Ards and North Down Local Development Plan 2032 - Draft Plan Strategy

Ards and North Down Borough Council has published its Draft Plan Strategy, marking the first formal stage in the preparation of the new Local Development Plan (LDP) 2032. This strategic document sets out how the Borough will grow and develop over the next decade, shaping decisions on housing, employment, tourism, infrastructure and environmental protection.

The LDP aims to:

• Promote sustainable development.
• Enhance quality of life and wellbeing.
• Support economic growth and environmental stewardship.
• Deliver inclusive placemaking across the Borough.

A four-week reading period is now in progress ahead of a formal consultation on the Draft Plan Strategy that will begin on 17 October 2025. This will be open for a period of eight weeks. During this time, a series of drop-in public consultation events and information sessions will be held.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

"This Draft Plan Strategy is a significant milestone for our Borough. It sets out a clear and ambitious vision for how we want Ards and North Down to grow, sustainably, inclusively and with the wellbeing of our residents at its heart. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of our communities."

Representations must be made during the eight-week consultation period that begins on 17 October 2025 and ends on 15 December 2025 at 4.30pm. Any received outside of these dates will not be considered.

For more information, and to view the Draft Plan Strategy, visit Draft Plan Strategy - Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Alternatively, the Draft Plan Strategy can also be viewed at City Hall, Bangor, and also 2 Church Street, Newtownards.