meet the daily needs of the rural community. It is acknowledged that some remoter parts of the Borough are sparsely populated areas and can experience greater problems regarding access to facilities and services than in other rural areas. Directly addressing issues, such as a low level of public transport provision or a lack of community facilities within the rural area, is outside the scope of the draft Plan Strategy. However, the approach of the draft Plan Strategy is to support the provision of such facilities or services, where there is a firm commitment on the part of the service provider and where appropriate within the context of sustainable development. Consideration of Local Circumstances The approach of the draft Plan Strategy is to balance the needs of the rural community and the rural economy with other interests, including the need to protect the environment and respect rural character. Within rural settlements, specific local needs will be taken into account when assessing development proposals against the strategic proposals and policies set out in the Plan Strategy. Within the open countryside, the draft Plan Strategy aims to secure the sustainable balance referred to throughout this document. Within designated areas of high quality landscape, environmental or unique amenity value, the ‘balance’ will be in favour of protection and development proposals will be assessed against the bespoke policy for the particular type of designation. Elsewhere within the countryside, the strategic subject policies of the draft Plan Strategy will allow somewhat greater flexibility for the consideration of local circumstances – for example where there is a local need for a farm or craft shop or for a small rural start up project outside a village or small settlement.

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

SECTION 5 – Influencing the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service 5A. Has the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, been influenced by the rural needs identified? Yes 5B. Please explain how the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, has been influenced by the rural needs identified. The draft Plan Strategy seeks to take a holistic approach to development within the Borough, with a vision, strategic objectives and policy aims to support sustainable patterns of development. In this context, the draft Plan Strategy seeks to facilitate sustainable patterns of development which can meet the economic, social and environmental needs of the Borough as a whole. Meeting the identified needs of the rural community is addressed through the Countryside Strategy which sets out the forms of development that will be acceptable in principle in the countryside. It is also addressed through many of the strategic subject policies which help to facilitate appropriate economic development, the supply of housing and the delivery of facilities and services within the rural area. Housing Need The opportunity to live in the rural area is important for members of the rural community. In accordance with the RDS, SPPS and the LDP Spatial Growth Strategy, housing growth will be focused in our three main towns which are considered the most sustainable locations. However, where necessary, land will be allocated for housing within our small towns and there will be scope for new housing development within villages and small settlements. Opportunities for new housing in these lower tier settlements will help meet the demand for housing within the rural community. The draft Plan Strategy also provides opportunities for housing in the open countryside, subject to planning policies for housing applicable outside of settlement development limits. Accordingly, the draft Plan Strategy makes provision for farm dwellings, replacement dwellings, dwellings within an existing cluster of buildings, dwellings to meet a justified need in relation to personal or domestic circumstances or the essential needs of a non-agricultural business, the conversion of non-residential buildings to residential use, and for the provision of affordable housing and travellers accommodation. Economic Need The draft Plan Strategy aims to sustain rural communities and support rural economic development through facilitating the development of rural industry, business and enterprise in appropriate locations. It is recognised that the main towns provide employment opportunities for the rural hinterland and that small towns and some villages function as centres of employment and services for the rural community. In line with the regional approach of the RDS and SPPS, the draft Plan Strategy allocates economic development land within each of the three main towns. While there is no specific allocation of economic development land outside of the main towns, opportunities for appropriate economic development in the lower tier settlements will remain, particularly where they meet an identified local need and avoid detrimental impact to the character of the settlement. In order to further help meet the economic needs of the rural community, the draft Plan Strategy can facilitate economic development in the open countryside if such development is of an appropriate nature and scale and sympathetically located so as to avoid adverse impact on vulnerable landscapes, environmental quality, heritage assets and rural character. Opportunities for sustainable economic growth in the open countryside can include farm diversification, agriculture and forestry development, sustainable tourism, small rural start-up projects, roadside service facilities and minerals development. 18

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

The minerals development sector provides jobs for the rural economy directly and indirectly. The extant Areas of Constraint on Mineral Development (ACMD) in the Larne Area Plan 2010 are to be taken forward in the draft Plan Strategy. It is recognised that these strategic designations will restrict minerals development for aggregates within their spatial extent. However, they aim to protect highly sensitive environments and/or landscapes and it is considered that there is sufficient opportunity outside of these designations for minerals development. Social Need Connectivity and social isolation are key considerations for rural communities in Mid and East Antrim. However, it is recognised that these issues are more acute in some more remote areas of the Borough. The draft Plan Strategy recognises the need to ensure that rural areas remain connected with the wider Borough via physical road infrastructure, private and public transport and telecommunications infrastructure. The direct provision of such infrastructure is beyond the scope of the LDP. However, the draft Plan Strategy, through the relevant strategic subject policies, aims to help facilitate and support the delivery and enhancement of such infrastructure within the context of sustainable development. Further to this, sport and outdoor recreation facilities and greenways will be permitted in rural areas subject to the relevant policy provisions and public access points along the coast will be protected. These recreation opportunities can help improve health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation in the rural community. The Environment and Wider Benefits It is increasingly recognised that a healthy natural environment delivers real benefits in terms of improving human health and wellbeing and facilitating sustainable economic growth. In the context of Mid and East Antrim, the natural environment is fundamental to the success of the agricultural and forestry sectors and for the sustainable supply of drinking water alongside other vital ecosystem services. The environmental quality and variety of the landscapes and seascapes within Mid and East Antrim attracts visitors and tourists to our Borough for the benefit of the economy. Additionally, a healthy environment delivers a range of social benefits, including those related to health and wellbeing. The draft Plan Strategy seeks to provide a healthy natural environment through its’ Countryside Strategy and associated strategic designations. Areas of open countryside within such designations, will be subject to a higher policy test which may restrict some types of development. However, adopting a holistic approach, it is considered that the draft Plan Strategy offers sufficient opportunities for residential development, sustainable economic development and provision of facilities and services to support the maintenance and growth of a vibrant rural community.

IF THE RESPONSE TO SECTION 5A WAS “YES” GO TO SECTION 6A. 5C. Please explain why the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, has NOT been influenced by the rural needs identified. N/A

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

SECTION 6 – Documenting and Recording 6A. Please tick below to confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained by the Public Authority and relevant information on the Section 1 activity compiled in accordance with paragraph 6.7 of the guidance. I confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained and relevant information compiled. Rural Needs Impact Assessment undertaken by:

Michael Francey

Position/Grade:

Principal Planning Officer Planning and Building Control:

Division/Branch

Local Development Plan Team

Date:

12/09/2019

Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by:

Paul Duffy

Position/Grade:

Head of Planning Planning and Building Control:

Division/Branch:

Local Development Plan Team

Date:

01/10/2019



Rural Needs Impact Assessment

Appendices

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

Appendix A: Population Totals Table 1: Population Totals for Mid and East Antrim and Northern Ireland Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Northern Ireland

Mid-Year Total Population Estimate (2018)

138,7733

1,881,6413

Usual Resident Population (Census, 2011)

135,3384

1,810,8634

Estimated % Change in Total Population Between 2011 and 2018

2.54%

3.91%

Table 2: Mid and East Antrim Population 2011 (Urban/Rural split)

Usual Resident Population (2011)

Ballymena (urban settlement)

Carrickfergus (urban settlement)

Larne (urban settlement)

29,5516

27,9986

18,7556

Greenisland Rural (urban Remainder5 settlement)

5,4866

60.434%

All of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

53,548

135,3384

39.566%

100%

Source: NISRA, 2018 Mid-Year Population Estimates for Northern Ireland (2019), Population Totals (administrative geographies) – LGD 2014.

Source: NISRA, 2011 Census, Usually Resident Population (administrative geographies) – LGD 2014. The Census collected information on the resident population of Northern Ireland on Census Day (27 March 2011). 5

Based on the default definition of ‘rural’ used in Northern Ireland is that developed by the Inter-Departmental Urban-Rural Definition Group which classifies those settlements with populations of less than 5,000 together with the open countryside as rural (DAERA, 2018). 6

Source: NISRA, 2011 Census, Usual Resident Population: KS101NI (Settlement 2015).

Rural Needs Impact Assessment

Appendix B: Information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas  Ballymena Area Plan 1986 – 2001 and associated technical supplements;  Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (draft) and associated technical supplements;  Carrickfergus Area Plan 2001 and associated technical supplements;  Larne Area Plan 2010 and associated technical supplements;  Mid and East Antrim Community Plan “Putting People First”;  Mid and East Antrim Preferred Options Paper Public Consultation Report (November 2017);  2011 Census www.nisra.gov.uk;  NI Neighbourhood Information Service www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/Home.aspx;  Mid and East Antrim Housing Monitor;  Department of Environment (DOE) Planning Statistics;  Antrim Coast and Glens AONB Outline Management Plan 2017;  Integrated Village Plans produced as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. NB: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.

Local Development Plan Team County Hall 182 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1QF Tel: 0300 124 5000 planning@midandeastantrim.gov.uk www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/planning

Part B Addendum to the draft Rural Needs Impact Assessment – Draft Plan Strategy (January 2021)

Local Development Plan 2030

Draft Plan Strategy Addendum to draft Rural Needs Impact Assessment

January 2021

Executive Summary A Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RNIA) was prepared by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and published along with the Council’s draft Plan Strategy (dPS) and other associated assessment documents on 17 September 2019. A formal public consultation period on the dPS ran from 16 October 2019 to 11 December 2019. Following consideration of the representations received, the Council has suggested a number of 'proposed modifications' to the published dPS, and these are contained within the Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS. This Addendum to the RNIA of the dPS has been prepared alongside the Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS and both documents will be subject to an eight-week period of formal consultation from 8 January 2021 to 5 March 2021. This addendum to the RNIA considers the proposed modifications to the dPS in the context of the statutory requirement to have due regard to rural needs and comprises of the following stages: • •

Screening of proposed modifications within the dPS to determine whether further assessment is required; and If necessary, to undertake an assessment of the proposed modifications that have not been screened out.

The findings of this screening exercise are contained within Table 1 of this document. Following consideration of the proposed modifications to the dPS in the context of the requirement to have regard to rural needs, it has been concluded that the proposed modifications do not alter the outcomes of the RNIA of the dPS.

1.0 Introduction 1.1. A Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the draft Plan Strategy (RNIA) was prepared by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and published along with the Council’s draft Plan Strategy (dPS) and other associated assessment documents on 17 September 2019. 1.2. A formal public consultation period on the dPS ran from 16 October 2019 to 11 December 2019 and Council has considered the representations received. In response to these representations, Council has suggested a number of 'proposed modifications' to the dPS. These proposed changes and the rationale for them are contained within the Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS. 1.3. Given the statutory requirement to have due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising policies, strategies and plans, it is imperative for Council to screen proposed modifications to the dPS in order to identify if those proposed modifications will affect the level of influence that the dPS was predicted to have on the ability to meet the needs of the rural community, as assessed in the RNIA. 1.4. This document, which is an addendum to the RNIA, has been prepared alongside the Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS, and identifies whether the outcomes of the RNIA should be amended as a result of the proposed modifications to the dPS. Therefore, this addendum should be read in conjunction with the RNIA. 1.5. This addendum to the RNIA includes: •

•

Screening of proposed modifications to the dPS to determine whether any of the proposed modifications ‘materially change’ the outcomes of the RNIA i.e. whether any proposed modification alters the assessed impact that the dPS is likely to have on the rural community or alters the influence rural needs has had on the dPS; and Conclusions of the screening of proposed modifications to the dPS in the context of the requirement to have due regard to rural needs.

2.0 Statutory Requirements 2.1. The Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (‘the Rural Needs Act’), which came into operation on 1 June 2017, places a duty on councils to have due regard to the needs of people in rural areas (referred to as the ‘due regard duty’) when developing, adopting, implementing, or revising, a policy, strategy, or plan, and when designing and delivering public services. 2.2. The DAERA publication ‘A Guide to the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 for Public Authorities (Revised)’ (April 2018) (hereafter referred to as ‘the DAERA guidance’) states that the purpose of the Rural Needs Act is to ensure public authorities have due regard to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas when carrying out certain activities and to provide a mechanism for ensuring greater transparency in relation to how public authorities consider rural needs when undertaking these activities. The DAERA guidance recommends that a Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RNIA) should be conducted to assist public authorities in fulfilling their due regard duty. 2.3. Rural proofing seeks to identify the potential impacts that a policy or strategy would have on a rural area, to make a proper assessment of those impacts if they were deemed to be significant and, where appropriate, to make adjustments to the policy or strategy to take account of rural circumstances. DAERA guidance states that the principles of rural proofing are incorporated in the RNIA. 2.4. Various policies within the dPS relate directly to the rural area and will therefore have some impact on the rural community. Other policies relate to both rural and urban areas, and could, therefore, impact on the rural community in cases where such policies are applicable. It is recognised that rural communities are likely to have some specific needs that are not applicable to, or so pronounced for, urban communities. For example, rural communities have lower

population densities and can experience geographical isolation which can lead to specific needs for those areas, such as problems with local service provision and public transport provision etc. Therefore, a policy or public service that is appropriate for an urban area may not be as effective in rural areas. 2.5. The Rural Needs Act seeks to help deliver fairer and more equitable treatment for people in rural areas by requiring public authorities to have due regard to rural needs. This will help to deliver better outcomes for people in rural areas and help make rural communities more sustainable. 2.6. This addendum screens proposed modifications to the dPS in order to ensure that Council has had due regard to the needs of the rural community of Mid and East Antrim during this stage of the Local Development Plan process.

