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SETTLEMENT PROPOSALS
TOWNS

The following sites CS 33 – CS 41 are zoned as Development Opportunity Sites as identified on Map No. 3k - Carrickfergus Town Centre.

Policy for the control of development in Development Opportunity Sites is contained in SETT 5 as set out in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan. Development proposals will also be assessed in accordance with the urban design criteria as contained in Policy CS 44.

The sites may also be the subject of Plan designations, as identified in the amplification text for individual sites, and development proposals will be assessed in accordance with the relevant Plan Proposals associated with those designations.

Zoning CS 33 Development Opportunity Site Vacant land at nos. 15-21 Irish Quarter West and nos. 13-17 Nelson Street

0.48 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - A flood risk assessment of the sea levels, 250m from the site, shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for the development of this site; and Access arrangements shall be agreed with Roads Service, DRD. Detailed consultation with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/public transport/transportation measures in the area, to facilitate development of the site. A Transport Assessment (TA) may be required to identify such improvements.

This site comprises vacant land and vacant premises along Irish Quarter West, with a fast food outlet in operation. There are a number of terraced properties and a commercial yard along Nelson Street. The north eastern portion of the site lies within Carrickfergus Conservation Area and the Carrickfergus Area of Archaeological Potential.

Detailed consultation with Rivers Agency, DARD will be required.

An existing combined trunk sewer is located within the western boundary of the site.

Detailed consultation with Water Service, DRD will be required.

Zoning CS 34   Development Opportunity Site 49-62 Irish  Quarter West

0.21 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - A flood risk assessment of the sea levels, 230m from the site, shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for the development of this site; and Access shall be from Irish Quarter West. Detailed consultation with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/ public transport/ transportation measures in the area, to facilitate development of the site. A Transport Assessment (TA) may be required to identify such improvements.

This site comprises vacant properties along Irish Quarter West and commercial premises, set back from the roadside. The site is situated within the Carrickfergus Area of Archaeological Potential.

Detailed consultation with Rivers Agency, DARD will be required.

Foul and storm sewage pumping stations may be required to serve this site.

Access to an existing combined trunk sewer and storm sewer in Irish Quarter South may be limited.

There is no apparent suitable open watercourse available for an emergency overflow from a pumping station.

Detailed consultation with Water Service, DRD will be required.

Zoning CS 35 Development Opportunity Site 20-42 Irish Quarter West

0.175 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - A flood risk assessment of the sea levels, 160m from the site, shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for the development of this site; and Access arrangements shall be agreed with Roads Service, DRD. Detailed consultation with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/public transport/transportation measures in the area, to facilitate development of the site. A Transport Assessment (TA) may be required to identify such improvements.

This site comprises vacant land alongside vacant residential properties fronting onto Irish Quarter West and includes listed buildings. The site is situated within the Carrickfergus Area of Archaeological Potential.

Detailed consultation with Rivers Agency, DARD will be required.

Foul and storm sewage pumping stations may be required to serve this site.

An existing combined trunk sewer and storm sewer are located to the south of the site, in Irish Quarter South and access may only be through private property.

Detailed consultation with Water Service, DRD will be required.

Zoning CS 36 Development Opportunity Site Island site between Irish Quarter South and Marine Highway, opposite Delaney's Green

0.514 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - A flood risk assessment of the sea levels, 80m from the site, shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for the development of this site; and Access arrangements shall be agreed with Roads Service, DRD. Detailed consultation with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/ public transport/ transportation measures in the area, to facilitate development of the site. A Transport Assessment (TA) may be required to identify such improvements.

This site comprises a furniture retailing outlet, accessed from Irish Quarter South, a petrol filling station, accessed via Marine Highway, a vacant site, previously utilised as a petrol station and an area of grassland in the western portion of the site.

A small piece of land in the eastern section of the site, adjacent to Albert Road/Marine Highway junction, is situated within Carrickfergus Conservation Area. The site is also situated within the Carrickfergus Area of Archaeological Potential.

Detailed consultation with Rivers Agency, DARD will be required.

An existing overflow pipe runs within the eastern boundary of the site.
An existing storm sewer runs within the northern boundary and along the western boundary.

Detailed consultation with Water Service, DRD will be required.

Zoning CS 37  Development Opportunity Site 45-49 North Street

0.051 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - A flood risk assessment of the sea levels, 170m from the site, shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for the development of this site; and Access arrangements shall be agreed with Roads Service DRD. Detailed consultation with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/ public transport/ transportation measures in the area, to facilitate development of the site. A Transport Assessment (TA) may be required to identify such improvements.

