Banbridge Newry & Mourne Plan 2015

Strategic Plan Framework: Environment and Conservation

The Plan Area contains a wealth of environmental assets including locations prized for their rich biodiversity; structures and sites with recognised built heritage interest and landscapes with notable scenic value. It is imperative that the importance of such assets is acknowledged and that they are provided with appropriate protection.

Regional Policy Context

The RDS is based on a number of guiding principles, one of which is the protection and enhancement of the environment through an approach to development and policy formulation, which has the condition of the environment as a central deciding factor. One of the key regional challenges will therefore be to accommodate future development growth while protecting and caring for the environment. The RDS includes the following SPGs:

• to conserve the natural environment (SPG-ENV 1);
• to protect and manage the Northern Ireland coastline (SPG-ENV 2);
• to conserve the built environment (SPG-ENV 3);
• to foster a stronger community spirit and sense of place in relation to local development proposals in urban and rural areas by the use of Local Development Guidelines (SPG-ENV 4);
• to promote more prudent and efficient use of energy and resources, and effective waste management (SPG-ENV 5); and
• to create healthier living environments and to support healthy lifestyles (SPG-ENV 6).

PPS 2 - Planning and Nature Conservation, PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage and PPS 6 Addendum, Areas of Townscape Character set out the current regional policy for the protection of conservation interests.

PSRNI contains current regional policies in relation to the environment including protection of rural landscapes and the coast.

The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy 2002 sets the framework for biodiversity action. The Biodiversity Strategy describes the main features of biodiversity in Northern Ireland, identifies the main factors affecting it and proposes a number of measures to support biodiversity conservation up to 2016.

Nature Conservation

Biodiversity is the total variety of all living things - of wildlife habitats, wild plants and animals. At the larger scale, biodiversity relates to the variation in landscapes and habitats and at the smallest scale to genetic differences in plants and animals. Biodiversity is vital to the health of the planet and to quality of life. The enhancement of biodiversity will be one of the most powerful indicators of progress towards sustainability.

It is important to recognise the biodiversity significance of Northern Ireland's habitats in the British Isles and beyond. As one of the most westerly outliers of Europe, many of our communities of plants and animals represent extreme oceanic (mild and wet) examples.

The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group, which undertook a study of the state of wildlife and habitats in Northern Ireland, published a set of 76 recommendations for protection and enhancement of biodiversity, including habitats and species identified for priority action. The Northern Ireland Executive committed itself to delivering action on these recommendations and published the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy in August 2002 to protect and enhance biodiversity in Northern Ireland over the period to 2016.

The Biodiversity Strategy identifies 40 habitat types as priorities for conservation action in Northern Ireland. Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan has examples of 31 priority habitats such as Upland Heath, Fen and Bog, River Valley Woodlands, Loughs and Rivers, Coastal and Marine Habitats and Parkland. The varied landscape of the Plan Area also contains a number of priority species such as Harbour Porpoise, Red Squirrel, Bats, Otters, Irish Hares and Barn Owls.

Further information on these habitats and species is contained in the Countryside Assessment Supplement.

The range of priority habitats and species listed through the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy will be protected from development and proposals that could harm their integrity, continuity, links or ecological relationships. In exceptional circumstances where development is considered to be appropriate, conditions will be imposed to guide developers on the necessary measures for management and enhancement of the site.

A Planning Agreement may be required with the developer in order to reduce, offset or compensate for any of the effects of the development by the provision of new or enhanced habitats or features or their improved management.

The most common form of conserving biodiversity is designation, protection and management of the best sites of nature conservation importance. While areas of international and national nature conservation importance are already protected from development through other statutory designations, conservation of biodiversity is enhanced in the Plan through the designation of Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCIs) and the protection of priority habitats identified by the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy. Management of these sites may be achieved through regulation of activities, negotiation with landowners or through public ownership.

A hierarchy of designations is available under European and local legislation and designation is primarily the responsibility of EHS. Generally sites are selected for their rarity value or for the diversity of species and habitats they contain, or as a representative example of their habitat type on a local, national or international scale.

Sites of international importance comprise sites listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, and European Sites (SPAs and SACs) designated under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (NI) 1995.