3.0 Consideration of Representations Received 3.1. A formal consultation period on the dPS ran from 16 October 2019 to 11 December 2019. During the consultation period the plan team held a series of events to promote consultation and encourage engagement with the dPS process. 80 representations were received, and these were available for inspection from 31 January to 27 March 2020. A further 10 counter representations were submitted. All representations received remain available to view on the Council website. No respondents commented directly on the content of the RNIA. 3.2. Following detailed consideration of the representations received and the issues raised, the Council is proposing a number of changes to the dPS. The proposed changes are set out in the Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS. The proposed changes vary in nature and include minor editing corrections to address typographical errors along with corrections to ensure factual accuracy. Other amendments have been included as logical changes to a strategy or policy and/or associated text in order to provide, or increase, clarification and transparency.

4.0 Screening of Proposed Modifications 4.1. In bringing forward the LDP, the Council is committed to ensuring that due regard is had to the needs of the rural community. 4.2. This document forms an addendum to the original RNIA (September 2019) and as such should be read in conjunction with it. The Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS provides a detailed inventory of the proposed modifications to the dPS. However, for the purposes of this document, it was considered more appropriate to provide an overall summary of the proposed modifications to allow for consideration of the impact of the cumulative changes to a policy or strategy (see Table 1). 4.3. The proposed modifications to the dPS have been ‘screened’ to determine whether any of the proposed modifications ‘materially change’ the outcomes of the RNIA i.e., whether any proposed modification alters the assessed impact that the dPS is likely to have on the rural community or alters the influence ‘rural needs’ has on the dPS and the policies and strategies contained within it. Each proposed modification was assessed for any differential impact that it may have when compared to the original dPS strategy or policy in terms of the aim of the policy or strategy, the likely impact on the rural community and the influence of rural needs on the dPS approach. The assessment of the likely impact of each proposed modification in regard to rural needs and the rural community is contained within Table 1. 4.4. Table 1 contains the following: • •

A summary of the modifications to a number of individual strategies and policies as set out in the Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS; An assessment of whether the proposed modification(s) impacts on the overall aim/purpose of the policy or strategy; and

•

An assessment as to whether the proposed modification(s) effects the original RNIA assessment of the likely impact(s) of the dPS on the rural community and/or the influence ‘rural needs’ has on the dPS policy or strategy.

5.0 Conclusion 5.1. The proposed modifications to the dPS do not introduce any new policies and they vary in nature, including minor editing corrections to address typographical errors along with corrections to ensure factual accuracy. Other amendments have been included as logical changes to a strategy or policy and/or associated text in order to provide or increase clarification and transparency. 5.2. The assessment which has informed this addendum has determined that the proposed modifications do not materially change the aims or influence of the policies or strategies to which the proposed modifications relate; nor have any of the proposed modifications impacted on the overall ‘Vision’ for the Borough as set out in the dPS. 5.3. The assessment did identify that proposed modifications to HOU16 ‘Affordable Housing in the Countryside’ would potentially widen the scope for delivery of Affordable Housing in the countryside, thereby increasing the potential for positive benefits within the rural community. However, any uplift in positive benefit is not likely to be of a scale that could lead to a significant differential impact than the original policy in terms of its impact on the rural community. 5.4. In reassessing the outcomes of the original RNIA with regard to the proposed modifications, it is considered that those outcomes are unchanged from the original assessment. Therefore, it is considered that the proposed modifications do not alter the likely impact of the dPS policies and strategies on the rural community, nor do they alter how much regard the dPS has had to rural needs.

6.0 Assessment of the Impact of the Proposed Modifications to the Draft Plan Strategy in regard to Rural Needs

Table 1: Assessment of the Impact of the Proposed Modifications to the Draft Plan Strategy in regard to Rural Needs Topic

Housing Allocation Strategy

Proposed Modification Reference Number PM-005

Policy or Section

Proposed changes

Will the proposed change(s) impact on the aim of the policy?

SGS3 Strategic Allocation of Housing to Settlements – justification and amplification paragraph 5.3.8

Include footnote to justification and amplification to provide clarity between the time period used in Social Objective c) and SGS3.

No Minor modification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the Strategy from that originally assessed.

PM-006 PM-007 PM-008 PM-009

SGS5 Protection of Zoned Housing Land and justification and amplification paragraph 5.3.31

No Minor modifications to the Strategy and its associated justification and amplification for clarification purposes that do not change the aim/purpose of the strategy from that originally assessed.

Economic Development Strategy

PM-010

5.4 Introduction text paragraph 5.4.7

Addition of text to the Strategy to clarify the relationship between policies HOU1 and SGS5, to clarify when phase 2 housing land will be released and to clarify how housing supply will be managed in villages and small settlements. Addition of text to justification and amplification to demonstrate the types of local need. Amend reference to Belfast Region City Deal.

Retail Strategy

PM-011

SGS7 Retail Hierarchy – justification and amplification paragraph 5.5.7

Addition of text to clarify the difference in Portglenone’s position as a village in the Settlement Hierarchy and a small town in the Retail Hierarchy.

Tourism Strategy

PM-012

SGS8 Tourism Strategy – justification and amplification new paragraph after 5.6.11

Addition of text to justification and amplification as recommended in the draft HRA Report (September 2019) pages 16-20 to conform with and meet the legal requirements of the Conservation

No Minor modification to the justification and amplification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the strategy from that originally assessed. No Modification to the justification and amplification for clarification purposes, it does not change the aim of the strategy from that originally

No Minor modification to text for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the strategy from that originally assessed.

Likely impacts of the proposed change(s) in regard to Rural Needs Further to modification, the Strategy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the Strategy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

(Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (NI) 1995 (as amended).

assessed, as it has always been the case that other policies and provisions of the LDP would also be applicable. Additional text is for purposes of transparency. No Minor modification to the text for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the strategy from that originally assessed.

Transport Strategy

PM-013

5.7 Transport Strategy paragraph 5.7.3

Amend wording to reflect wording in the updated draft Local Transport Study (DfI).

Open Space Strategy

PM-014

5.8 Implementation paragraph 5.8.5

Correction of a typographical error – change ‘These’ to ‘There’.

No Minor modification to correct a typing error that does not change the aim/purpose of the strategy from that originally assessed.

PM-015

SGS9 Open Space Strategy

Amend text in point seven of the Open Space Strategy to include reference to need identified by Council or other public bodies.

Yes The proposed modification is a minor widening of the scope of the strategy.

PM-016 PM-017

5.9 Countryside Strategy Introduction and proposal/policy aims paragraph 5.9.2 and paragraph 5.9.6

Correct typographical error and amend to clarify that the LDP aims to facilitate development that contributes to a sustainable rural community.

PM-018

CS2 Special Countryside Areas – justification and amplification paragraph 5.9.12

Add the words ‘and character’ to the third sentence of paragraph 5.9.12.

No Minor modifications to correct a typographical error and to clarify rather than change the aim of the LDP in relation to development in the countryside. No Modification to the justification and amplification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim of the

Countryside Strategy

terms of its impact on the rural community.

Further to modification, the strategy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the strategy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. The modification widens the scope of the strategy in terms of the delivery of public playing pitches therefore increasing the potential for benefit. No differential impact on the rural community has been identified as a result of this modification. Further to modification, the strategy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in

PM-019 PM-020 PM-021 PM-022 PM-023 PM-024 PM-025 PM-026 PM-028 PM-029 PM-030 PM-034

CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures (ACHS) and justification and amplification paragraph 5.9.20

PM-027

CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures and justification and amplification paragraph 5.2.26

PM-031

CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures and justification and amplification paragraph 5.9.20

PM-032 PM-033 PM-034

CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures justification and amplification paragraph 5.9.25 and 5.9.26

PM-035

CS5 Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Amend policy wording and justification and amplification to standardise numbering and terminology thorough each height category, clarify which criteria apply to which height restrictions, clarify that policy purpose is to protect these areas from inappropriate obtrusive development as well as high structures which don’t meet criteria and to move away from highlighting energy infrastructure as only possible type of high structure or obtrusive development. Amend policy and justification and amplification wording from regional ‘significance’ to ‘importance’ in keeping with CS2 wording.

Add new wording after paragraph 5.9.20 of the justification and amplification, to indicate it is anticipated that most development proposals within an ACHS will be required to be accompanied by an objective impact assessment. Amend justification and amplification paragraphs to reflect proposed policy title and policy detail change to Policy TOC1.

Amend to replace the words ‘closely interlinked’ with ‘visual link’ to clarify that the consideration of the

strategy from that originally assessed. No Modification to the policy and justification and amplification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim of the strategy from that originally assessed.

terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to the policy and justification and amplification to ensure consistency with another Countryside policy, it does not change the aim of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification to the justification and amplification text for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to justification and amplification to ensure consistency with another policy amendment, it does not change the aim of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification to the policy text for clarification purposes that does not change the

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

General Policy for all Development

Economic Development

development’s visual relationship with the AONB is imperative.

aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification to the justification and amplification to ensure consistency with the policy, it does not change the aim of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification for the purposes of transparency and clarification as it has always been the case that that other policies and provisions would also be applicable. No Modification to the policy and the justification and amplification for clarification purposes and for purposes of factual correction that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to the text for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

PM-036

CS8 Protection of Main River Corridors – justification and amplification paragraph 5.9.50

Replace ‘ecology’ with ‘biodiversity’.

PM-037

CS9 Development at Risk from Land Instability or Coastal Erosion

Add new paragraph to clarify relationship with marine policy documents.

PM-038 PM-039 PM-040

GP1 General Policy for all Development and justification and amplification paragraph 6.1.8, paragraph 6.1.10

Amend policy section (d) and its associated section in the justification and amplification to ensure sufficient regard given to the issue of contamination.

PM-041

7.1 Introduction footnote

Amend justification and amplification to remove reference to DCAN’s withdrawn by DfI. Amend footnote to address ECD4 (f) ‘Agricultural and Forestry Development’ not being a Class B Use.

PM-042

ECD1 Economic Development in Settlements

Clarify what is to be included under ‘Industrial Uses’.

No Minor modification to the text for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

PM-043 PM-044 PM-045 PM-046 PM-047

ECD4 Economic Development in the Countryside and justification and amplification paragraph7.1.24 and paragraph 7.1.25

Amend Title and text to clarify that this policy covers Agricultural and Forestry Development uses. Amend text to clarify criteria i. in part d.

No Minor modifications to the text for clarification purposes that does not change the

Retailing and Town Centres

PM-048 PM-049 PM-050 PM-051 PM-052

RET1 Retail in Town Centres and justification and amplification paragraph 7.2.17

PM-053 PM-054 PM-055 PM-056 PM-057

RET2 Retail Impact Assessment (RIA) and justification and amplification paragraph 7.2.19 and paragraph 7.2.21

Also amend text to clarify criteria to be met for criteria iv. in part f. Amend policy to include reference to alternative sequentially preferable sites within whole catchment, to clarify the definition of ‘edge of centre’ and amend justification and amplification to refer to town centres instead of city centres. Amend policy to clarify that a RIA is required in relation to any town centre rather than the relevant town centre in the catchment. Amend policy to clarify that points a) and b) refer to area between town centre boundary and same towns settlement limit boundary.

aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modifications to the policy and the justification and amplification for factual corrections in line with SPPS and for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to the policy for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modifications to the policy for factual corrections in line with SPPS and for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Amend justification and amplification to clarify RIA thresholds apply to combined size of proposed extension and existing development. Amend justification and amplification to list factors to be addressed in RIA rather than signpost to them in SPPS.

PM-058

RET3 Retail in Villages, Small Settlements and Local Centres

PM-059

RET4 Rural Shops and Roadside Service Facilities –

Amend justification and amplification to clarify in what circumstances permission would be refused. Amend policy to reflect paragraph 6.276 of the SPPS to highlight circumstances whereby extensions are acceptable in local centres.

Typing error, remove the word ‘of’.

justification and amplification paragraph 7.2.24

Tourism

PM-060 PM-061

TOU2 Tourism Development in Settlements and Tourism Opportunity Zones and justification and amplification new paragraph after 7.3.11

Addition of text to policy and justification and amplification as recommended in the Draft HRA Report, Sept 2019, pages 16-20 to conform with and meet the legal requirements of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (NI) 1995 (as amended).

PM-062 PM-063

TOU 3 All Tourism Development in the Countryside and justification and amplification new paragraph after 7.3.14

Addition of text to justification and amplification as recommended in the Draft HRA Report, Sept 2019, pages 16-20 to conform with and meet the legal requirements of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (NI) 1995 (as amended).

PM-064

TOU4 Tourist Amenities in the Countryside – justification and amplification paragraph 7.3.18

Add footnote to allow proposals to be considered in the absence of a published Council tourism strategy.

PM-065 PM-066 PM-067

TOU5 Hotels, Guest Houses and Tourist Hostels in the Countryside and justification and amplification paragraph 7.3.19 and paragraph 7.3.20

Amend policy and justification and amplification to replace term ‘nonlisted’ with term ‘Unlisted’. Amend justification and amplification to clarify the type of evidence needed and explanation of environmental benefit.

Minor modification to correct a typing error that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification for the purposes of transparency and clarification as it has always been the case that that other policies and provisions of the LDP would also be applicable. The proposed modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification for the purposes of transparency and clarification as it has always been the case that that other policies and provisions of the LDP would also be applicable. The proposed modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to the justification and amplification of the proposed policy for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modifications to the policy and the justification and amplification for factual corrections and for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Minerals

PM-068

TOU6 Self Catering Accommodation in the Countryside – justification and amplification paragraph 7.3.28

Amend justification and amplification to replace term ‘nonlisted’ with term ‘Unlisted’.