This site comprises two storey retail premises. It is adjacent to a Public House along the southeastern boundary and the De Courcy Centre, beyond the northwestern boundary.

The site is situated within the Carrickfergus Conservation Area.

Detailed consultation with Rivers Agency, DARD will be required.

Zoning CS 38 Development Opportunity Site 44-48 North Street

0.04 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - Access arrangements shall be agreed with Roads Service, DRD. Detailed consultation with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/public transport/transportation measures in the area, to facilitate development of the site. A Transport Assessment (TA) may be required to identify such improvements. The turning head, located within the site, shall be maintained in any future development.

This site comprises vacant land along North Street, adjacent to Lancasterian Street car parking and northwest of the De Courcy Centre. The site is situated within Carrickfergus Conservation Area and lies adjacent to Carrickfergus Town Wall. This site is also situated within the Carrickfergus Area of Archaeological Potential.

Zoning CS 39 Development Opportunity Site Ellis Street, leading to Woodburn Road (Former St Nicholas School)

4.598 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - Access shall be from Minorca Place; A Transport Assessment (TA), agreed with Roads Service DRD, shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/ public transport/ transportation facilities in the area. In addition to the need for a TA, and the requirements identified therein, an initial assessment of this specific development site indicates that as a minimum the following improvements shall be required:- - alterations to the geometry/layout of Minorca Place/Irish Quarter West including right turn facilities to the proposed development and adjacent school which may also require the restriction of certain traffic movements; and - new and improved pedestrian and cycle links to all adjacent   facilities. Any future development of this site shall require a full site investigation to establish the location of any landfilling/waste disposal operations that may have taken place, the type of materials deposited and any remedial work required. A full site investigation shall be carried out in accordance with the guidance in the Environment Agency/NHBC publication, Guidance for the Safe Development of Housing on Land Affected by Contamination.

This site comprises the former St Nicholas High School, vacant and overgrown land and an N.I.E. transformer. Parts of this site were the subject of land filling /waste disposal operations.

An existing combined trunk sewer is located in Minorca Place, which forms part of the southwestern boundary of the site. Discharge from any new development to this sewer may be limited.

An existing combined trunk sewer flows east to west within the northern boundary, which may limit future development. Discharge from any new development to this sewer may be limited.

A storm sewerage pumping station may be required to serve this site.

An existing watermain is located adjacent to No.7 Minorca Place and within the site.

Detailed consultation with Water Service, DRD will be required.

Zoning CS 40 Development Opportunity Site Vacant land NW of Carrickfergus Sailing Club house, to the rear of existing Marina Apartments

0.15 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - A flood risk assessment of the sea levels shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for the development of this site; and Access shall be from Rodgers Quay. Detailed consultation with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/public transport/transportation measures in the area, to facilitate development of the site. A Transport Assessment (TA) may be required to identify such improvements. The access road leading from Rodgers Quay to the site shall require to be brought up to adoption standards, especially with regards to future residential proposals; and Surface water shall discharge to the sea with approval from Environment and Heritage Service, DOE.

This site comprises vacant land, northwest of the Carrickfergus Sailing Clubhouse and to the rear of 4/5 storey residential properties, fronting the marina.
Detailed consultation with Rivers Agency, DARD will be required.

An existing combined trunk sewer is located at Rodgers Quay, close to the northern boundary of the site. A foul sewer extension may be required in future development.

Two large combined sewers overflow pipes, one abandoned and one existing, cross within this site.

Detailed consultation with Water Service, DRD will be required.

The site has planning permission for offices, access roads and associated car parking and landscaping.

The site is the subject of a current planning application for office development with site car parking.

Zoning CS 41 Development Opportunity Site Vacant land NE of Carrickfergus Yacht Club Rodgers Quay

1.26 hectares of land are zoned as a Development Opportunity Site as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre. Key Site Requirements: - A flood risk assessment of the sea levels shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for the development of this site; and Access shall be from Rodger’s Quay. Detailed consultation with Roads Service, DRD shall be required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/ public transport/transportation measures in the area, to facilitate development of the site. A Transport Assessment (TA) may be required to identify such improvements. The access road leading from Rodger’s Quay to the site shall require to be brought up to adoption standards, especially with regards to future residential proposals.