Sites important in a national context include ASSIs and Nature Reserves designated under the Environment (NI) Order 2002. Additional designations include Wildlife Refuges established under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1995 and Local Nature Reserves that may be established by local councils under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985.

There are various non-statutory sites, with nature conservation value, cared for by public agencies or voluntary conservation bodies. DARD Forest Service has designated Forest Nature Reserves at Hawthorn Hill and Rostrevor Oakwood. The Woodland Trust manage 4 woodlands within the Plan Area at Ballymaganlis (Dromore), Canal Wood (Poyntzpass), Carnbane and Daisy Hill (Newry).

Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance

In accordance with PPS 2 - Planning and Nature Conservation, SLCNIs are designated in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

The Plan designates, on the basis of their flora, fauna or earth science interest, 183 SLNCIs, of which 45 are in Banbridge District and 138 in Newry and Mourne District. SLNCIs may include non-statutory nature reserves managed by public agencies or voluntary conservation bodies. The Countryside Assessment Supplement contains details of each SLNCI.

In assessing development proposals on or adjacent to these sites, priority will be given to the protection of their intrinsic nature conservation interest.

Where exceptionally a development is permitted which might adversely affect the nature conservation interests, the Department will endeavour to ensure that such effects are kept to a minimum. Consideration will be given to the use of conditions in order to protect, manage and enhance the conservation interest or to require appropriate mitigation measures. Where appropriate, developers will be asked to enter into a planning agreement to secure these outcomes.

Archaeology and the Built Heritage

Evidence of past human activity within the Plan Area is illustrated by archaeological sites and monuments, vernacular and historic buildings, features and structures surviving from past industries, planned parkland landscapes and in the pattern of streets and buildings in our historic townscapes. There is also a particular maritime element in the local heritage of coastal areas. This heritage is finite and vulnerable and it is important that it be cherished and protected for future generations to enjoy as we do.

All settlements have their own identity and character, drawn from the sense of place and influenced by human activity, which over time has shaped the present built form. In some places, the variety, or consistency of the overall character, including style of construction and, in some instances landscaping, is particularly distinctive or pleasing, and merits specific protection from inappropriate change. Rural vernacular buildings can often have a positive impact on the countryside.

The Plan Area contains many buildings of special architectural or historic interest of which some are listed under Article 42 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. Conservation Areas have been designated, under Article 50 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, in Bessbrook, Dromore, Newry and Rostrevor in recognition of their architectural and historical interest. The Plan makes use of 'Area of Townscape Character', 'Historic Park, Garden and Demesne'; and 'Local Landscape Policy Area'; designations to protect further areas of built heritage value.

The Plan Area contains a range of important archaeological sites, many of which are scheduled under the provisions of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995 and some are presently in the care of the Department. The interrelationship between the surrounding landscape and upstanding remains often heightens the appreciation of an archaeological site. The preservation of such sites and their settings is of the highest priority.

With ongoing archaeological survey work there may be changes to the exact location of these sites. Over the Plan period, additional archaeological remains may be discovered. The existence of such remains may represent a material change that can affect the nature of development that will be permitted in respect of an area within a settlement, or in the countryside.

In some cases, archaeological sites and monuments have formed the basis for, or contributed to the designation of Local Landscape Policy Areas; (see Plan Policy CNV 4).

Where planning permission is granted for a scheme which may impact on archaeological remains, it will normally be conditional on the implementation an appropriate programme of archaeological mitigation. This may include field survey, preservation of remains in situ, or the investigation of remains through excavation recording, and the analysis, archiving and preparation of results as an archaeological report.

It should be noted that within the Plan Area there is a very wide range of archaeological sites and monuments, from find spots of prehistoric tools through to major sites of industrial and defence heritage. Development proposals which may impact on any of those sites already identified in the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record will be determined on their merits having regard to the Department's regional planning policies and the policies and guidance in the Plan.

Areas of Townscape Character

In accordance with the Addendum to PPS 6: Areas of Townscape Character, the following ATCs are designated in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

Development proposals within ATCs will be considered in the context of prevailing regional policy and the Plan Proposals.

