Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has reached an important milestone in the preparation of its first Local Development Plan 2035 with the publication of its Draft Plan Strategy.
Representatives from a range of statutory agencies joined Council officers and elected members at The Palace, Armagh on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to mark the official launch of the Draft Plan Strategy.
This key document sets out the Council’s long-term vision for the borough, providing the strategic planning framework needed to support sustainable growth, investment and development through to 2035.
It represents the first stage in a two-stage plan-making process, with the Local Policies Plan forming the second stage. Together, these documents will constitute the Council’s new Local Development Plan and provide the basis for determining future planning decisions across the borough.
The public is now invited to review this bold vision and help shape the future of the borough by providing feedback on its overall aspirations for growth and development during an eight-week public consultation period, which commences on Tuesday 13 October and runs to Tuesday 8 December 2026.
Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O’Dowd said:
“I’m delighted that we have reached this key stage in the preparation of our borough’s first Local Development Plan.
“This strategy presents a real opportunity to develop a locally focused planning framework that supports our Council’s ambitions and aligns with the objectives set out in our Community Plan and Corporate Plan.
“The decisions we make through it will influence where people live, where businesses invest, how communities access services and how we protect our natural and built environment.
“It will be a key tool for delivering positive change across our borough, setting out a policy framework that reflects local priorities while creating the right conditions needed to support sustainable growth.
“It will be central to attracting investment, fostering innovation and supporting skills-based employment, while enhancing connectivity and helping to create climate-resilient, sustainable and high-quality places where people can live, work, invest and visit.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to have their say on how they want to see the borough grow and develop. I would encourage residents, businesses, community organisations and other key stakeholders to take part in the consultation and ensure their views are reflected in shaping our borough for years to come.”
Chair of the Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee, Alderman Stephen Moutray, added:
“The Draft Plan Strategy provides a real opportunity to build upon the many strengths of our borough, while planning positively for future growth that will support investment and job creation, enhance our towns and villages and protect our environmental and built assets, which make the borough so unique.
“It sets out a clear vision for building on these strengths to support inward investment and growth while protecting and enhancing our unique environment.
“Achieving this vision requires a balanced approach that carefully considers environmental, economic and social priorities to ensure future planning decisions deliver sustainable outcomes, which protect our natural and built environment, support economic growth and enhance the wellbeing of our communities.
“Please get involved in the consultation as your views will play an important role in helping to shape the places where we live, work and invest for generations to come.”
The Draft Plan Strategy along with supporting documents are available online. Click here to view.
The Council is encouraging everyone with an interest in the future of the borough to review the Draft Plan Strategy and submit their views during the public consultation period, which runs from 13 October 2026 until 5pm on Tuesday 8 December 2026.
A series of public engagement sessions will take place across the borough over the coming weeks. Planning officers will be available to provide information, answer questions, listen to views and offer guidance on how to respond to the consultation.
Members of the public are welcome to attend any of the following public engagement sessions:
- Tuesday 13 October – Tommy Makem Arts & Community Centre, Keady
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm - Thursday 15 October – Gosford Forest Park (Meeting Room)
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 6.30pm - Tuesday 20 October – The Palace, Armagh
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm - Tuesday 27 October – Portadown Town Hall
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm - Tuesday 3 November – Brownlow Community Hub
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm - Tuesday 10 November – Lurgan Town Hall
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm - Tuesday 17 November – Dromore Town Hall
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm - Tuesday 24 November – Banbridge Old Town Hall
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm - Tuesday 1 December – Rathfriland Community Centre
1.30pm – 3.30pm and 5.30pm – 7.30pm
In addition, feedback can be submitted online through the Council’s consultation hub at armaghbanbridgecraigavon.citizenspace.com during the public consultation period.
Hard copies of the Draft Plan Strategy along with supporting documents can also be viewed in person, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm at Banbridge Civic Building, Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre and The Palace in Armagh.