This site comprises hard standing concrete areas and grassland, west of Carrickfergus harbour. The eastern section of the site is situated within Carrickfergus Conservation Area. A portion of the northern boundary of the site is also situated within the Carrickfergus Area of Archaeological Potential.

Detailed consultation with Rivers Agency, DARD will be required.

An existing combined trunk sewer is located at Rodger’s Quay, which forms part of the northwestern boundary of the site. Discharge to this sewer may be limited. An existing storm sewer is located in land at Roger’s Quay, entering the western boundary of the site.

Detailed consultation with Water Service, DRD will be required.

The site has planning permission for a hotel, public house, restaurant and off-licence facility with associated ancillary accommodation

The site is the subject of a current planning application for the erection of a hotel including a restaurant and bar facilities, car parking and associated development.


Housing

Protected Town Centre Housing Areas

The following sites CS 42/01 – CS 42/07 are designated as Protected Town Centre Housing Areas as identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre.

Designation CS 42 Protected Town Centre Housing Areas

The following Areas of Protected Town Centre Housing are designated as identified on Map No. 3k - Carrickfergus Town Centre: - CS 42/01   West of Albert Road / St Brides Street CS 42/02   South of St Brides Street CS 42/03   South of Albert Road CS 4204    Irish Quarter West CS 42/05   Irish Quarter South CS 42/06   Robinsons Row CS 42/07   Joymount

There are a number of established communities at the above locations within the Town Centre. The Department recognises the importance of maintaining the above residential areas within the Town Centre to help retain the Town Centres vitality, reduce vandalism and generally make it a more attractive place to live.

Policy for the control of development within Protected Town Centre Housing Areas is contained in Policy HOU 5 of Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

Transportation

Road access to Carrickfergus Town Centre is provided via the two principal routes, the A2 Shore Road and the road network which distributes traffic from the B90/Upper Road which runs parallel to the A2 to the north of the Town. Carrickfergus railway station has recently been refurbished and currently caters for around 375,000 passenger journeys a year. A formal Park and Ride is provided however the limited number of spaces, just 120, means that some rail users are forced to park on street near the station. Public car park provision is provided at six locations within the Town Centre.

Area of Parking Restraint

Proposal CS 43 Carrickfergus Area of Parking Restraint

An Area of Parking Restraint is designated in Carrickfergus Town Centre, as identified on Map No. 3k - Carrickfergus Town Centre.

Car parking standards within the designated Area of Parking Restraint are contained in Policy TRAN 4 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan. This applies a standard of 1.5 spaces per dwelling and for non residential parking, 1 space per 50 square metre of non operational and 1 space per 930 square metres for operational space.


The Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan

The BMTP proposes the following measures aimed at improving the quality of the urban environment in Carrickfergus Town Centre. As well as supporting renaissance and regeneration of the Town Centre, they will help to facilitate the continued success of the tourism industry in the Town:

• Traffic management measures that aim to reduce the overall impact of traffic, including the severing effect of traffic in the Town Centre and Castle/Harbour area, while maintaining accessibility for all modes of transport. These measures are expected to include:

- road narrowing, reduced speed limits and surface treatment that will reduce capacity and speeds on the core section of the Marine Highway running between the centre of Carrickfergus and the Castle/Harbour area, coupled with improved pedestrian crossing facilities. It is proposed to continue to monitor the situation and if necessary explore other means of reducing traffic on the A2 by bypassing the Town Centre;

- further traffic calming in the Town Centre to increase pedestrian priority;

- improvement of the Irish Gate/Marine Highway junction with better pedestrian facilities; and

- traffic calming of residential/access roads and local distributor roads as part of the wider BMA traffic calming proposals;

• more effective management of Town Centre car parking to reduce the amount of long stay parking and to maximise the use of short stay spaces, with no significant expansion of the number of public and private car parking spaces available unless essential to support new development. Parking requirements for new developments will be in accordance with parking standards.

• Translink wish to expand the existing Park and Ride at Carrickfergus Railway station. These works may require the relocation of a Roads Service depot and it is envisaged these works will be completed before work on the Trooperslane Park and Ride commences.

Urban Environment

Urban Design

The Urban Design Criteria aim to achieve greater physical and visual connections in the Town Centre. They will strengthen the Town Centre character by promoting the appropriate development of key sites and protecting the existing fine grain and structure. They will restore the waterfront and Castle as the key focal points of the Town Centre, improving the waterfront amenity through the promotion of appropriate development along its edges.

