Locals invited to have a say on development

The LCCC has outlined how it intends to engage with the community in the delivery of its planning function and used the opportunity to invite involvement.

A new consultation exercise focuses on the ‘draft Statement of Community Involvement’ (SCI), which identifies who, how and when the community will be invited to participate in the different stages of the Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP)

The Council assumed planning powers on the 1st April, obtaining responsibility for the vast majority of planning applications, and the SCI also discusses the determination of planning applications, enforcement and other planning matters.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alderman Michael Henderson expressed the importance of involving the community in all planning matters and encouraged everyone to get involved in the consultation exercise.

He said: “Community involvement is an integral part of the planning process.

“It is our responsibility to work collectively as much as possible with the local community and to give them the chance to have their say on how the Council area should be developed.

“We want to encourage local people to become actively involved, establish a shared vision in decision making and ensure everyone has an early and informed opportunity to express their views - this consultation process enables us to do just that.

“It also guarantees that we empower all groups in our community to participate, regardless of religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, sex, marital status, physical ability, sexual orientation, and those with and without dependents.

“I would encourage local residents to get involved by sending us their views and comments on this draft SCI, either by email or post.

“Now is the time to help shape the future of the area”, concluded Alderman Henderson.

The consultation on the draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) document will run until Monday 14th December.

You can visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk to download a copy of the draft SCI. Hard copies can also be obtained at Lagan Valley Island.

All comments should be submitted in writing by email to [email protected] or by post to the Planning Unit, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Civic Headquarters, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL.

Comments should reflect the structure of the document as far as possible with references to paragraph numbers where relevant.