DEVELOPMENT

Development is defined as the act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining.  However increased housing developments or further quarrying activities may not be viewed by all as an act of improvement.  A balanced approach is necessary in reviewing plans for development.

Planning Issues:  The Belfast Hills Partnership weekly examines planning applications across the Belfast Hills operational area and liaises with community groups regarding appropriate responses.

If your community group are in need of advice about planning processes or support in responding to proposals, Community Places are a voluntary organization which provides professional planning services to disadvantaged communities throughout N. Ireland. Click here for further information on Community Places and how to make responses to planning applications.

Traffic and Roads:  Development, whether residential or commercial, impacts upon traffic levels and subsequently the road network.  This has implications with regards to child protection issues as well as general road safety. The Belfast Hills Partnership continues to liaise with the Roads Service on these issues, lobbying for speed and weight restrictions as well as encouraging set routes for HGVs which avoid areas of housing, narrow roads etc.

Having adequate public transport link throughout the Belfast Hills is also important both for residents who live in the hills and tourists who wish to access the public sites for recreational purposes.  The Belfast Hills endeavours to encourage better public transport links where possible.