More detail on the traditional character, appearance and key features of the designated ATCs, with advice on development within these areas is provided in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

The Department engaged a team of architectural consultants to advise on the designation of ATCs and to assess their potential for subsequent Conservation Area designation through Article 50 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. Their findings for the settlements selected for ATC designation are detailed in the Countryside Assessment Supplement.

Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes

In accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Environment, Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes are designated in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan. Policy for their protection is contained in Policy BH 6 of PPS 6 - Planning Archaeology and the Built Heritage. Information about each designated site is contained in the Countryside Assessment Supplement.

These historic parks, gardens and demesnes are detailed in a register to be published by the Department's Environment and Heritage Service. The register summarises the historical significance of each site and the contribution such planned features make to the local landscape. It also seeks to encourage the public, as well as owners, to value and support the protection and maintenance of such sites.

Areas of Significant Archaeological Interest

In accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, an Area of Significant Archaeological Interest (ASAI) is designated at the Dorsey as identified in Volume 3 of the Plan.

The Department will use its development control powers to ensure that the setting of the monuments is preserved, and that development does not have a detrimental effect on sites and monuments, or the character, appearance or visual amenity of the surrounding landscape. Accordingly, there will be a general presumption against large-scale developments within the ASAI, such as quarrying or mining operations, waste disposal, industrial units, major tourism schemes and the erection of masts, pylons or wind turbines as it is considered the scale and overall impact of such proposals could be particularly damaging to the distinctive appearance, character and heritage interests of the area. Other development proposals will be determined on their merits having regard to the prevailing regional planning policy and the policies and proposals in the Plan.

In exceptional circumstances where planning permission is granted for development within an ASAI, the Department will require the implementation of appropriate mitigation works.

Areas of Archaeological Potential

In accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, the following Areas of Archaeological Potential (AAPs) are highlighted for information in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

These areas indicate to developers that, on the basis of current knowledge, it is likely that archaeological remains will be encountered in the course of future development or change within the area. Submission of an archaeological assessment or evaluation in support of a planning application may be required to allow informed and reasonable decisions to be taken. Archaeological assessments may be required under the provisions of prevailing regional policy.

All greenfield sites, whether or not they contain known features, have archaeological potential. The Plan Area contains areas within which archaeological potential may exist but has yet to be fully assessed. Where archaeological remains or their settings may be affected by development, applicants should submit an assessment or evaluation of the archaeological implications of their scheme and how any impacts will be mitigated as part of their planning application.

Developers are strongly advised to liaise with the Department before submitting any proposals within these areas. Advice on the treatment of archaeological sites and monuments within residential developments is contained within the Department's Publication 'Creating Places: achieving quality in residential developments'.

Planning policy in relation to archaeology is contained in PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage.

Landscape

The Plan Area has a rich and varied landscape which includes much of the Mournes AONB (including Slieve Croob), the Ring of Gullion AONB and the shores of Carlingford Lough. The landscape character areas within the Plan Area are described in the published Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment (N I LCA) 2000.

Local Landscape Policy Areas

In accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, LLPAs are designated in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan.

LLPAs are designated to help protect the environmental assets within or adjoining settlements. They include:

• archaeological sites and monuments and their surroundings;
• listed and other locally important buildings and their surroundings;
• river banks and shore lines and associated public access;
• attractive vistas, localised hills and other areas of local amenity importance; and
• areas of local nature conservation importance, including areas of woodland and important tree groups.

In total, 183 LLPAs are designated in the Plan Area - 71 in Banbridge District and 112 in Newry and Mourne District. Further information on each LLPA is contained in the Countryside Assessment Supplement

The use of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) will be considered by the Department for those LLPAs where a tree or trees contribute significantly to visual amenity, or are considered under threat from development. In cases where a TPO is already in existence, the LLPA policy will act in addition to and without prejudice to any other statutory provision associated with this Order.

Where LLPAs contain significant parts of historic parks, gardens or demesnes, conservation areas, listed buildings, and archaeological monuments, this policy will apply in addition to and without prejudice to any other statutory provision or policy relating to these features.

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