CONSERVATION

Sites of National Nature Conservation Importance

These comprise Areas of Special Scientific Interest, Marine Nature Reserves, Nature Reserves and National Nature Reserves, declared under the provisions of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985. They also include Areas of Scientific Interest declared under the Amenity Lands (NI) Act 1965.

In addition to those Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) which are also designated as European Sites within the District, there are also ASSIs at Bardahessiagh, Ballysudden, Teal Lough and Slaghtfreeden Bogs, Teal Lough Part 2, Lime Hill Farm, Little River and Lough Doo. A number of the islands of Lough Neagh are managed as part of the Lough Neagh National Nature Reserve, and there are Nature Reserves at Brookend and Killywoolaghan. Lough Neagh is a declared Area of Scientific Interest. Over the plan period, the statutory designation of sites of national or international nature conservation importance will be kept under review by the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service and new areas may be identified.

Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance

Alongside the international and national sites, the Department also recognises a variety of Local Nature Reserves and Wildlife Refuges. These sites include:

• Local Nature Reserves established by District Councils under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985;

• Wildlife Refuges designated under the Wildlife Order, where special protection measure for some or all species are implemented;Non-statutory nature reserves managed by voluntary conservation bodies such as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Forest Service or the Ulster Wildlife Trust; and

• Other sites of local nature conservation importance highlighted in association with the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service which merit protection.

Over the lifetime of the Plan, Cookstown District Council intends to establish Local Nature Reserves at Ballyronan Wood, Cummings Quarry (Tullyhogue) and at Parkland, Moneymore. The Forest Service has established non-statutory Forest Nature Reserves at Teal Lough, Slaghtfreeden and Pomeroy. The Ulster Wildlife Trust manages the reserve at Teal Lough.

A number of sites of local nature conservation or earth science importance which add to the overall conservation interest of the District is designated. Of particular importance are some of the District’s lakes, notably Roughan Lough and Lough Fea, woodlands such as Springhill and Killymoon. Peatland areas are also notable, as are geological sites at Eagles Rock and Oughtmore Mountain.

The sites are dealt with under Plan Policy CON 1.All designated sites of local nature conservation importance are identified by symbol on the District map with exact boundaries being shown on Map Nos. 5 - 26. Proposed local nature reserves are identified in Appendix 3 on Map Nos. 82 - 84. Sites of International and National importance are represented by symbols on the Environmental Designations Map No. 2 with exact boundaries being shown in Appendix 3 on Map Nos. 63 - 79.

Archaeology and Built Heritage

The present landscape of Cookstown District is the product of human activity and change which dates from around 8,000 BC to modern times. Evidence of the human presence is indicated by a rich variety of archaeological sites and monuments, historic and vernacular buildings, features of the industrial heritage, planned landscapes and historic townscapes. While the landscape and townscape of Cookstown District will continue to change over time in response to the needs of the community, it is important to respect and protect the archaeological and built heritage received from past generations and to improve the quality of new development. This will help ensure a rich historic legacy and attractive environment for future generations.

Archaeological Sites and Monuments

The Department’s Environment and Heritage Service is responsible for the identification, recording and protection of all known archaeological sites and historic monuments in Northern Ireland. This includes the taking of monuments into State Care and their scheduling for protection under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995.There are currently 472 archaeological sites and monuments identified on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record within Cookstown District. This includes 15 Monuments in State Care, protected and managed as a public asset by the Environment and Heritage Service and 52 scheduled monuments. These are indicated on Map No. 3 and on the relevant Settlement Maps. All known archaeological sites or monuments are indicated and in some cases, these features have formed the basis for or contributed to the designation of Local Landscape Policy Areas (see Plan Policy CON 2). With ongoing archaeological survey work there may be changes to the exact location of these sites.

Over the plan period, archaeological remains that had not been previously recognised, 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.

Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Character

The Department’s Environment and Heritage Service is required, under the provisions of the Planning (NI) Order 1991, to compile a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest for Northern Ireland, following consultation with the Historic Buildings Council and the relevant District Council.

At present there are over 200 buildings included in the statutory list within Cookstown District and it is anticipated that over the plan period further buildings will be added, as the process of building survey and resurvey is ongoing. In some cases, listed buildings have formed the basis for or contributed to the designation of Local Landscape Policy Areas (see Plan Policy CON 2).

Conservation Areas

In recognition of its special architectural and historic interest, the centre of the village of Moneymore was designated a conservation area by the Department in 1980. The Moneymore Conservation Area booklet provides information on the history and character of the area together with guidance to assist those people wishing to carry out development within the area. The boundary of the Conservation Area is identified on Map No. 80.

Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes

Cookstown District contains a number of planned landscaped parks and demesnes, such as Drum Manor and Killymoon Castle, which represent a significant historic resource and make an important contribution to the landscape character of the District. These important heritage features are dealt with under Plan Policy CON 6.

REGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT

The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) deals with the issues that link the natural and the built heritage. It recognises that a range of statutory measures is appropriate, such as designations for conservation and protection, while promoting good stewardship of all our environmental resources and cultural heritage. The RDS aims to encourage appreciation and care of both the natural and man-made elements within the environment together by:

• conserving the natural environment;

• protecting and managing the Northern Ireland coastline; and

• conserving the built environment.

The Department’s regional planning policies for the protection of conservation interests in Cookstown District are currently set out in PPS 2: Planning and Nature Conservation, and PPS 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage. PPS 2 contains policies for the hierarchy of sites of nature conservation importance. It also addresses trees and woodlands, protection of species and peatlands. PPS 6 contains policies for archaeological sites and monuments and listed buildings including industrial heritage sites, conservation areas and historic parks, gardens and demesnes. It also addresses non-listed vernacular buildings.

Plan Policy CON 1      Sites of Local Nature                                     Conservation Importance

Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are designated at the following locations: Ardpatrick Lough, Eagles Rock, Evishanoran, Gortmore Moss, Grange, Grange Fault, Killey Bridge, Killycolpy Wood, Killymoon Estate Wood, Lissan Water, Lissan Wood, Lough Fea, Lough Fea Blanket Bog, Oughtmore Mountain, Parknamoney Wood, Roughan Lough, Ruskey Cottage Wood, Slieve Gallion, Springhill Wood, Stuart Hall, Tirnaskea Wood, and Tullylagan Manor Wood. Special consideration will be given to the protection of nature conservation interests on or adjacent to these sites when determining planning applications. Planning permission will not normally be granted to development proposals that would have a significant detrimental affect on the intrinsic nature conservation interests of the site. Where a development is permitted which would adversely affect such interests, the Department will endeavour to ensure that effects are kept to a minimum and/or appropriate mitigation measures are agreed.

Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are identified and designated on the basis of their flora, fauna or earth science interest. In assessing development proposals on or adjacent to these sites priority will normally be given to the protection of their nature conservation interests. Where development can be accommodated, planning permission will normally be subject to conditions in order to protect the conservation interest or to provide appropriate mitigation measures. Where appropriate, developers may be asked to enter a planning agreement under Article 40 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 to secure these outcomes.

The designated Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are indicated by symbol on District Map No.1. Full details of their precise boundaries are shown in Map Nos. 5-26.

 

Plan Policy CON 2      Local Landscape Policy Areas

Local Landscape Policy Areas are designated in and adjoining Cookstown and the following villages: Ardtrea, Ballinderry, Ballylifford, Churchtown, Coagh, Desertcreat, Drapersfield, Drummullan, Dunnamore, Dunman, Killeenan, Moneymore, Pomeroy, Stewartstown, The Rock, and Tullyhogue. The Department will operate a general presumption against development proposals within these areas. Exceptions will normally only be permitted where: • the development is for open space purposes and will not adversely affect the intrinsic environmental value and character of the area; or • the development is in accordance with the requirements and guidance set out for each of these areas in Part 3 of the Plan.