PM-069 PM-070 PM-071

7.4 Introduction – paragraph 7.4.1, paragraph 7.4.2, paragraph 7.4.7

PM-072 PM-073 PM-074 PM-075 PM-076 PM-077 PM-078 PM-079 PM-080 PM-081

MIN1 Mineral Development – Extraction and Processing of Hard Rock and Aggregates and justification and amplification paragraph 7.4.14, paragraph 7.4.15, paragraph 7.4.17, paragraph 7.4.18

PM-082 PM-083 PM-084 PM-085 PM-086

MIN2 Valuable Minerals

PM-087 PM-088

MIN3 Hydrocarbons

Amend text to clarify that 84,000 people are employed in Geoscience jobs and not directly employed in the minerals industry. Recognise value of industry after processing raw products and clarifying that existing ACMDs will be reviewed at Plan Review stage. Amend text to clarify there is not a presumption in favour in European Designated Sites. Addition of text to policy as recommended in the Draft HRA Report, Sept 2019, pages 16-20. Clarify reasons for presumption against in SCAs. Replace or remove individual words to best suit available evidence, change emphasis from ‘can’ to ‘will’ in keeping with other policies and clarify which parts of this policy the exceptions under CS2 will apply to. Re-word policy to clarify there is not a presumption for development in European Designated Sites. Remove reference to ‘cautious approach’, clarify which parts of other minerals policies that approvals under MIN2 have to comply with. Addition of text to policy as recommended in the Draft HRA Report, Sept 2019, pages 16-20.

No Minor modification to the justification and amplification for the purposes of factual correction that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to the text for clarification and factual correction that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to the policy and the justification and amplification for clarification purposes and for purposes of factual correction that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modifications to the policy in line with wording in SPPS and for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modifications to policy text and justification and amplification for the purposes of transparency and clarification

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in

Further to modification, the strategy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Remove the term 'gases' as the term 'hydrocarbons' encompasses gases.

PM-089

MIN4 Areas of Constraint on Mineral Development – justification and amplification paragraph 7.4.28

Remove reference to a ‘cautious approach’ in line with Policy MIN2 proposed amendment and amend text to clarify that proposals permitted under the exceptions in Policy MIN4 also have to comply with a-f of Policy MIN1 and Policy MIN8. Amend text to a ‘valued’ mineral to avoid confusion with ‘Valuable minerals’ referred to in Policy MIN2 and to clarify that risk of subsidence could be from old and new shafts and old and new mining. Typographical error– Add underscore to the hyperlink for the GSNI GeoIndex map viewer.

PM-090 PM-091

MIN5 Area of Salt Reserve, Carrickfergus – justification and amplification paragraph 7.4.29 and paragraph 7.4.30

PM-092

MIN6 Development at Risk of Subsidence due to past or present underground mineral extraction

PM-093

MIN7 Peat Extraction – justification and amplification paragraph 7.4.36

Amend text to clarify that policy applies to new sites; extensions to existing sites and that extant permissions will not be renewed.

PM-094 PM-095 PM-096 PM-097 PM-098

MIN8 Restoration and Management of Mineral Sites and justification and amplification paragraph 7.4.39 and paragraph 7.4.41

Amend policy and justification and amplification to add an additional benefit to the list of benefits to be secured by restoration plans, to allow other sustainable options. Amend policy to clarify that that commencement of restoration

as it has always been the case that that other policies and provisions of the LDP would also be applicable. The proposed modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification to the justification and amplification to ensure consistency with another policy, it does not change the aim of the policy from that originally assessed.

terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to justification and amplification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

No Minor modification to correct a typing error that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification to the justification and amplification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification to policy for clarification purposes and to align with the justification and amplification that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

programmes is within an agreed timeframe from extraction ceases, either completely or in a particular phase, rather than date in time. Amend text to accept that not all larger schemes can be restored in phases.

Housing in Settlements

Amend justification and amplification to explain requirements when phased restoration is not possible and to clarify that bonds will only be sought in exceptional circumstances. Amend to replace term ‘non-listed’ with term ‘Unlisted’.

PM-099

8.1 Introduction paragraph 8.1.5

PM-100

HOU1 Quality in New Residential Developments in Settlements – justification and amplification paragraph 8.1.15

Amend to clarify the relationship between policy HOU1 and SGS5.

PM-101

HOU3 Residential Extensions and Alterations – justification and amplification paragraph 8.1.29

Replace the word ‘house’ with the word ‘residential’ to be consistent with policy text.

PM-102

HOU5 Affordable Housing in Settlements – justification and amplification paragraph 8.1.38

Amend to require both the mix and ‘standard’ of affordable housing to be discussed with Housing Associations and NIHE.

Additional benefit widens options for restoration plans.

No Minor modification for the purposes of factual correction that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modifications to the justification and amplification for clarification purposes that do not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to the justification and amplification to ensure consistency with policy text that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to the justification and amplification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the strategy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Housing in the Countryside

PM-103

HOU6 Housing Mix (Unit Types and Sizes)

Amend to clarify the need for sufficient provision for smaller homes in new residential developments.

No Modification to policy for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

PM-104

HOU7 Adaptable and Accessible Homes

Amend to clarify it applies to all residential development rather than just ‘a new dwelling’.

PM-105

HOU9 Replacement Dwelling

Amend to replace term ‘non-listed’ with term ‘Unlisted’.

PM-106 PM-107

HOU16 Affordable Housing in the Countryside and justification and amplification paragraph 8.1.76

Amend text to include NIHE as one of those permitted to make an application and state the onus is on developer to demonstrate that there are no alternative available sites in settlement limits.

No Modification to policy for clarification purposes and to align with the justification and amplification that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to policy for the purposes of factual correction that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to justification and amplification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. Modification has the potential to increase delivery.

Open, Space, Sport and Leisure

PM-108 PM-109 PM-110 PM-111 PM-112

OSL5 Sport and Outdoor Recreation Facilities and justification and amplification new paragraph before 8.2.22

Addition of text to policy as recommended in the Draft HRA Report, Sept 2019, pages 16-20 to conform with and meet the legal requirements of the

No Modification to policy text and justification and amplification for the purposes of transparency and clarification

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. The modification potentially widens the scope for delivery of affordable housing in the countryside, thereby increasing the potential for positive benefits within the rural community. However, any uplift in positive benefit is not likely to be of a scale that could lead to a significant differential impact than the original policy in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in

PM-113

Transportation

Flood Risk and Drainage

Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (NI) 1995 (as amended) and include additional explanatory text in justification and amplification.

PM-114 PM-115

TR6 Parking and Servicing – Footnote and paragraph 9.1.40

PM-116

TR7 Provision of Car Parks

PM-117

FRD4 Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) – justification and amplification paragraph 9.2.39

PM-118 PM-119

FRD6 Development in Proximity to Controlled Reservoirs – justification and amplification paragraph 9.2.49 and paragraph 9.2.50

Amend policy text to clarify that the section in relation to ‘Development of Facilities Ancillary to Water Sports’ refers to inland water sports. Amend footnote referenced in policy box to align with the footnote used in Policy GP1 c) iv and remove references to those DCANs which have been withdrawn by DfI. Amend wording in the policy box to align with the text changes recommended in the Draft Habitats Regulations Assessment Report of the draft Plan Strategy, Sept 2019 pages 16-20, in order to achieve conformity and meet the legal requirements of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.). Amend wording to clarify which SuDS can be adopted by NI Water.

Amend reference to reflect the unconfirmed status of reservoirs and the abandonment of a reservoir, and amend typographical error – ‘ensue’ rather than ‘ensure’.

terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Minor modifications to the text for purposes of factual correction that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification to policy for the purposes of transparency and clarification as it has always been the case that that other policies and provisions in the LDP would also be applicable.

No Modification to policy text for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

No Minor modifications to the justification and amplification for the purposes of factual correction and to amend a typing error that do not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Renewable Energy

PM-120 PM-121

Section 9.3 Introduction – paragraph 9.3.1 and associated footnote.

Amend renewables figures to latest available.

No Minor modifications to the text for purposes of factual corrections that do not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

PM-122 PM-123 PM-124 PM-125 PM-126 PM-127 PM-128 PM-129 PM-130 PM-131

RE1 Renewable Energy Development and justification and amplification paragraph 9.3.10, paragraph 9.3.14, paragraph 9.3.18 and paragraph 9.3.19.

Yes Proposed modifications alter the scope of the policy but do not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Telecommunications and Overhead Cables

PM-132 PM-133 PM-134 PM-135 PM-136 PM-137

TOC1 Telecommunications and Overhead Cables and justification and amplification after paragraph 9.4.13, paragraph 9.4.14

Amend policy wording to align with the wording of the SPPS. Amend criteria l) to avoid any ambiguity around definitions. Also, simplify policy wording by removing cross references to countryside designations and instead rely on ‘other provisions of the LDP’ wording. Remove section on solar development to enable assessment of solar against main policy criteria.. Amend title and policy wording to include specific reference to electricity infrastructure. Also, simplify policy wording by removing cross references to countryside designations.

Waste Management

PM-138

WMT3 Waste Disposal Sites – justification and amplification paragraph 9.6.25

Amend 'environmental heritage assets' wording to 'natural environment and heritage assets'.

PM-139

WMT4 Development in the vicinity of a Waste Management Facility – justification and amplification paragraph 9.6.30

Insert reference to ‘NI Water Development Encroachment Odour Assessment Policy and Procedure’.

No Minor modification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

PM-140

10.1 Introduction

Amend text to replace term ‘NonListed’ with ‘Unlisted’.

No Modifications to the introductory text for factual correction that does not

Historic Environment

Yes Proposed modifications widen the scope of the policy to specifically reference electricity infrastructure but do not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Advertisements

PM-141

HE1 Archaeological Remains and their settings – justification and amplification new paragraph after 10.1.21

Insert new paragraph after 10.1.21 of the justification and amplification clarifying what developers are required to do if they discover archaeological remains when a development commences. Amend policy text to align with the SPPS in relation to demolition of buildings in a Conservation Area, to replace term ‘Non-Listed’ with ‘Unlisted’ and to ensure policy test is consistent throughout with regards to preservation and enhancement. Amend policy title and policy to replace term ‘Non-Listed’ with ‘Unlisted’.

PM-142 PM-143 PM-144 PM-145

HE6 Conservation Areas

PM-146 PM-147

HE8 Non-listed Locally Important Building or Vernacular Building and justification and amplification paragraph 10.1.57, paragraph 10.1.59, paragraph 10.1.60 and paragraph 10.1.63

PM-148 PM-149

HE9 Enabling Development for the Conservation of Heritage Assets – justification and amplification paragraph 10.1.64 and paragraph 10.1.66

Amend justification and amplification text to replace ‘significant place’ with ‘heritage asset’ and to provide clarity to applicants of what information is required as part of any submission.

PM-150 PM-151

AD1 The Control of Advertisements and Appendix K

Amend policy to ensure that the assessment criteria listed as a) to f) also apply to the two policy subheadings; Advertisements and Heritage Assets and Digital Advertising Screens. Amend Appendix K to remove ambiguity between guidance and policy.

change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification for clarification of other legislative requirements that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modifications to the policy for clarification purposes in line with SPPS, and for factual corrections, that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modifications to the policy and the justification and amplification for factual corrections that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modifications to the justification and amplification for clarification purposes and to ensure consistency of terminology that do not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Modification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community. Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Natural Heritage

PM-152

11.1 Natural Heritage section paragraph 11.1.7

Amend third sentence of paragraph 11.1.7 to ensure consistency of approach in referencing natural heritage designations.

No Minor modification for clarification purposes that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

PM-153

NAT1 European and Ramsar Sites – International justification and amplification paragraph 11.1.8

Amend justification and amplification to ensure correct reference to natural heritage designations, remove inference that Ramsar sites are designated under European law clarify how Ramsar sites are designated.

PM-154

NAT2 Species Protected by Law – justification and amplification paragraph 11.1.11

Amend justification and amplification to include a link to the Priority Species list.

PM-155

NAT4 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance – Local – justification and amplification paragraph 11.1.13

Amend to remove reference to the fact that Ulster Wildlife Trust can establish a Local Nature Reserve and add an additional sentence to provide clarity on who has responsibility for their designation.

