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Policy Framework
CONSERVATIONINTRODUCTIONCraigavon Borough is endowed with a rich and diverse range of landscapes, wildlife habitats and heritage features that together distinguish its special character and identity. A variety of landscape patterns has evolved over thousands of years, as natural and human forces have shaped and modified this natural topography. Today, each local landscape is characterised by a distinctive combination of land-cover, habitat and man-made features, the result of some 10,000 years of human activity and change on natural resources and topography. This interaction between people and their environment will continue to bring about change over time and in response to the needs of the community. In managing the process of change, and its effects on the natural and man-made landscape and townscape of the Borough, it will be important to safeguard its natural features and the archaeological and built heritage, which form part of its local identity. Change can provide opportunities to sustain or reinforce the special character of the area or to enhance it by improving the quality of new development. In this way, this generation can ensure a rich surviving historic legacy and contribute to a healthy and attractive environment for future generations. LANDSCAPE QUALITY AND CHARACTER Craigavon Borough is situated to the south and east of Lough Neagh and much of its landscape character is influenced by the extensive lowland basin of the Lough. The Borough has three broad landscape types: low-lying wetlands, rolling farmlands and river valleys, each generally displaying well structured landscape patterns. The landscape is also influenced by topographical and geological features and many of these explain the evolution of today’s habitats, landscape patterns and diversity. The identity, diversity and sensitivity of the landscape to change should be an important consideration in future management.BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity is the total variety of all living things, and today the value of sustaining a diverse range of wildlife is being increasingly recognised. People are beginning to appreciate the vulnerability of our natural heritage and the consequences for future generations of environmental damage. The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy 2002 endorses the recommendations of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group as the framework for biodiversity action. The 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. Craigavon Borough has a wide variety of wildlife habitats supporting a rich variety of plant and animal species worthy of protection. Wetland habitats, including lakes, rivers and peatlands, are of particular note but woodland and grassland are also important. NATURAL HERITAGEMuch of the protection of wildlife features and earth science sites is achieved through the designation of a hierarchy of sites which are of international and national nature conservation importance. This is primarily the responsibility of the Department’s Environment and Heritage Service. Some designations are particularly important because what they exemplify is rare and irreplaceable: such features of scientific, educational or research interest, once destroyed, cannot be recreated. Others sites are important as representative examples of their type at a local level. Sites of International Nature Conservation ImportanceWetlands and waterfowl habitats of International Importance can be protected under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat: The Ramsar Convention. The UK Government signed The Convention in 1973 and accepted a commitment to promote both the conservation of particular sites and the wise use of wetlands within its territory. Lough Neagh and Lough Beg is a listed Ramsar Site. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), classified under the EC ‘Habitats Directive’, 1992, are selected for the importance of their natural habitats and wild flora and fauna. Within the Borough, Montiaghs Moss has been identified as a Candidate SAC. Special Protection Areas (SPAs), classified under the EC ‘Birds Directive’ 1979, are selected for their importance as areas for breeding, over-wintering and migrating birds. Within the Borough, Lough Neagh and Lough Beg, which includes Portmore Lough, is a classified SPA. The protection of these European sites is given effect under the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations (NI) 1995 (the ‘Habitats Regulations’). These sites are identified on maps in Appendix 5.Sites of National Nature Conservation Importance Areas nationally important for wildlife, geology and landforms are protected under the Amenity Lands (NI) Act 1965 and the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985 (as amended 1989) and The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. Within Craigavon Borough, these comprise Areas of Scientific Interest (ASIs), Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs). Within Craigavon Borough ASSIs include Lough Neagh, Portmore Lough, Derryvore, Selshion and Montiaghs Moss. There are designated NNRs at Oxford Island, Montiaghs Moss, Brackagh Bog and the Lough Neagh Islands. Lough Neagh and Lough Beg is also an ASI. These sites are identified on maps in Appendix 5. Over the plan period, the statutory designation of sites of international or national nature conservation importance will be kept under review by the Department’s Environment and Heritage Service and new areas may be identified. Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance These comprise Wildlife Refuges established under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1995 and Local Nature Reserves that may be established by District Councils under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985. In addition, they also include nonstatutory nature reserves managed by public agencies or voluntary conservation bodies, such as the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service or the Ulster Wildlife Trust, and other sites of local nature conservation importance identified in Countryside Assessments (prepared in association with development plans) and which merit appropriate protection. The Plan designates a number of sites of local nature conservation importance throughout the Borough (See Plan Policy CON 1), as shown on Map Nos. 1 Craigavon Borough and 5 Craigavon Urban Area.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND BUILT HERITAGE The present landscape of Craigavon Borough is the product of human activity and change which dates from around 8000 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 Craigavon Borough 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 243 archaeological sites and monuments identified in the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record within Craigavon Borough. This includes Bivallate Rath, Lisnamintry, a monument in State Care, protected and managed as a public asset by the Environment and Heritage Service, and 13 Scheduled Monuments. These are indicated on the relevant Plan maps. 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 CON 2). 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 211 buildings included in the statutory list within Craigavon Borough 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 town of Lurgan was designated a conservation area by the Department in June 2004. The Lurgan 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. 5 Craigavon Urban Area. Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes Craigavon Borough contains three planned landscaped parks and demesnes, Brownlow House, Coney Island and Waringstown House, which represent a significant historic resource and make an important contribution to the landscape character of the Borough. These important heritage features are dealt with under Plan Policy CON 4. REGIONAL POLICY 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:
The Department’s regional planning policies for the protection of conservation interests in Craigavon Borough are currently set out in Planning Policy Statement 2 (PPS 2): Planning and Nature Conservation and Planning Policy Statement 6 (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.
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 (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 to secure these outcomes. The Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are identified on Map No. 1 Craigavon Borough and Map No. 5 Craigavon Urban Area.
There is a need to respect and protect the natural and man-made environment in and adjoining Craigavon Urban Area and the Borough’s other settlements, 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:
LLPAs within the Borough’s settlements 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 to be of greatest importance to their local landscape setting. The use of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) will be considered within those LLPAs where trees contribute significantly to visual amenity or where trees are considered under threat from development. In cases where a Tree Preservation Order is already in existence, the LLPA policy will act in addition to, and without prejudice to, any other statutory provision associated with this Order.
LLPAs
are identified on the relevant Plan maps and further information on each
area is set out in Part 3 of
the Plan.
Care
must be taken to ensure that the proposed development does not dominate
the Local Landscape Policy Area. It should integrate sympathetically with
the natural environment and respect the man-made heritage, therefore
conserving and enhancing, rather than destroying, the quality of the
landscape. The proposal should
The character and appearance of the landscape of Craigavon Borough 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 Borough, 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 Borough three 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. Four sites, Eden Villa, Fairview House (Tannaghmore Gardens), Raughlan and Straw Hill, which retain some distinctive historic elements, are identified as supplementary sites. These areas will be detailed in a Register of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest in Northern Ireland, to be published 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 Department’s policy for the protection of historic parks, gardens and demesnes is contained in PPS 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage. The location of the designated sites is shown by symbol on Map Nos. 1 and 5 and their definitive boundaries are shown on Map Nos. 2, 3 and 4. Supplementary sites are contained in Appendix 5.
Planning applications within ATCs will be considered in the context of the above policy and PPS 7: Quality Residential Environments until further specific regional planning policy to guide development in ATCs is in place. Whilst the Department appreciates that all settlements have their own unique identity, there are certain parts of the Borough’s settlements which exhibit a distinct character based on their historic form. In recognition of this distinct character and intrinsic quality, Areas of Townscape Character (ATCs) 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 also help inform developers in preparing development proposals elsewhere in these settlements in order to reinforce local identity. The boundaries of the ATCs within Craigavon Borough are identified on the relevant Plan maps.
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