There is a need to respect and protect the natural and man-made environment in and adjoining Cookstown and the District’s villages where development pressures are normally greatest. Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) are those areas within or adjoining settlements which are considered to be of greatest amenity value, landscape quality or local significance and therefore worthy of protection from undesirable or
damaging development.

They may 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.

LLPAs within Cookstown and the District’s villages can help to ensure that new development does not dominate their distinctive landscape and townscape characteristics. They can also function as buffer zones between different uses and help reduce the likelihood of over-intensive development. LLPAs located beyond the limits of these settlements will help protect those features considered of greatest importance to the local landscape setting. The use of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) will be considered for those LLPAs where trees contribute significantly to visual amenity or where trees are considered under threat from development.

The LLPAs are identified on the relevant Settlement Maps and further information on each area is set out in Part 3 of the Plan.

Plan Policy CON 3      Local Landmarks and                                      Important Views

Local Landmarks and important views are identified within Cookstown and the villages. Special consideration will be given to the impact of proposals on local landmarks and important views when determining planning applications. Planning permission will normally only be granted to proposals, which by virtue of their sympathetic location, siting and design, respect local landmarks and protect important views.

Within Cookstown District there is a number of important local landmarks that are distinctive elements within the landscape and townscape and which offer a sense of place and identity. They include churches, civic buildings and raths. Many settlements also benefit from important views and vistas over the open countryside, which contribute to their distinctive character. It is important that full consideration is given to the effect of new development upon these. In many cases, it will be possible to respect local landmarks and protect important views through care in location and siting and good design with attention to the height, size and massing of individual buildings.

Plan Policy CON 4      Area of Significant                                      Archaeological Interest

An Area of Significant Archaeological Interest is designated at Beaghmore. Planning permission will not be granted for proposals for large-scale development or the erection of masts or pylons within this area unless it can be demonstrated that there will be no significant impact on the character and appearance of this distinctive historic landscape. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of proposals when viewed from the stone circles and other critical viewpoints within this area.

Beaghmore is the most extensive stone circle complex in Northern Ireland and one of the major complexes identified in Ireland. The stone circles are in public ownership and managed by the Department’s Environment and Heritage Service. The Area of Significant Archaeological Interest (ASAI) contains the distinctive area of historic landscape in Cookstown District within which the stone circle complex and related features are visible, representing the lives and activities of local prehistoric communities. It is designated following consultation with the Historic Monuments Council. This landscape can be appreciated as an area of countryside shaped by continuing traditional farming activities, with no large developments to catch the eye, and as one in which there are many indications of the 8,000 years during which it has been farmed. The Department will use its development control powers to ensure that the setting of the stone circles 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 (see also Plan Policy MN 1), waste disposal, industrial units or major tourism schemes and proposals for the erection of masts or pylons 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 Department’s prevailing regional planning policies and the policies and guidance in the Plan. The precise boundary of the ASAI is identified on Map No. 27.

 

Plan Policy CON 5      Areas of Archaeological Potential
	Areas of Archaeological Potential are identified at Derryloran in Cookstown and at Moneymore. Within these areas developers will normally be required to submit an archaeological assessment or an archaeological evaluation in association with planning applications.

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. Within these areas developers will therefore normally be required to provide an archaeological assessment or evaluation in support of a planning application to allow informed and reasonable decisions to be taken. Where it is decided to grant planning permission this will normally be conditional on archaeological mitigation in accordance with regional planning policy as set out in PPS 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage. Developers are strongly advised to liaise with the Department before submitting any proposals within these areas.

The boundaries of Areas of Archaeological Potential are identified on Cookstown and Moneymore Map Nos. 36a and 53.