No Modification to the justification and amplification for purposes of factual correction and to ensure consistency of approach in referencing natural heritage designations that do not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modification to ensure consistency of approach in referencing relevant external sources of information that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed. No Minor modifications to the text for purposes of factual correction that does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Planning Office Silverwood Business Park 190 Raceview Road Ballymena BT42 4HZ

Part C Second Addendum to Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the draft Plan Strategy (August 2023)

Local Development Plan 2030

Draft Plan Strategy Second Addendum to Rural Needs Impact Assessment of the draft Plan Strategy

August 2023

Executive Summary A Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RNIA) of the draft Plan Strategy was published along with the Council’s draft Plan Strategy (dPS) and other associated assessment documents on 17 September 2019. A first Addendum to the RNIA of the dPS was published alongside the Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS in January 2021. These previously published RNIA documents were subject to formal consultation alongside other published Mid and East Antrim Local Development Plan (LDP) 2030 documents as part of the plan process and none of the representations received raised any issues in regard to the RNIA or the first Addendum to the RNIA. In June 2021, the Council also published a Schedule of Proposed Corrections to the dPS. The corrections within that document addressed a factual mapping error related to the extant Area of Constraint on Mineral Development designated within the Larne Area Plan 2010. Following submission of the dPS and associated documents to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for Independent Examination (IE) on 29 March 2021, DfI appointed the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) on 30 June 2021 to conduct an IE. The hearing took place from June 2022 until August 2022 and during the hearing sessions, the Council brought forward additional proposed changes for consideration. Subsequently, the PAC produced a report on the dPS and the Council’s proposed changes to it and concluded that the dPS met the tests of soundness as required, subject to recommended amendments. DfI accepted the concluding findings of the PAC and considered the recommended amendments within the Report. In June 2023, DfI issued a Direction to the Council to adopt the dPS with modifications. These modifications were presented in Schedules 1A, 1B and 2 of DfI’s Direction. This Second Addendum to the RNIA of the dPS has been prepared by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEA) to consider, in the context of the statutory requirement to have due regard to rural needs, any modification to the dPS presented in DfI’s Direction which has not been previously assessed for any potential impact on rural needs. This second addendum to the RNIA comprises the following stages: • Screening of any modifications to the dPS that are within DfI’s Direction and which have not been previously assessed to determine whether further assessment is required; and • If necessary, to undertake an assessment of the modifications that have not been screened out. The findings of this screening exercise are contained within Table 1 of this document. Following consideration of the modifications to the dPS that are within DfI’s Direction and which have not been previously assessed, namely the modifications listed within Schedule 2 of DfI’s Direction, it has been concluded that those modifications assessed do not alter the outcomes of the RNIA of the dPS or the first addendum to it. Therefore, it is anticipated that the dPS is not likely to have an adverse impact in regard to rural needs either directly or indirectly.

1.0 Introduction 1.1.

This document has been prepared by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEA) and is a second addendum to the Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RNIA) of the draft Plan Strategy (dPS).

1.2.

The RNIA of the dPS (DPS-114) was published along with the Council’s dPS and other associated assessment documents on 17 September 2019. An Addendum to the RNIA of the dPS (DPS-115) was published alongside a Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the dPS (DPS-143) in January 2021. These RNIA documents were subject to formal consultation alongside other published MEA Local Development Plan (LDP) 2030 documents as part of the plan process and none of the representations received raised any issues in regard to the RNIA or the first Addendum to the RNIA.

1.3.

In June 2021, the Council published a Schedule of Proposed Corrections to the dPS (DPS-144). The corrections within that document exclusively addressed a factual mapping error related to the extant Area of Constraint on Mineral Development designated within the Larne Area Plan 2010. Independent Examination and Department for Infrastructure Direction

1.4.

Following submission of the dPS and associated documents to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for Independent Examination (IE) on 29 March 2021, DfI appointed the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) on 30 June 2021 to conduct an IE. The hearing took place from June 2022 until August 2022 and during the hearing sessions, the Council brought forward additional proposed changes for consideration. Subsequently, the PAC produced a report on the dPS and the Council’s proposed changes to it and concluded that the dPS met the tests of soundness as required, subject to recommended amendments. These PAC recommended amendments were made in accordance with Section 10 (8) of Part 2 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011.

1.5.

DfI accepted the concluding findings of the PAC and considered the recommended amendments within the Report. In June 2023, DfI issued a Direction to the Council to adopt the dPS with modifications, in accordance with Section 12(1)(b) of Part 2 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011. These modifications were presented in Schedules 1A, 1B and 2 of DfI’s Direction. Categories of Modifications

1.6.

Schedule 1A lists recommendations that the PAC consider necessary to make the dPS sound. These modifications or corrections were proposed by the Council and have no further amendments apart from some minor editing changes made by DfI which do not alter the nature or intent of the modifications and are dealt with under MOD55 of Schedule 2. The Council consulted on these modifications between January 2021 and March 2021. The corrections to address a factual mapping error were published in a Schedule of Proposed Corrections to the dPS in June 2021 (see paragraph 1.3).

1.7.

Schedule 1B lists modifications proposed by the Council that the PAC do not consider necessary to make the dPS sound, however, DfI commends their inclusion in the dPS. The Council consulted on these amendments between January 2021 and March 2021.

1.8.

The modifications within Schedules 1A and 1B have already been screened for any potential impact on rural needs within the Addendum to the RNIA of the dPS and any further amendments by DfI were minor editing changes which do not alter the nature or intent of the modifications.

1.9.

Schedule 2 lists 55 modifications that are required to make the dPS sound. These modifications are a combination of Council proposed changes that have been amended and new changes recommended by the PAC following the conclusion of the IE process. DfI has updated some of these changes for clarity and consistency. This second addendum to the RNIA of the dPS assesses these modifications for any potential impact on rural needs.

2.0 Statutory Requirements 2.1.

The Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (‘the Rural Needs Act’), which came into operation on 1 June 2017, places a duty on councils to have due regard to the needs of people in rural areas (referred to as the ‘due regard duty’) when developing, adopting, implementing, or revising, a policy, strategy, or plan, and when designing and delivering public services.

2.2.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) publication ‘A Guide to the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 for Public Authorities (Revised)’ (April 2018) (hereafter referred to as ‘the DAERA guidance’) states that the purpose of the Rural Needs Act is to ensure public authorities have due regard to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas when carrying out certain activities and to provide a mechanism for ensuring greater transparency in relation to how public authorities consider rural needs when undertaking these activities. The DAERA guidance recommends that a Rural Needs Impact Assessment (RNIA) should be conducted to assist public authorities in fulfilling their due regard duty.

2.3.

Rural proofing seeks to identify the potential impacts that a policy or strategy would have on a rural area, to make a proper assessment of those impacts if they were deemed to be significant and, where appropriate, to make adjustments to the policy or strategy to take account of rural circumstances. DAERA guidance states that the principles of rural proofing are incorporated in the RNIA.

2.4.

Various policies within the dPS relate directly to the rural area and will therefore have some impact on the rural community. Other policies relate to both rural and urban areas, and could, therefore, impact on the rural community in cases where such policies are applicable. It is recognised that rural communities are likely to have some specific needs that are not applicable to, or so pronounced for, urban communities. For example, rural communities have lower population densities and can experience geographical isolation which can lead to specific needs for those areas, such as problems with local service provision and public transport provision etc. Therefore, a policy or public service that is appropriate for an urban area may not be as effective in rural areas.

2.5.

The Rural Needs Act seeks to help deliver fairer and more equitable treatment for people in rural areas by requiring public authorities to have due regard to rural needs. This will help to deliver better outcomes for people in rural areas and help make rural communities more sustainable.

3.0 Screening of Modifications 3.1.

In bringing forward the LDP, the Council is committed to ensuring that due regard is had to the needs of the rural community.

3.2.

Given the statutory requirement to have due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising policies, strategies and plans, it is imperative for the Council to screen modifications to the dPS in order to identify if those modifications will affect the level of influence that the dPS was predicted to have on the ability to meet the needs of the rural community, as assessed in the RNIA and the Addendum (first addendum) to the RNIA of the dPS.

3.3.

The modifications within Schedules 1A and 1B of DfI’s Direction have already been subject to screening for any impact on rural needs, with the exception of the corrections included within DPS-144 (see RA054 and RA064 of Schedule 1) and any further minor editing changes made by DfI, both of which fall under MOD55 of Schedule 2.

3.4.

The modifications to the dPS listed in Schedule 2 involve changes that have not been previously assessed for their potential impact on rural needs and therefore, these modifications need to be screened for any potential impact in regard to rural needs. This Second Addendum to the RNIA of the dPS should be read in conjunction with the RNIA of the dPS and the Addendum to the RNIA of the dPS. The reader should also refer, where necessary, to Schedules 1A, 1B and 2 of the DfI Direction and the

PAC’s Independent Examination Report of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Local Development Plan 2030: Draft Plan Strategy. 3.5.

Table 1 in Appendix 1 of this document sets out all 55 modifications to the dPS included within Schedule 2 of the DfI Direction and presents the outcomes of the screening of these modifications to determine whether any of these modifications ‘materially change’ the outcomes of the RNIA of the dPS or, where applicable, the outcomes of the first Addendum to the RNIA.

3.6.

Each Schedule 2 modification was assessed for any differential impact that it may have when compared to the original or, where applicable, modified dPS strategy or policy, in terms of the aim of the policy or strategy, the likely impact on the rural community and the influence of rural needs on the dPS approach. Any likely cumulative impact resulting from a number of related modifications was also considered through the screening process.

3.7.

Table 1 presents the following: • •

An assessment of whether the Schedule 2 modification(s) impacts on the overall aim/purpose of the policy or strategy as previously assessed; and An assessment as to whether the Schedule 2 modification(s) affects the original RNIA assessment of the likely impact(s) of the dPS on the rural community and/or the influence ‘rural needs’ has on the dPS policy or strategy.

4.0 Conclusion 4.1.

The modifications to the dPS do not introduce any new policies and they vary in nature. The modifications include minor editing corrections to address typographical errors along with corrections to ensure factual accuracy. Other amendments have been included as logical changes to a strategy or policy and/or associated text in order to provide or improve coherency and consistency.

4.2.

The assessment which has informed this addendum has determined that the modifications do not materially change the aims or influence of the policies or strategies to which the proposed modifications relate; nor have any of the modifications impacted on the overall ‘Vision’ for the Borough as set out in the dPS.

4.3.

In reassessing the outcomes of the original RNIA and the first addendum to it with regard to the modifications, it is considered that those outcomes are unchanged from the original assessment. Therefore, it is considered that the modifications do not alter the likely impact of the dPS policies and strategies on the rural community, nor do they alter how much regard the dPS has had to rural needs.

5.0 Assessment of the Impact, in regard to Rural Needs, of the Modifications to the Draft Plan Strategy within Schedule 2 of the DfI Direction

Appendix 1 Table 1: Assessment of Impact of Schedule 2 Modifications* in regard to Rural Needs

DfI Modification No.

Recommended Amendment number

Linked to Council’ s amendment number (if applicable1)

Policy section within the Draft Plan Strategy

Page/ para number in Draft Plan Strategy

*Schedule 2 – Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Direction – Recommended Amendments table with DfI modifications showing amended Council proposed modifications and new Commissioners changes.

MOD01

RA002

In part PM-003 &

Setting the Context.

Page 29,

also derived from Council evidence

MOD02

RA003

Paragraph 2.1.18

Section 2.1 Other Strategies and Plans

Derived from note District Profile 9 in MEAM005 Section

PAC Recommended Amendment

Add bullet points to list stating:

•

Northern Ireland Regional Landscape Character Assessment (NIRLCA) 2016

•

The second Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaption Programme 2019-2024

Page 38,

Amended final sentence to read:

Paragraph 3.6.6

The March 2022 update of the NI Water Capital Works Programme identifies four WWTWs for upgrade.

3.6

DfI Modification following the Department’s consideration of the Will the proposed change recommended amendments under Section 12 of the 2011 Planning impact on the aim of the Act policy?

DfI directs the Council to modify paragraph 2.1.18, page 29 of the dPS, by adding two additional bullet points to the list in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

DfI directs the Council to modify the final sentence of paragraph 3.6.6, page 38 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

DfI directs the Council to modify by adding text to the end of paragraph 5.4.11, page 72 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

DfI directs the Council to modify third sentence of J&A to CS2, paragraph 5.9.12, page 94 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Infrastructure MOD03

MOD04

RA010

RA016

PM-018 in part with change to reflect headnote wording

Economic Page 72, Development Strategy Introduction Paragraph 5.4.11

Add additional text to the end of paragraph to read:

CS2 Special Countryside Areas

Page 94

Amend third sentence of paragraph 5.9.12 to read:

paragraph 5.9.12

To this end, Council may require the submission of additional assessments which fully demonstrate that the landscape value and character and unique amenity value of the area has been fully considered and that any adverse impacts can be effectively mitigated.

The Council will not only be relying on previously zoned economic development land in their consideration of SGS6: Strategic Allocation of land for economic development. New sites for economic development may be identified at the local policies plan stage of the process to fulfil the required allocations within the main towns. The identification of a range and choice of sites will be required as part of the LPP. The evidence base indicates that further land is likely to be required to fulfil that aim in Ballymena over the plan period.

Likely impacts of the proposed changes

N/A

This is not a policy change. Modification is for purpose of a factual update.

N/A

This is not a policy change. Modification is for purpose of a factual update.

Modification to Introductory text for purposes of coherence and clarification. Additional text included to reflect the evidence base more clearly.

Modification to J&A for coherence with the policy wording and in relation additional assessments that may be required. The modification does not change the aim/ purpose of

Further to modification, there will be no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural

Proposed Modifications (PMs) as contained within DPS-143 Schedule of Proposed Modifications or Corrections within DPS-144 Schedule of Proposed Corrections submitted to DFI on 25th June 2021 or submitted as a Matter Arising during the public examination hearing sessions. The recommended amendment may reflect a revised wording to that originally suggested by MEABC following consideration of representations, response to questions and discussions under the various topic areas at the IE hearing sessions. In these circumstances the original Council reference is generally referred to in column 2 of this table as linked ‘in part’ to the recommended amendment or the column contains a specific explanation.

the strategy from that originally assessed.

MOD05

RA017

In part CS3 Areas of encompasses the Constraint on high Structures following PMs, PM-019, PM-020, PM022, PM- 024, PM- 025, PM-027, PM-

CS3 Title and

Amend the headnote of CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures to read:

028 and PM-

Areas of Constraint on High Structures (ACHS) are designated at the following locations (refer to District Proposals Map) in order to protect the distinctive and vulnerable landscapes and the environmental assets associated with the natural and historic environment of the following areas:

030.

