The Villages

Moneymore

Moneymore is located approximately seven kilometres northeast of Cookstown.

The village, a planned Plantation settlement located near the base of a basalt outcrop overlooking the flat lands bordering the Ballymully River, has exceptional character, which has been recognised in the designation of a Conservation Area. A wide range of services and local facilities are available. The industrial plant and rock quarry on the Magherafelt Road provide local employment opportunities but limit the potential for development on adjacent land.

The capacity of the sewage treatment works is an overriding constraint on growth throughout the village and planning permission for new development will not normally be granted unless a satisfactory means of sewage disposal can be effected. Pending improvements to the sewage treatment works, development will not normally be permitted on the land highlighted on the Settlement Map as Areas Constrained by Sewage Infrastructure.

Local demand for housing within the village is likely to be high. Single dwelling units, of an appropriate design, will normally be permitted on suitable sites within the settlement limit provided the proposal does not prejudice the comprehensive development of adjacent land. Comprehensive development will normally be permitted provided the scale, layout and detailed design of the development are compatible with the scale and character of the settlement. Development proposals within 250 metres of the rock quarry on Magherafelt Road will be assessed in the light of the amenity implications associated with these operations. Development proposals that would be adversely affected by the existing quarry operations will not normally be permitted.

An area to the north of Moneymore, on both sides of the Magherafelt Road, is identified as land unsuitable for housing. This is due to the nuisance generated by the industrial process at this location and, therefore, housing development will not normally be permitted within this area.

A by-pass is proposed to link the Cookstown Road and the Magherafelt Road. The protected road line for the by-pass is shown on the Settlement Map. The construction of this road would facilitate the flow of through traffic and enhance the amenity of the centre of the village. Development that would prejudice implementation of the proposed by-pass will not be permitted (see Plan Policy TRAN 1).

Local Landscape Policy Areas are designated at:

• Ballymully River (North) (LLPA 1): To protect the riparian setting and nature conservation interests. Development in this area will be limited to minor works complementing the character of the area;

• Lawford Street (LLPA 2): To protect the immediate surroundings of No 2 Lawford Street, a listed building, and the canopy effect of existing mature trees within the conservation area. Development in this area will normally be restricted to the appropriate extension of existing buildings and minor works;

• Ministers Walk (LLPA 3): To protect the existing open character of the area, nature conservation interests along the watercourse and the surroundings of the First Presbyterian Church, a listed building. Development in this area will normally be restricted to the appropriate extension of existing buildings and minor works; and

• Ballymully River (South) (LLPA 4): To protect the wooded riparian setting, nature conservation interests and recreational potential.

Development in this area will be limited to minor works complementing the character of the area.

The core of the village has exceptional architectural character and was designated a Conservation Area in 1980, the boundary of which is shown on the Settlement Map and in Appendix 3 on Map No. 80.Guidance on development within the conservation area is provided in the Moneymore Conservation Area booklet. It is intended that the guidance for this area will be reviewed and updated in 2004/2005.

An important view of the village and its wooded setting is identified from a vantage point to the south of the village along the Cookstown Road. In addition, a panoramic view of open countryside along the Ballymully River can be enjoyed from a vantage point on Springhill Road. Development that would impact significantly on these views will not normally be permitted.

St John’s Church, a listed building, is a distinguishing feature viewed from many vantage points in and around the village and is identified as a local landmark. Development that would impact significantly on views of this landmark will not normally be permitted.

An Area of Archaeological Potential is identified, within and adjoining the Conservation Area, representing the area of the original planned town as it is known from early 17th Century maps. Within this area, developers will normally be required to submit an archaeological assessment or an archaeological evaluation in association with planning applications.

Over the plan period, the District Council proposes to designate a statutory Local Nature Reserve at Parkland between Ministers Walk and Ballymully River (See Map 84).

Click here to view Map 53 - Moneymore