 

Plan Policy CON 6      Historic Parks, Gardens                                      and Demesnes

The following historic parks, gardens and demesnes of special historic interest are designated: Drum Manor, Drumcairne House, Killymoon Castle, Lissan, Loughry, Springhill, Stuart Hall, and Tullylagan Manor. Pomeroy House is identified as retaining only some elements of its original, historic form. Development proposals will be assessed in these areas in accordance with the provisions of prevailing regional planning policy.

The character and appearance of the landscape of Cookstown District owes much to the division and enclosure of the landscape, and its management and planned enhancement, since the 17th Century. These designed landscapes - parks, gardens and demesnes – have been so changed by time, neglect or new uses that, in many cases, their historical character may not be obvious, and indeed some sites in the District which are now valued for their natural heritage interest were originally ‘planned’ landscaping. Most of the mature individual and hedgerow trees, tree clumps and areas of ‘natural’ woodland, which are seen in the countryside today, were once planted to provide attractive surroundings and views for landowners, and timber for revenue and use on their estates. Whatever their present individual character and condition, these designed landscapes continue to contribute to the distinctive appearance and character of the local landscape. Within the District a number of gardens, parks and demesnes retain their original character and design to an extent that they are valuable for their special historic interest and these are designated by the Department. One site, Pomeroy House, which retains some distinctive historic elements, is identified as a supplementary site.

These areas will be detailed in a Register of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest in Northern Ireland, to be published in the near future by the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service. This Register will summarise the historical significance of each site and the contribution such planned features make to the local landscape. It will also seek to encourage the public, as well as owners, to value and support the protection and maintenance of such sites.

The locations of the parks, gardens and demesnes of special historic interest are identified by symbol on the District Map and relevant settlement maps. Full details are shown on Map Nos. 28-35 and in Appendix 3 on Map No. 81. The Department’s current regional planning policy for the protection of historic parks, gardens and demesnes is set out in Policy BH 6 of PPS 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage.

 

Plan Policy CON 7      Areas of Townscape Character

Areas of Townscape Character are designated in Cookstown and the following villages: Ballinderry, Ballyronan, Churchtown, Coagh, Desertcreat, Drapersfield, Pomeroy, Stewartstown, The Loup, The Rock, and Tullyhogue. Planning permission will only be granted to development proposals in these areas where they are sympathetic to the building traditions of the area in terms of scale, form, massing and design and will not detract from the overall character and appearance of the area.

Whilst the Department appreciates that all settlements have their own unique identity, there are certain parts of Cookstown and the villages which exhibit a distinct character based on their historic form. This is particularly the case with the central areas of the larger settlements that date from Plantation times. The special architectural and historic character of Moneymore has been given formal recognition through the designation of its Conservation Area. In recognition of the distinct character and intrinsic qualities present in parts of Cookstown and some of the villages, Areas of Townscape Character are designated.

The Department wishes to ensure that new development respects the distinctive character and appearance of the townscape displayed within these areas. It is also considered that the characteristic built forms displayed in these defined areas can help inform developers in preparing development proposals elsewhere in these settlements in order to reinforce local identity.

The boundaries of these areas within Cookstown District are identified on the relevant Settlement Maps. Further guidance on Cookstown Area of Townscape Character is given in Part 3 of the Plan.

Plan Policy CON 8      The Protection of Trees

The Department will assess the need for a tree condition survey as part of all development proposals. Planning permission will normally only be granted to development proposals where it can be demonstrated that: • trees identified for retention will be protected and appropriately integrated into the design and layout of the development; • development will not significantly damage the root system and drainage of both trees being retained and new planting; and • adequate separation distance is provided between buildings and existing and proposed trees to ensure no significant adverse effect on amenity.

Trees are of immense importance both as habitats and by providing a strong visual element which helps create a varied, interesting and attractive landscape. The Department considers it important to protect trees, groups of trees, and woodland areas of particular importance because of their nature conservation value or their contribution to the amenity of a particular locality.