•

Islandmagee East and Whitehead

•

Slemish Mountain

•

Eastern Garron Plateau and Scarp Slopes

•

Knockdhu, Sallagh Braes, Scawt Hill to Glenarm Headland

•

Carrickfergus Escarpment

•

Lough Beg and the Lower Bann Rover Corridor

Page 96 Headnote

DFI direct the council not to carry out PM-019 change to CS3 heading. The Heading should remain as is written in the draft Plan Strategy, page 96 of the dPS, for clarity the title should say: CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures.

DfI also directs council to modify the headnote of CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures, page 96 of the DPS, in accordance with the PAC Recommended Amendment.

community.

No Modification to policy wording for coherence, and consistency with other polices in the dPS and to assist the implementation of the policy. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Note: Typographical error in bullet points. This should say ‘River’ rather than ‘Rover’. DFI direct Council to modify this under MOD55.

Structures above 15m to up to 25m in Height Within all of these areas, in exceptional circumstances structures above 15 metres in height above original ground level and up to 25 metres in height above original ground level will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a) The structure does not interrupt key views from public vantage points; b)

There is a need for a structure of this height;

c) There are no suitable alternative sites located outside of the designated area; and d) Appropriate mitigation measures are in place to minimise the impact of the proposed structure on the designated area. Structures above 25m in Height Structures that exceed 25 metres in height above original ground level, will only be permitted if it can be clearly demonstrated that criteria a) – d) are met and the proposal is of such regional importance, as to outweigh any detrimental impact on landscape character, any distinctive landscape feature and/or heritage interest in the designated area. All development proposals for new structures within these areas will be required to accord with other provisions of the LDP and meet the General Policy GP1. Within Policy GP1 criterion f) any provisions which refer to buildings will also apply to structures in the context of this policy.

MOD06

RA018

In part incorporates PM021

CS3 Areas of Constraint on high Structures

Page 97,

Paragraph 5.9.20

Amend Paragraph 5.9.20 to read: The aim of this policy is to ensure that those unique or distinctive features of the landscape, including key views that contribute to its character, value, distinctiveness, sense of place, and quality are protected from adverse impacts related to the introduction or proliferation of high structures. Distinctive landscape features can include landforms, natural heritage assets and historic environment assets. Safeguarding the distinctive character of these areas is important to maintain the identity of the Borough and in providing opportunities for sustainable tourism growth in line with Council’s strategic priorities.

MOD06

RA019

In part incorporates PM023

CS3 Areas of Constraint on high Structures

Page 97,

Amend paragraph 5.9.22 to read:

Paragraph 5.9.22

Wind turbines and other structures up to 15m in height may be accommodated on suitable sites within these designated areas and such turbines could serve local farms and remote rural communities.

Refer to final row under MOD06 for Direction

No Modification to J&A for coherence or to assist in the implementation of the policy. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Development within these parameters may be considered acceptable provided all other relevant policy tests within the LDP are met. The protection of key views of landscape or heritage assets within ACHS and their settings is particularly important. Any development proposals which individually or cumulatively prejudice the overall integrity of an ACHS will be refused. MOD06

MOD06

RA020

RA022

In part incorporates PM026

CS3 Areas of Constraint on high Structures

Page 97

In part incorporates PM031

CS3 Areas of Constraint on high Structures

Page 97

After paragraph 5.9.20 insert:

After paragraph 5.9.20

High structures can be difficult to integrate into the landscape, particularly in landscapes that are visually highly sensitive. ACHS are, visually, some of the most sensitive areas within the Borough.

paragraph 5.9.21

Amend wording of paragraph 5.9.21 to read: Within designated ACHS there will be a presumption against development that exceeds 15m in height, for example, wind turbines, electricity pylons or telecommunication masts/equipment. There will also a presumption against other types of development that will adversely impact on landscape character, key views by virtue of their visual prominence or any distinctive landscape feature or heritage asset in the designated area. Such development could potentially include overhead electricity cables or other types of energy infrastructure.

Therefore, it is likely that most proposals within an ACHS will be required to be accompanied by an objective assessment that will aid Council’s analysis of any potential visual impact, with the level of detail being

commensurate with the nature and scale of the proposal. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) are one example of such an assessment.

MOD06

RA023

In part incorporates PM032

CS3 Areas of Constraint on high Structures

Page 98

Paragraph 5.9.25

Remove the word ‘also’ from the first line in paragraph 5.9.25 and insert additional text to end of first sentence of paragraph 5.9.25 to read: For example, where the proposal is to serve a recognised telecommunications ‘not spot’ or is for essential electricity transmission or supply.

PM-034

5.9.26. Structures that exceed 25 metres in height will only be granted planning permission in exceptional circumstances where it can be demonstrated that they are of such regional (significance) importance as to Page 98 Paragraph outweigh any adverse impact within the designated area 5.9.26 and if the policy tests of criteria d-f are met. All proposals for structures exceeding 15 metres in height must demonstrate that appropriate mitigation measures can be put in place to mitigate the impact of the development in the designated area. This policy should be read in conjunction with other relevant policies in the LDP, in particular Policy RE1 Renewable Energy Development and Policy (TOC1) TEI1 Telecommunications (Development and Overhead Cables) Electricity Infrastructure.”

DfI directs the Council to modify the J&A of Policy CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures (pages 97 and 98 of the draft Plan Strategy) in accordance with the PACs updated IE Recommended Amendment, Appendix 6 Revision A, Annex 1 dated, 12/5/2023, which are inclusive of the PACs Recommended Amendments. For Clarity the whole J&A section of policy CS3 (pages 97 and 98 of the DPS) should read: Justification and Amplification 5.9.17 Within the rural area of Mid and East Antrim some areas can adequately accommodate the development of public utilities and high structures without unduly compromising visual amenity and local character. However, in line with the SPPS it is important to identify those landscapes which are distinctive and vulnerable to this particular form of development, and to apply a cautionary approach in the determination of such proposals. 5.9.18 The areas designated under this policy are supported by the evidence contained in the Landscape Character Assessment within Technical Supplement 10 Countryside Assessment. 5.9.19 Landscape impacts are defined as changes in the fabric, character and quality of the landscape as a result of the development. Visual impacts relate solely to changes in available views of the landscape, and the effects of those changes on people. This includes the impact on visual amenity as enjoyed or experienced by receptors – for example from a main transport route, a settlement or a tourist attraction. The definition of all these designated areas is therefore informed not only by inherent landscape quality and character, but also by the views available from the main receptor vantage points. 5.9.20 The aim of this policy is to ensure that those unique or distinctive features of the landscape, including key views which contribute to its character, value, distinctiveness, sense of place, and quality are protected from adverse impacts related to the introduction or proliferation of high structures. Distinctive landscape features can include landforms, natural heritage assets and historic environment assets. Safeguarding the distinctive character of these areas is important to maintain the identity of the Borough and in providing opportunities for sustainable tourism growth in line with Council’s strategic priorities. 5.9.21 High structures can be difficult to integrate into the landscape, particularly in landscapes that are visually highly sensitive. ACHS are, visually, some of the most sensitive areas within the Borough. Therefore, it is likely that most proposals within an ACHS will be required to be accompanied by an objective assessment that will aid Council’s analysis of any potential visual impact, with the level of detail being commensurate with the nature and scale of the proposal. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) are one example of such an assessment. 5.9.22. Within designated ACHS there will be a presumption against development that exceeds 15m in height, for example, wind turbines, electricity pylons or telecommunication masts/equipment. There will also be a presumption against other types of development that will adversely impact on landscape character, key views by or any distinctive landscape feature or heritage asset in the designated area. Such development could potentially include overhead electricity cables or other types of energy infrastructure. 5.9.23. Wind turbines and other structures up to 15m in height may be accommodated on suitable sites within these designated areas and such turbines could serve local farms and remote rural communities. Development within these parameters may be considered acceptable provided all other relevant policy tests within the LDP are met. Within ACHS, the protection of landscape or heritage assets and their settings and key views of these assets is particularly important. Any development proposals which individually or cumulatively

prejudice the overall integrity of an ACHS will be refused. 5.9.24. The height of turbines or other such infrastructure relative to other structures in the landscape is a key consideration in terms of landscape ‘fit’. The 15m threshold is considered appropriate because this relates well to the size of the existing buildings in the landscape, including typical farm buildings. A single turbine of this height is most likely to be used to contribute to the energy needs of a residential house, farm or other rural based small business. It is relatively easy to accommodate in the landscape, if sited to cluster with existing buildings. Such turbines are also more easily screened or concealed by low ridges and undulating landform and tree cover. 5.9.25. Minimising the sustained visibility of micro-turbines helps limit detrimental cumulative visual impacts. Therefore, it is preferable to site on the leeward sides of ridges and prominent hill slopes, rather than on summits and high points. In circumstances where the scope for concealing and screening turbines is limited, providing broad consistency of turbine design, height and location can help mitigate against potential visual impacts. 5.9.26. The policy allows for structures above 15 metres but less than 25 metres in height in circumstances where there is a need for height and where it is demonstrated that there are no suitable alternative sites outside of any designated area. For example, where the proposal is to serve a recognised telecommunications ‘not spot’ or is for essential electricity transmission or supply. Such cases will be assessed on their merits. While due account will be taken of technical reasons for exceeding the 15 metre threshold, the infrastructure provider will also need to justify why an alternative site outside of the designated area is not feasible. The lack of land ownership outside of the designated area will not of itself be regarded as sufficient justification in this context. 5.9.27. Structures that exceed 25 metres in height will only be granted permission in exceptional circumstances where it can be demonstrated that they are of such regional importance as to outweigh any adverse impact within the designated area and if policy tests a-d are met. All proposals for structures exceeding 15 metres in height must demonstrate that appropriate mitigation measures can be put in place to mitigate the impact of the development in the designated area. This policy should be read in conjunction with other relevant policies in the LDP, in particular Policy RE1 Renewable Energy Development and Policy TEI1 Telecommunications and Electricity Infrastructure. Note: Paragraph numbers differ from those in DPS from paragraph 5.9.21 on to reflect PM-031 which inserts a new paragraph. Also, small grammatical changes as underlined above have been made, for clarity. MOD07

RA025

MEAM 18

CS5 Antrim Coast and Page 100 Glens AONB Headnote

Remove the reference to ‘its setting’ from paragraphs one and two of CS5.

DfI directs the Council to modify reference to ‘its setting’ within paragraph one and two of CS5, page 100 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. For clarity paragraph one of CS5 on page 100 of dPS, should read: Development proposals within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB), will only be permitted ……

No Modification to policy and J&A for purposes of consistency.

Further to modification, the policy will have no The modification does not differential impact change the aim/purpose of the than the original in policy from that originally terms of its impact on assessed. the rural community.

And paragraph two of CS5 page 100 of dPS, should read: All new development proposals within the AONB must meet the general Policy……. DFI also direct council to modify paragraph 5.9.36 on page 101 of the dPS, to delete reference to CS1 replace with CS2 as set out in MEAM18.

MOD08

RA031

PM-042 in part

ECD1

Page 124

Add to the Heading Towns to read:

Economic Development in Settlements

Headnote

Large and Small Towns

DfI directs the Council to modify the Heading ‘Towns’ within Policy ECD1, page 124 of the dPS, to say ‘Towns and Small Towns’ to reflect the terminology used throughout the dPS.

Amend the Industrial Uses Section to read:

DfI also directs the Council to amend the Industrial uses Section of ECD1, page 124 of the dPS in accordance with the PAC Industrial Uses and Storage and Distribution Uses Recommended Amendment with a further amendment to reflect A development proposal for a class B2 or B3 Industrial Use or the correct title of Class B4 ‘Storage or distribution’ uses. The title B4 Storage or Distribution Use will be permitted on land of this section shall therefore read “Industrial Uses and Storage or zoned for such purposes in the LDP, or in an existing Distribution Uses.” industrial area, provided it is of a scale, nature and from appropriate to the location. Elsewhere within large and small DfI also directs the Councils to amend the ‘Villages and Small towns, such proposals will be determined on their individual Settlements’ section of ECD1, page 124 of the dPS in accordance with this PAC recommended amendment. merits.

No Modification to policy, further text included in policy box for clarification and coherence to reflect what was always intended and already defined in footnote.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural The modification does not change the aim/ purpose of the community. policy from that originally assessed.

For clarity this section should read as follows: Villages and Small Settlements A development proposal for Class B1 business use, B2 or B3 industrial use or B4 storage or distribution use located in lower tier settlements in the settlement hierarchy will be permitted where all the following criteria are met. a) the proposal is commensurate with the LDP Spatial Growth Strategy; b) the nature, scale and form/design of the proposal is appropriate to the character of the settlement; and c) the proposal is compatible with adjacent and nearby land uses. All new proposals and those seeking to extend an existing Class B1, B2, B3 or B4 use or premises within settlements will also be required to meet the General Policy and accord with other provisions of the LDP. MOD09

RA032

MEAM008 in

ECD1

Page 125,

Amend third sentence to read:

part

Economic Development in Settlements

Paragraph 7.1.10

Where there is no town centre boundary defined within a large or small town, new business will be directed to within the urban footprint’.

DfI directs the Council to modify third sentence of paragraph 7.1.10, J&A on page 125 of the dPS, as follows: Where there is no town centre boundary defined within a town or small town, new business will be directed to within the urban footprint’.

No Modification to J&A for purposes of coherence to refer to the term ‘urban footprint’ which is already defined within the dPS.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact The modification does not on the rural change the aim/ purpose of the community. policy from that originally assessed.

