A New Golf Course

Area Plan & Policy Context

The proposed golf course is being brought forward within the planning framework set by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council through the Local Development Plan 2032.

This framework helps ensure that all new development is appropriate for its location and contributes positively to the wider area.
While the Local Development Plan is still being finalised, a number of existing plans continue to guide how land within the Borough is used and protected.

• The Belfast Urban Area Plan (BUAP) 2001

• The Lisburn Area Plan (LAP) 2001

• The Lagan Valley Regional Park Local Plan 2005

Planning policy for this area focuses on achieving a careful balance. It supports development that promotes health, wellbeing and outdoor recreation, while ensuring that landscapes, natural habitats and heritage assets are protected and enhanced. There is also a strong emphasis on sustainable design, managing flood risk, and improving accessibility, alongside encouraging tourism and investment that benefits the wider Borough.

Site Context

The site lies within Lagan Valley Regional Park, a valued landscape that sits between urban areas and provides space for recreation, nature and heritage. It is also recognised within the Lagan Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, highlighting the quality
and sensitivity of the surrounding landscape.

Nearby features such as the River Lagan and the Giant’s Ring add to the area’s environmental and historic importance, while Ballylesson Road provides an important and protected transport route.

Across the existing planning framework, the site is consistently identified as open land, currently in agricultural use and located outside the main settlement boundary. This means that development here must be carefully considered and appropriate to a rural and landscape-led setting.