Policy for urban design criteria is contained in Policy UE 1 of Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.


Carrickfergus Conservation Area

Carrickfergus Conservation Area was designated in June 1977. The boundary includes the original 12th century settlement based around the Norman Castle, the 15th century walled town and harbour, through to residential developments at Joymount constructed during the early to mid 1800s. The Castle, which is sited on a prominent rocky peninsula, is the central and dominating historic feature in the townscape. The coastal setting of Carrickfergus remains a significant element in the Town’s character with dramatic views into the Town.

The Conservation Area is identified for information on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre and Map No. 19 – Carrickfergus Conservation Area.

The main concentration of retail floor space and activity within the Town Centre is within the Conservation Area where many of the buildings are not appropriate in terms of size and layout for modern day retailing. To assist regeneration within the Town Centre and facilitate the provision of retail units suitable for larger retailers, the amalgamation of existing premises may be required.

The above criteria aim to ensure that restructuring of properties can take place, where appropriate, but in a manner sensitive to the character of the Conservation Area. Developers shall seek to retain the historic fabric of the Conservation Area by ensuring the frontage reflects the size, scale and appearance of properties in the historic street frontage. Where buildings are amalgamated the size, shape and position of associated signage should reflect the scale of traditional units in the Conservation Area.

Development proposals within Carrickfergus Conservation Area will be assessed in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy as currently set out in PPS 6 Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, Policy UE 2 as set out in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan, Policy CS 45 as set out below and design guidance contained in the Carrickfergus Conservation Area Guide.

The seventeenth century Town Wall survives for much of its original length stretching from Albert Road in the west, through North Gate to Joymount in the east. A large amount of refurbishment work to the wall has already taken place and it will require continual maintenance. New development should respect the Town Wall and allow access for its long-term maintenance.

A Town Wall walk has been developed and promoted in recent years and the protection and ongoing development of this asset in association with new development proposals will further promote the tourism potential of the Town based on its unique heritage.

Area of Archaeological Potential

In accordance with PPS 6 Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, an Area of Archaeological Potential in Carrickfergus Town Centre is included for information in the Countryside Assessment Technical Supplement. Guidance on the implications of undertaking development in this area is set out in the Urban Environment Section, in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

Natural Environment

Site of Local Nature Conservation (SLNCI)

There is one Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance in Carrickfergus Town Centre. This is designated in accordance with PPS 2 Planning and Nature Conservation. The Site has been identified on the basis of its flora, fauna or earth science interest and a detailed description of its characteristics is provided in the Countryside Assessment Technical Supplement.

The SLNCI is situated partially within Carrickfergus Town Centre and partially outside the Carrickfergus Settlement Development Limit. This SLNCI is also designated as an Area of Constraint on Mineral Development in accordance with designation CE 06 (see Countryside and Coast Section).

Policy for the control of development within this SLNCI is contained in Policy ENV 2 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

Local Landscape Policy Area (LLPAs)

In the Town Centre, Shaftsbury Park, and Carrickfergus Bowling Green are within the larger Prince William Local Landscape Policy Area as designated at CS 23. Policy for the control of development within this LLPA is contained in Policy ENV 3 as contained in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

Coast

Carrickfergus Urban Waterfront

Carrickfergus Urban Waterfront is identified on Map No. 3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre and Map No. 3l – Urban Waterfront and is designated under designation CS 27.

Policy for the control of development within the Urban Waterfront in Carrickfergus is contained in Policy COU 5 in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.

Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation

The following area of open space above 1 hectare is listed below and identified for information only on Map No. 3k - Carrickfergus Town Centre. Further details of this and smaller areas of open space below 1 hectare within the Town Centre are contained in the Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation Technical Supplement.

Policy for the protection of open space is contained in PPS 8 Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation.

Policy OS1, of PPS 8, will apply to all areas of existing open space whether or not they are indicated on the Plan Proposals map for information.


Public Open Space Provision

Location Area (H) Description Shaftsbury Park 2.12 Council owned park with bowling green

Community Greenway

The Love Lane – Marshallstown Road to seafront at Marine Highway community greenway (designation CS 30/02) is partly located within the Town Centre as identified on Map No.3k – Carrickfergus Town Centre.

Policy for the control of development within the designated community greenway is contained in Policy OS 2 as set out in Part 3, Volume 1 of the Plan.