MOD10

RA033

ECD1

Page 124,

Adjust paragraph 7.1.13 to read:

Economic

Paragraph 7.1.13

Page 128 Headnote

Development in Settlements

MOD11

RA036

PM-044 & in part PM-049 & MEAM009

ECD4 Economic, Agricultural and Forestry Development in the Countryside

(d) & (i) & Paragraph 7.1.25

DfI directs the Council to modify paragraph 7.1.13, J&A page 124 of the DPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Land will not be zoned for economic development purposes in our small towns both in the interests of flexibility and due Note: Page number in 5th column should say page 125. to small towns being located in close proximity to main towns where we aim to focus economic development growth. In the lower tier settlements, comprising of villages and small settlements favourable consideration will be given to small scale proposals that will not compromise the LDP Spatial Growth Strategy and provided the proposal is of a scale, nature and design appropriate to the character of the settlement.

Modification to J&A for purposes of coherence and to remove ambiguity.

Amend criterion i) under (d) small start-up projects to read:

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy ECD4, subheading

There is a locational need.

d) Small Rural Start-up Projects, criteria i), page 128 of the dPS, in

Modification to policy and J&A Further to for purposes of clarification and modification, the consistency. policy will have no differential impact The modification does not than the original in change the aim/ purpose of the terms of its impact on policy from that originally the rural community. assessed.

Amend third paragraph of 7.1.25 to read: The applicant will be required to demonstrate the locational need for, and the economic or community regeneration benefits, of the proposal.

accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. For clarity this should read: d) Small Rural Start-up projects A firm proposal to develop a small community enterprise centre or a small rural start-up industrial enterprise on land outside a village or small settlement will be permitted where the applicant has demonstrated that all of the following criteria are met:

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential The modification does not impact than the change the aim/ purpose of the original in terms policy from that originally of its impact on assessed. the rural community.

i) There is a locational need; DfI also directs the Council to modify the second last sentence of paragraph 7.1.25 of the J&A to Policy ECD4, page 130 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

MOD12

RA038

PM-046 &

ECD4

Page 129,

amend title ref

Economic, Agricultural and Forestry Development in the Countryside

Headnote Paragraph 7.1.29

Amend ECD4 Criterion g) The Conversion and Re- Use of an Existing Building to read: A proposal for the conversion and re-use of an existing building for economic development use will be assessed under Policy HE8 Unlisted Locally Important Building or Vernacular Building.

The policy title should also be amended within the second sentence of paragraph 7.1.29 MOD13

RA040

PM-048

ECD4 Economic, Agricultural and Forestry Development in the Countryside

Page 130, Paragraph 7.1.24

Amend penultimate (4th) sentence in paragraph of 7.1.24 to read: The latter test will require evidence of the exploration of alternative sites in urban areas, and full consideration of all environmental and transport impacts.

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy ECD4, subheading

g) The Conversion and Re- Use of an Existing Building, page 129 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Modification to policy and J&A for purposes of consistency.

DfI also directs the Council to modify the policy title within the second sentence of paragraph 7.1.29 of the J&A to Policy ECD4, page 131 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. DfI directs the Council to modify paragraph 7.1.24 of Policy ECD4, page 130 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Further to modification, the policy will have no The modification does not differential impact change the aim/ purpose of the than the original in policy from that originally terms of its impact on assessed. the rural community.

No As assessed in previous addendum.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

MOD14

RA041

MEAM10 in part (encompassing PM-50 & PM051)

Policy RET1 Retail in Town Centres

Page 134, Policy Headnote

Amend Policy RET1 Retail in Town Centres to read: Proposals for retail development will be permitted within town centre (footnote 26) and small town centre boundaries where defined. For other locations, a sequential approach to site selection will be applied in the following order of preference:

a) Edge of Town Centre boundary (i.e. adjoining it or normally within 300m); and

b) Out of Centre locations (i.e. outside the town

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy RET1 Retail in Town Centres, page 134 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

DfI also directs the Council to modify the J&A of RET1, paragraph 7.2.14, page 134 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

No Modifications to policy and J&A for purposes of consistency and to improve coherence and effectiveness. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

centre boundary but within settlement limits) where sites are accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. Proposals for other town centre uses (cultural and community facilities, leisure, entertainment and businesses) shall also follow the same sequential approach. There will be a presumption to refuse a retail application outside town centre and small town centre boundaries unless the applicant can demonstrate that:

a) Alternative sites within these locations are either not suitable, not viable or not available (or any combination thereof), and

b) There is a qualitative and/or quantitative need for the proposal, and

c) There will be no significant adverse impact on any centre within the whole catchment. All proposals must meet the General Policy and accord with other provisions of the LDP. Amend Paragraph 7.2.14 to read: Proposals for retail and other town centre uses (footnote 27) will therefore only be considered outside the town centre or small town centre boundaries when the sequential test has been undertaken. Preference will be given to edge of centre land before considering an out of centre site provided it has been demonstrated that there is a need for retail provision and that there will be no significant adverse impact on the existing centre. Footnote 26: Until such times as the town centre boundaries may be amended through the adopted Local Policies Plan, the town centre boundaries and the commercial core designations as defined in the existing plans will be the town centre boundaries.

MOD15

RA043

PM-056 in part

Policy RET2 Retail Impact Assessment

Page 136

Paragraph 7.2.21 to be replaced and to read:

Paragraph 7.2.21

Factors to be addressed in a retail impact and assessment of need include:

DfI directs the Council to modify paragraph 7.2.21, J&A of Policy RET2, page 136 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

a) The impact of the proposal on trade and turnover

No Modification to the J&A for purposes of clarification and consistency. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

for both convenience and comparison goods traders, and the impact on town centre turnover overall for all centres within the catchment of the proposal;

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

b) The impact of the proposal on the existing committed and planned public and private sector investment and investor confidence in the town centre(s);

c) The impact of the proposals on the delivery of the planned/allocated sites and the LDP strategy;

d) The impact on the vitality and viability of existing centres including consideration of the local context. This should take into account existing retail mix and the diversity of other facilities and activities;

e) Cumulative impact taking account of committed and planned development, including plan commitments within the town centre and wider area; and

A review of local economic impacts.

Where town centre is referred to this means town centres, small town centres or any centre defined at footnote 26.

MOD16

RA044

MEAM11 (Incorporating the omission of PM053, and including PM- 054, PM-055 and PM-057)

Policy RET2 Retail Impact Assessment

Page 136, Policy Headnote & Paragraph 7.2.19

Amend Policy RET 2 to read: All applications, including extensions for retail development and town centre uses, above the thresholds identified below, must be accompanied by a Retail Impact Assessment (RIA) where the proposal is located outside town centre or small town centre boundaries.

•

Above 750sq.m gross external area outside Ballymena and Larne town centre boundaries.

•

Above 500sq.m gross external area outside Carrickfergus town centre and small town centre boundaries.

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy RET2, Page 136 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

No Modification to policy for the purpose of coherence and implementation of the policy. The modification does not change the aim/ purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Outside town centre, and small town centre boundaries, but within the towns settlement limit, permission may be granted for a small scale convenience shop which does not exceed 100sq.m gross external area, where it can be demonstrated that:

a) it meets a defined local need which cannot be met within an existing centre; and b) it will not adversely affect the vitality and viability of existing centres within its catchment. The Retail Impact Assessment should provide a proportionate response to the proposal being sought and should incorporate an assessment of need, impact and the sequential approach. Where proposals are considered to cause significant adverse impacts on any of the relevant criteria, or where in balancing overall impacts on each of the relevant criteria, the proposal is judged to be harmful, then it should be refused. Add the following two sentences to the end of Paragraph 7.2.19: A Retail Impact Assessment is required where a proposed extension would result in the overall development exceeding the relevant thresholds above. Where an applicant is required to undertake a Retail Impact Assessment for a proposal which is outside a small town centre boundary, then the assessment must consider the retail impact on any centre within its catchment. MOD17

RA045

MEAM12 in part (ref PM-058)

Policy RET3 Retail in Villages, Small centres and Local Centres

Page 137, Policy headnote

Amend Policy RET3 to read: A proposal for retail development within a village, small settlement or local centre will be permitted provided:

a) It is to meet a local need and which helps to sustain local communities; and

b) It is in keeping with the scale, nature and design appropriate to the character of the settlement or centre.

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy RET 3, page 137 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. Note: In accurate reference to the title in the 4th Column, it should say: Policy RET3 Retail in Villages, Small Settlements and Local Centres.

No Modification to policy for the purposes of consistency and to assist with implementation of the policy. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy form that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Proposals for retail extensions to a local centre will have to meet a) and b) above and will only be permitted where the applicant has demonstrated the proposal is consistent with the local centres complimentary role and function to the town centres (or small town centres) in the catchment and that no adverse impact will result on those centres. All proposals must meet the general policy and accord with other provisions of the LDP.

MOD18

RA046

RET4 Rural Shops and Roadside Service Facilities

Page 138

Above the last sentence within the headnote insert:

Policy headnote

All proposals must demonstrate there is no unacceptable adverse impact upon the vitality and viability of an existing centre within the retail catchment. Remove this reference from criterion a) in the roadside service facilities section to read as follows: a) There is a clear indication of need.

No DfI directs the Council to modify criterion a) under the Roadside Service Facilities section within Policy RET4, page 138 of the dPS, in Modification to policy for accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. purposes of coherence and For clarity this should read: consistency. Roadside Service facilities Development of roadside service facilities in the open countryside will only be accepted if:

The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

a) There is a clear indication of need; and

DfI also directs the Council to modify Policy RET4, above the last sentence within the headnote, page 138 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. For clarity this last paragraph of the policy headnote should read: All proposals must demonstrate there is no unacceptable adverse impact upon the vitality and viability of an existing centre within the retail catchment. All proposals must meet the General Policy and accord with other provisions of the LDP.

MOD19

RA049

MEAM13

Policy TOU5 Hotels, Guest Houses and Tourist Hostels in the Countryside

Page 146 Policy headnote

Within section c) New Build Hotel, Guest House or Tourist Hostel on the periphery of a Settlement amend to read: the development is on the periphery of the settlement, but will not dominate it, adversely affect landscape setting, or otherwise contribute to urban sprawl.

DfI directs the Council to modify section c) iv) New Build Hotel, Guest House or Tourist Hostel on the periphery of a Settlement of Policy TOU5, page 146 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

DfI directs the Council to modify first sentence of paragraph 7.4.16 of J&A to Policy MIN1, page 157 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Also amend the third bullet point in this section to read:

•

MOD20

RA058

MEAM14

Policy MIN1 Mineral Development Extraction and Processing of Hard Rock and Aggregates

an undeveloped site on the periphery of the settlement where the development could be visually integrated into the landscape.

Page 157,

Amend first sentence to read:

Paragraph 7.4.16

Whilst there is not a general presumption against mineral development in the AONB, Council will exercise a cautious approach within this area.

Modification to policy ensures a coherent approach in implementation and consistency of terminology throughout the policy.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact The modification does not on the rural change the aim/purpose of the community. policy from that originally assessed.

Modification to J&A for purposes of consistency and coherence.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact The modification does not than the original in change the aim/purpose of the terms of its impact policy from that originally on the rural assessed. community.

PM-074

MOD21

PM-075

Policy MIN1

Page 156-

Mineral Development Extraction and Processing of Hard Rock and Aggregates

157

There is no PAC recommended amendment.

Policy headnote and

DFI directs Council to withdraw PM-074 and PM-075 in accordance with paragraph 11.57 of the PAC IE consideration report and retain references to ‘quality’, page 156-157, as written within the dPS. For clarity, these are:

Paragraph 7.4.15

Policy MIN1 headnote:

No The direction withdraws modifications put forward by the Council therefore these elements of policy and J&A remain as originally assessed.

“c) Landscape quality and visual amenity. Paragraph 7.4.15, first sentence:

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

“Whilst potentially difficult to reconcile with this form of development, the protection of landscape quality and visual amenity will be afforded due weight in decision-making.” MOD22

RA059

PM-080

Policy MIN1 Mineral Development

Page 157,

Reword first sentence to read:

Paragraph 7.4.14

Any mineral development that could impact on a European Designated Site must demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Regulation 43(1) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended), commonly referred to as HRA.

Extraction and Processing of Hard Rock and Aggregates

MOD23

RA061

MEAM15

Policy MIN2 Valuable Minerals

Page 158, Paragraph 7.4.18 & Glossary

DfI directs the Council to modify by removing the first sentence and amending the second sentence of paragraph

Where metalliferous or non-metalliferous minerals licenced by DfE or Crown Estates are found and considered economically viable to extract, there will not be a presumption against their exploitation in any area of the Borough, except for Special Countryside Areas.

7.4.18 J&A to Policy MIN2, page 158 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Valuable Minerals: Metalliferous or non- metalliferous minerals licensed by DfE or Crown Estates which are particularly valuable to the economy.

RA065

PM-090 superseded by MEAM 15

Policy MIN5 Area of Salt Reserve, Carrickfergus

PM-091 in part

DfI also directs the Council to modify the definition of Valuable Minerals in the Glossary at Page 312 of the dPS and the spelling error underlined (licensed rather than licenced), in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Modification to J&A for purposes of clarification.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to the J&A and glossary for the purposes of clarification and coherence.

Note: the PAC typo regarding page number of the Glossary and spelling of ‘licenced’ to ‘licensed’, within the RAs. This has been amended above.

Page 161,

Amend first sentence of paragraph 7.4.30 to read:

Paragraph

Where planning permission is granted for surface development in this area, and where Council perceives a risk DFI also directs Council to withdraw PM-090 in accordance with of subsidence from either shafts or mining, an informative the PAC IE consideration report paragraph 11.64 and the updated will be attached to the consent indicating the potential risk MEAM 15 (see above MOD23) and retain the paragraph as written of subsidence. within the dPS.

7.4.29 & 7.4.30 &

The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Remove first sentence of 7.4.18 and amend second sentence to read:

Amend definition of Valuable Minerals in Glossary at page 132 to read:

MOD24

DfI directs the Council to modify first sentence of paragraph 7.4.14 of J&A to Policy MIN1, page 157 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

DfI directs the Council to modify the first sentence of paragraph 7.4.30 of J&A to Policy MIN5, page 161 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

No Modification to J&A for purposes of clarification and coherence.

MOD25

MOD26

MOD27

RA066

RA067

RA070

MEAM16

PM-093

MEAM23

Policy MIN6 Page 162 Development at Risk of Subsidence due to Paragraph 7.4.31 past or present underground mineral extraction

Amend second sentence of 7.4.31 to read:

Policy MIN7 Peat Extraction

Page 165,

Amend first and second sentence to read:

Policy HOU1 Quality in New Residential Development in Settlements

Page 174

Paragraph 7.4.36

Paragraph 8.1.14

These areas should not be developed in the interests of public safety.

DfI directs the Council to modify the second sentence of paragraph 7.4.31 of J&A to Policy MIN6, page 162 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

RA074

MEAM26

Policy HOU5 Page 178 Policy Affordable Housing in HOU5 Settlements Policy Headnote

Modification to J&A for purposes of coherence. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

DfI directs the Council to modify the first and second sentence of paragraph 7.4.36 of J&A to Policy MIN7, page 165 of the dPS, as Accordingly, there will be a presumption against commercial follows: peat extraction for new sites, extensions to existing sites and renewal of extant permissions will not be permitted. Accordingly, there will be a presumption against commercial peat Exceptions are limited to sites where the peatland is already extraction for new sites, extensions to existing sites and renewal of degraded and not reasonably capable of restoration and extant permissions. Exceptions are limited to sites where the where there is little conservation value. peatland is already degraded and not reasonably capable of restoration and where there is little conservation value.

Insert italic text into paragraph 8.1.14 to read:

DfI directs the Council to modify paragraph 8.1.14 of J&A to Policy HOU1, page 174 of the dPS, by inserting italic text just before the ……houses are located within a designated area. Where an third last sentence of this paragraph, in accordance with this PAC applicant is required to submit a design and access statement Recommended Amendment. and a design concept statement, it will be acceptable for all the relevant information to be contained in one document. For clarity it should be inserted as follows: 8.1.14 ….houses are located within a designated area. Where an applicant is required to submit a design and access statement and a design concept statement, it will be acceptable for all the relevant information to be contained in one document. Where council grants outline planning permission for residential development based on indicative plans, a condition will be imposed requiring that any reserved matters………

MOD28

Insert additional text after the second bullet point to read: Where it is demonstrated that a development is not viable a reduced or alternative provision of affordable housing may be acceptable.

DfI directs the Council to modify the second bullet point of Policy HOU5, page 178 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Modification to J&A for purposes of coherence. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Modification to J&A for purposes of coherence.

No Modification to policy for purposes of coherence and effectiveness. Viability is a normal planning material consideration at planning application stage. The modification to the policy expressly sets this out.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that previously assessed. MOD29

RA078

MEAM30

Policy HOU8 Travellers Accommodation

Page 182

Insert Italic text into Policy HOU8 to read:

Policy HOU8

Where a need is identified for a transit site or a serviced site, which cannot readily be met within an existing settlement in the locality, a proposal will be required to

headnote

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy HOU8, page 182 of the dPS, by inserting italic text just after criterion b), in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

No Modification to policy provides Further to clarification that it is the modification, the sequential location test of policy will have no

meet the requirements of criteria a to c of Policy HOU16 Affordable Housing in the Countryside.

Policy HOU16 that is being referred to and to assist in the implementation of the policy. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

MOD30

RA079

PM-105 in part

Policy HOU9 Replacement Dwelling

Page 184 Policy HOU9 headnote

Remove policy section on listed dwelling from headnote.

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy HOU9, page 184 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Amend headnote text related to Non listed vernacular dwelling to read:

DFI also directs the Council to modify Policy HOU9, page 184 of the dPS, to remove the paragraph, sub-titled Listed Dwelling from the Policy headnote, in accordance with paragraph 12.40 of the PAC IE Report.

UnListed Vernacular Dwelling All proposals for the replacement of an unlisted vernacular dwelling will be assessed against this policy and the policy provisions of Policy HE8 Unlisted Locally Important Building or Vernacular Building

For Clarity this paragraph is: Listed Dwelling Planning permission will not be granted for the replacement of a listed dwelling unless there are exceptional reasons, see Policy HE4 Listed Buildings - Demolition of a Listed building.

differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to policy and J&A Further to for purposes of consistency and modification, the coherence as the text to be policy will have no removed was directional in differential impact nature. Replacement of listed than the original in buildings will still be considered terms of its impact under Policy HE4. on the rural community. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Furthermore, DFI also direct the deletion of paragraph 8.1.55 of the J&A of Policy HOU 9, page 185, of the dPS, for consistency. MOD31

RA081

Policy OSL4 Open Space in New Residential Developments

Page 198 Headnote

Amend criteria iii) to read: iii) it is designed, wherever possible, to be multifunctional and take account of the needs of people with disabilities or whose mobility is impaired

DfI directs the Council to modify criteria iii) of Policy OSL4, page 198 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. Note Omission of word in the Policy title in 4th column, it should say: Policy OSL 4 Public Open space in New Residential Developments.

No Modification to Policy providing clarification that equality of access for the mobility impaired should be considered in the provision of public open space in new residential environments. The modification does not change the aim/purpose from that originally assessed.

MOD32

RA085

Policy TR3 New Transport Schemes

Page 218,

Amend paragraph 9.1.26 to read:

Paragraph 9.1.26

A guidance framework on planning agreements and developer contributions will be developed by the Council in the future. Until that time the matter of what will be required to be delivered in each instance will be agreed between the Council and the applicant on a case by case basis.

DfI directs the Council to modify the J&A paragraph 9.1.26 of Policy TR3, page 218 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to J&A to provide coherence to ensure delivery of a Developer Contributions Framework.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in The modification does not terms of its impact change the aim/purpose of the on the rural policy from that originally community. assessed.

MOD33

RA086

PM-114 extended for

Footnote 38 re parking standards

Page 221

Reword Foot note 23, 36 and 38 to read: Currently ‘Parking standards’ (DOE 2005) or as updated.

consistency

The reference to DCAN 15 ‘or as updated’ should also be added in a consistent manner throughout the document including paragraph 9.1.15.

MOD34

MOD35

RA087

RA089

PM-115

MEAM32 in part

RA090

MEAM33

RA092

MEAM34 (updates PM118) MEAM35

DfI directs the Council to modify the J&A paragraph 9.1.40 of Policy TR6, page 222 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

This is not a policy change. Modification to footnotes and DFI also directs council to modify reference to DCAN 15 ‘or as dPS text for consistency for updated’ within J&A paragraph 9.1.15 of Policy TR1, page 215. This purposes of future proofing. reference should also be amended in a consistent manner throughout the Plan Strategy.

Page 222,

Remove from the last 6 lines of paragraph 9.1.40:

Paragraph 9.1.40

Development Control Advice Note (DCAN) 11 ‘Access for People with Disabilities’ (DOE, 1991) and draft Revised Development Control Advice Note (DCAN) 11 ‘Access for All – Designing for an Accessible Environment (DOE, 2003).

Policy TR7 Provision of Car Parks

Page 222,

Add text to the end of criterion a) to read:

TR7

Modification to policy and J&A for purposes of consistency. This is a policy change in order to be consistent with DfI a) the proposal meets a need identified by DFI in the local Transport guidance and provide for Plan or accepted by Council, in consultation with DFI following a Add text to the end of paragraph 9.1.41 for consistency. greater flexibility. robust analysis provided by the applicant. Final sentence to read: The modification does not Proposals will therefore be required to meet a need change the aim/purpose of the identified in the Local Transport Plan (which will incorporate policy from that originally a Car Parking Strategy), or accepted by the Council, in assessed. consultation with DfI, following a robust analysis provided by DfI also directs the Council to modify the J&A paragraph 9.1.41 of the applicant. Policy TR7, page 223 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Flood Risk and Page 224, Drainage Introduction Paragraph 9.2.3 and 9.2.10

MOD37

Policy TR6 Parking and Servicing

Headnote Criterion a) Paragraph 9.1.41

MOD36

DfI directs the Council to modify footnotes 23 (Page 115), 36 (page 220), 38 (page 221) in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Policy FRD6 Page 235, Development in Paragraph 9.2.49 Proximity to Controlled Reservoirs Page 347 Appendix I Part C

DfI directs the Council to modify criterion a) of Policy TR7, to add text to the end of the criterion, on page 222 of the dPS, in or accepted by the Council, in consultation with DfI following accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. a robust analysis provided by the applicant. For clarity this should read:

Amend first sentence of 9.2.3 to read:

Details of controlled reservoirs in the Borough are available on the Reservoir flood maps produced by DfI Rivers and are available to view on the DFI website.

DfI directs the Council to modify the J&A paragraph 9.2.49 of Policy FRD6, page 235 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Omit list of controlled reservoirs from Appendix I (Part C) of dPS.

DFI also directs council to remove Appendix 1 (Part C – Controlled Reservoirs within MEABC (as of June 2019), page 347 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. Furthermore, DFI direct Council to modify Policy FRD 6 in

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

DfI directs the Council to modify the J&A paragraph 9.2.3 of the Introduction to Flood Risk and Drainage, page 224 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Within the Mid and East Antrim Council area, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Greenisland are all considered to be DFI also directs council to modify J&A paragraph 9.2.10 of Policy at significant risk of flooding. FRD1, page 228, to refer to DFI Flood Maps NI, instead of Strategic Flood Maps NI. Amend paragraph 9.2.10 to refer to DfI Flood Maps NI.

Amend paragraph 9.2.49 to read:

As assessed in previous addendum.

Further to modification, there will be no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Factual update to introductory text only.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Further to modification, there will be no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Modification to policy, J&A and Further to Appendix for purposes of modification, the consistency. policy will have no differential impact These are policy changes in than the original in order to be consistent with terms of its impact existing central government on the rural policy. This will widen the

accordance with MEAM35.

scope of the policy as it now extends to include minor development.

community.

However, the modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

MOD38

RA093

MEAM36 (supersedes PM120 & PM121)

MOD39

RA099

MEAM38 in part PM-126 in part

Renewable Energy DevelopmentIntroduction

DfI directs the Council to modify the last criterion l) of Policy RE1, page 239 of the dPS, as follows:

Replace last sentence of 9.3.1 to read:

Paragraph 9.3.1

The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 states that the Department for the Economy (DFE) must ensure that at least 80% of electricity consumption is from renewable DFI also directs council to remove footnote 42, page 236, of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. sources by 2030. The latest figures for electricity consumption and renewable energy generation are available Note: This will affect further footnote numbering within the Plan on the energy section of the DFE website. Strategy, which should be modified as directed under MOD55 Remove footnote 42. Note: MOD44 (RA108) will also update paragraph 9.3.2 – Introduction to Renewable Energy.

Footnote 42

Policy RE1 Renewable Energy Development criterion l)

DfI directs the Council to modify the J&A paragraph 9.3.1 of Introduction to Renewable Energy, page 236 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Page 236,

Page 239

Criterion l) is replaced to read:

Policy Headnote

For wind farm development (footnote 44), a separation distance of 10 times rotor diameter to occupied properties (including temporarily unoccupied), with a minimum separation distance of not less than 500m, will generally apply. The separation distance required for single turbines will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

l) For wind farm development (footnote 44), a separation distance of 10 times rotor diameter to residential properties (including extant permissions), with a minimum separation distance of not less than 500m, will generally apply. The separation distance required for single turbines will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Factual update to introductory text only.

Modification to policy for the purposes of consistency with existing central government policy, however it does not change the aim or purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Note: the footnote reference within this MOD will change, due to changes made under MOD38. This will affect further footnote numbering within the Plan Strategy, which should be modified as directed under MOD55.

MOD40

RA100

MEAM39

Policy RE1 Renewable Energy Development

Page 238 Policy Headnote

DfI directs the Council to modify the fifth paragraph of Policy RE1, page 238 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC A proposal for the re-use, refurbishment or repowering of an Recommended Amendment. existing renewable energy development, including in order to extend its lifespan, will be considered favourably subject to meeting the criteria within this policy. Amend the fifth paragraph of RE1 headnote to read:

Further to modification, there will be no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to policy introducing reasonable flexibility to ensure such proposals will be considered favourably whether the lifespan of the development was extended or not. The modification does not change the aim or purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

MOD41

RA103

Policy RE1 Renewable Energy Development

Page 238

Amend RE1 criteria a) to read:

Policy Headnote

It will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on visual amenity, or landscape character including the cumulative effect of development on the landscape;

DfI directs the Council to modify the criteria a) of Policy RE1, page 238 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Amend criteria e) to read:

MOD42

RA106

PM-133 and PM135 plus additional text insertion

Policy TEI1 Telecommunications and Electricity Infrastructure

Page 244 Headnote

It will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on built heritage or on biodiversity or nature conservation (including cumulative effects).

DfI directs the Council to modify the criteria e) of Policy RE1, page 238 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Remove ‘Outside of Special Countryside Areas’ from first sentence of policy headnote.

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy TEI1, page 244 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Remove Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Paragraphs that refer to Areas of Constraint on High Structures.

Note: MOD05 (RA017), removes PM0-19 which keeps CS3 heading as ‘Areas of constraint on High Structures’

Add additional sentence at end of first sentence to read: Given the height of some telecommunications and electricity infrastructure CS3 Areas of Constraint on High Structures may also be applicable.

MOD43

MOD44

RA107

RA108

Policy TEI1 Telecommunications and Electricity Infrastructure

Introduction to Renewable Energy (9.3) And Policy TEI1 Telecommunications and Electricity Infrastructure

Page 244 Headnote

Page 236 and page 245

Add a new penultimate sentence to headnote to read: A proposal by a statutory undertaker for the upgrading or refurbishment of existing energy infrastructure in order to maintain energy security will be considered favourably subject to meeting the criteria within this policy.

Additional text should be added to the justification and amplification paragraph 9.3.2 to direct the reader to the policy context for strategic energy delivery at Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations. This should refer to policies RE1, TEI1 and GP1 and the importance of promotion of a more diverse energy mix in the drive to provide adequate security of supply.

The policy context for natural gas infrastructure should be explicitly set out.

No Modification to Policy for purposes of consistency to ensure proposals fully take account of cumulative effects and the built heritage and for coherence with J&A text. The modification does not change the aim or purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

No Modification to Policy for purposes of coherence. Cross referencing CS3 reflects what was already intended within the policy requirement to accord with other provisions of the LDP. The modification does not change the aim or purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

DfI directs the Council to modify Policy TEI1, page 244 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

For clarity paragraph 9.3.2 should read: (See form of words inserted into existing paragraph at 9.3.2) Mid and East Antrim is a key strategic location in relation to Northern Ireland’s energy network given the location of Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations in the Borough. The policy context for strategic energy delivery at Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations are set out in policies RE1, TEI1 and GP1. The importance of promotion of a more diverse energy mix in the drive to provide adequate security of supply should be noted. In addition, Mid and East Antrim’s wind resource and topography

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to Policy for the purposes of coherence and consistency. The modification does not change the aim or purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

DfI directs the Council to modify the J&A paragraph 9.3.2 Introduction to Renewable Energy, page 236 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

No Modification to Introductory text and J&A for purposes of coherence and clarification. The modification does not change the aim or purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, there will be no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

has attracted numerous renewable energy projects, including wind farms and large- scale solar farms across the Borough. DfI also directs the Council to modify J&A paragraph 9.4.14 of Policy TEI1, page 245 of the dPS, by firstly modifying the paragraph to include amendments under RA105 (Schedule 1A) which includes the new sub-heading ‘Electricity Infrastructure’ and the first sentence of 9.4.14 to be moved to form the start of a new second paragraph under this heading, with additional wording to be inserted in accordance with the PAC recommendation. The subheading ‘Overhead lines’ should now sit above the existing paragraph 9.4.15. For clarity this should read as: Electricity Infrastructure Paragraph 9.4.14 New and upgraded electricity infrastructure including poles, pylons, transformers sub stations and cables are vital in contributing towards these objectives but need to be carefully balanced against the potential impacts on the environment and amenity. Investing in our electricity infrastructure is critical for maintaining energy security and ensuring we can meet our wider sustainable energy objectives and contribute towards a diverse energy mix. These need to be balanced carefully against the potential impacts on the environment and amenity. Proposals for strategic energy infrastructure and development will be assessed against Policy TEI1, Policy GP1 and other relevant operational policies of this plan as appropriate. Overhead Lines Paragraph 9.4.15 Overhead line, especially those mounted on pylons ……

MOD45

RA111

Policy HE1 Archaeological Remains and their settings

Page 267

Add additional text after second sentence of paragraph

Paragraph 10.1.15

10.1.15 to state, where the information can be found on the ‘wide array of prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and monuments’ (referred to in second sentence) to assist in understanding of the baseline position. The HED publication guidance on setting and the historic environment should also be referred to. Cross reference the landscape assessment for the ASAI within other LDP documents.

DfI directs the Council to modify text after the second sentence of J&A paragraph 10.1.15 of Policy HE1, page 267 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. For Clarity this should read:

The only ASAI in Mid and East Antrim is designated at Knockdhu, an upland area within the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB (refer to District proposals Maps). This unique historic upland landscape contains a wide array of prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and monuments (refer to Sites and Monuments Record |

No Modification to J&A for Further to purposes of clarification on the modification, the implementation of the policy. policy will have no differential impact The modification does not than the original in change the aim/purpose of the terms of its impact on policy from that originally the rural community. assessed.

Department for Communities (communities-ni.gov.uk). The landscape of the ASAI is highly vulnerable to insensitive change (see Technical Supplement 10, Appendix A- Landscape Character assessment, Appendix E – Candidate sensitive Landscape Report and Technical Supplement 13, Appendix C- Knockdhu Area of Significant Archaeological Interest (ASAI). Published guidance on setting can also be found in DfC HED Guidance on the setting and the Historic Environment at the following website guidance-onsettingand-the-historic-environment.pdf (communities-ni.gov.uk). MOD46

RA112

Policy HE1 Archaeological Remains and their settings

Page 267

Reword 4th paragraph of 10.1.15 to read:

Paragraph 10.1.15

In particular, the erection of masts, pylons, wind turbines and associated infrastructure, or other large- scale development including large agricultural buildings may adversely impact on the distinctive landscape character and historic landscape assets, including the archaeological sites and monuments.

DfI directs the Council to modify the fourth paragraph of J&A paragraph 10.1.15 of Policy HE1, page 267 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. For Clarity, to include the changes above at MOD45, the whole Paragraph 10.1.15 should now read as follows: The only ASAI in Mid and East Antrim is designated at Knockdhu, an upland area within the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB (refer to District proposals Maps). This unique historic upland landscape contains a wide array of prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and monuments (refer to Sites and Monuments Record |

No Modification to J&A for purposes of coherence and effectiveness to ensure consistency with the ASAI Statement of Significance. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Department for Communities (communities-ni.gov.uk). The landscape of the ASAI is highly vulnerable to insensitive change (see Landscape assessment for the ASAI). Published guidance on setting can also be found in DfC HED Guidance on the setting and the Historic Environment at the following website guidance-onsetting-and-the-historicenvironment.pdf (communities-ni.gov.uk). In particular, the erection of masts, pylons, wind turbines and associated infrastructure, or other large-scale development including large agricultural buildings may adversely impact on the distinctive landscape character and historic landscape assets, including the archaeological sites and monuments. Accordingly, this regionally significant archaeological site is protected under this policy and through other LDP strategic designations and associated policies (footnote 55). MOD47

RA114

Policy HE3 Listed Page 270 Buildings – Change of Paragraph 10.1.28 Use or Extension/Alteration or Conversion of a Listed Building

Replace ‘historic asset’ with ‘heritage asset’ throughout paragraph

DfI directs the Council to modify paragraph 10.1.28 of Policy HE3, page 270 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

No Modification to J&A for the purposes of clarification and consistency in wording. The modification does not change the aim/purpose of the policy from that originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

MOD48

RA120

MEAM40 in part

Policy HE8 UnListed Locally Important Buildings or Vernacular Building

Page 280

Amend first sentence of headnote to read:

Policy Headnote

All development proposals impacting on unlisted locally important buildings and/or vernacular buildings should involve the minimum intervention and should maintain or enhance the existing character of the building and its setting.

Paragraph 10.1.57

DfI directs the Council to modify the first sentence of Policy HE8, page 280 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Amend first sentence 10.1.57 to read: DfI directs the Council to modify the first sentence of paragraph Unlisted locally important buildings, structures or features 10.1.57 of Policy HE8, page 280 of the dPS, in accordance with which have a degree of architectural or historical significance this PAC Recommended Amendment. but are not formally designated and can include buildings such as former schoolhouses, churches, mills or former banks. MOD49

MOD50

RA121

RA124

PM-150 & word ‘normally’ incorporated as per MEAM43

Policy HE8 Non Listed Page 280 Locally Important Policy Headnote Buildings or Vernacular Building

Add the following text at the end of the policy:

Policy AD1 The Control of Advertisements

Amend the first sentence of AD1 section of Advertisements and Heritage Assets to read:

Page 286 Third and Fourth Paragraph

‘In addition, proposals must meet the General Policy and accord with other provisions of the LDP.’

No Modification to Policy for purposes of coherence and effectiveness.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact The modification does not than the original change the aim/purpose of the in terms of its policy from that originally impact on the assessed. rural community.

DfI directs the Council to modify the end of the of policy HE8, page 280 of the dPS, by adding in text in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

DfI directs the Council to modify the first sentence of Policy AD1, page 286 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

When assessing applications for consent for the display of an advertisement which affects a heritage asset or its setting, Council will have regard to criteria a to f above and the DfI directs the Council to modify the first sentence of the section following considerations: on Digital Advertising Screens within Policy AD1, page 287 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. Amend the first sentence of the section on Digital Advertising Screens to read:

Modification to Policy for the purposes of clarification and consistency.

Modification to Policy for the purposes of coherence and implementation.

When assessing applications for consent for the display of a NOTE: the PAC have used the word “advertisement” screen in the digital advertisement screen criteria a to f above shall apply first sentence of the section on “Digital Advertising Screens”, this and consent for the display of a digital advertising screen will should be “advertising” in line with PM 150 not normally be granted in any of the following circumstances: MOD51

RA125

PM-152

Natural Heritage Implementation

Page 297

Revise wording of third sentence of 11.1.7 to read:

Paragraph 11.1.7

International, European and Nationally important nature conservation sites and the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB are identified in the draft Plan Strategy (see District Proposals Maps).

DfI directs the Council to modify the third sentence of paragraph 11.1.7 of the Natural heritage Introduction, page 297 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment. Note: Reference to ‘draft’ Plan strategy. The word ‘draft’ should be removed, council should modify this changes as directed under MOD55.

No As assessed in previous addendum.

Further to modification, there will be no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

MOD52

MOD53

RA127

MEAM41

NAT2 J&A

updating PM154

para 11.1.11

PM-155

Policy NAT4 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance

updated by MEAM42

Page 299

Page 301 Paragraph 11.1.13

There is no PAC recommended amendment.

Remove the reference to the Ulster Wildlife Trust from first sentence and add (as amended) to end of sentence as per PM-155.

DFI directs Council to withdraw PM-154 as updated by MEAM 41 in accordance with paragraph 15.4 of the PAC IE consideration report and retain paragraph 11.1.11, page 299, as written within the dPS.

DfI directs the Council to modify the first sentence and add text to the end of the same sentence of paragraph

The direction withdraws a modification put forward by the Council, there is no need for further assessment as the policy will remain as originally assessed.

Further to modification, the policy will have no differential impact than the original in terms of its impact on the rural community.

Modification to J&A text for the Further to purposes of factual correction modification, the Insert additional sentence after the first sentence of to assist in implementation of policy will have the policy. no differential 11.1.13 to read: For clarity this should read same as PM-155. impact than the The modification does not original in terms The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has key DfI directs the Council to modify by adding a further sentence after change the aim/purpose of the of its impact on responsibility for the designation and hierarchy of sites that the first sentence of paragraph 11.1.13 of Policy Nat4 and policy from that originally the rural are of nature conservation importance and it is sites through removing the word ‘the’ (underlined) page assessed. community. the application of policy. Additionally, Council has the power 301 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended to identify and designate Local Nature Reserves (LNR). The designation of Wildlife Refuges is a matter for DAERA. 11.1.13 of Policy Nat4, page 301 of the dPS, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

Amendment. Note: Omission of word in the Policy title in 4th column, it should say: Policy NAT4 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance-Local

MOD54

RA129

PM-160 plus Monitoring & Review ‘across the plan area’ incorporated – Technical following hearing Supplement 1

Environmental Objective a)

Insert indicator under Restriction of development on open space:

Monitoring Indicator 22

Target: No more than 1 application permitted per year within zoned open space areas across the plan area. Review trigger: More than 1 application permitted in any one year on zoned open space across the plan area.

MOD55

DfI directs the Council to modify Technical Supplement 1 – Monitoring and Review, Environmental Objective a), by inserting a new indicator following Indicator 22 and re- number the remaining Indicators, in accordance with this PAC Recommended Amendment.

No This is not a policy change but does allow for improved monitoring.

N/A

Note: PAC referred to Monitoring Indicator 22 in the 4th column, however DFI acknowledge this MOD is in relation to a new indicator following Indicator 22.

As a result of the modifications contained within this direction, DfI directs the Council to ensure that any other presentational or factual amendments, typographical errors and grammatical errors are updated as necessary to the overall Plan Strategy upon adoption. These updates should not amend the nature and intent of the modifications.

No This modification covers Schedule 1A, Schedule 1B and Schedule 2, including mapping corrections. The modification does not change the aim/purpose or the nature and intent of the plan strategies or policies.

These modifications will not result in any differential impact than the original in terms of impact on the rural community.

Documenting and Recording Rural Needs Impact Assessment undertaken by:

Sandra Adams

Position/Grade:

Principal Planning Officer Planning and Building Control:

Division/Branch

Local Development Plan Team

Date:

03/10/2023

Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by:

Paul Duffy

Position/Grade:

Head of Planning Planning and Building Control:

Division/Branch:

Local Development Plan Team

Date:

03/10/2023

Local Development Plan Team Silverwood Business Park 190 Raceview Road Ballymena BT42 4HZ Tel: 0300 124 5000 planning@midandeastantrim.gov.uk www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/planning