Settlement Proposals
Towns

MAGHERA
ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

The following sites MA 13 and MA 14 are designated as Local Landscape Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 82a – Maghera.

Designation MA 13
Local Landscape Policy Area Craigadick Road
 

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 82a - Maghera, and Map No. 82b – Local Landscape Policy Areas.

Those features and areas that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of these areas are listed on the following page:

  • Two large detached houses in substantial mature gardens, surrounded by mature vegetation, contributing to the character and setting of the town;
     

  • Visually significant mature tree groups planted along the boundaries of the sites, contributing to the character of the local area;
     

  • Stream corridor traverses the area, providing an important local landscape feature.

 

Designation MA 14 
Local Landscape Policy Area South of Maghera
 

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 82a - Maghera, Map No. 1 – Countryside, Map No. 82b – Local Landscape Policy Areas.

Those features and areas that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of these areas are listed below:

  • An area of distinctive landscape comprising the slopes to the south of the town and the river floodplain, historically used and transformed in various ways. It combines farmland with mature designed landscaping.
     

  • Attractive green slopes and a significant wetland landscape characterised by streams and associated vegetation define the hilltop setting of the town and provide distinctive views from the A6 Road;
     

  • The grouping, setting and historical physical and visual association between the St. Lurach’s Churches (a listed building and a scheduled monument) and the CofI Rectory (listed) and the Presbyterian Meeting House (listed);
     

  • Church of Ireland Rectory, mature designed landscape with significant trees and stream corridors contributes to the distinctive character of the Glebe lands and the quality of the wider townscape;
     

  • Visually significant tree group and planting at the junction of Church Street and Mullagh Road provide a quality local focus on this main approach to the town;
     

  • Silverhill House is a locally important building. Mature trees along its boundaries and particularly the treelined avenue to Glen Road contribute to the quality of the local landscape, and to the view of the town from the A6 road;
     

  • Roadside trees on Mullagh Road, just north of Mullagh Bridge, form a good entrance feature to the town from the south;
     

  • The stream corridor and associated wetlands are important as a wildlife corridor and for its landscape, wildlife and heritage interest.

Policy for the control of development in Local Landscape Policy Areas is contained in Policy CON 2 in Part 2 of the Plan.

 

Designation MA 15 
Area of Townscape Character
 

An Area of Townscape Character is designated within Maghera as identified on Map No. 82a - Maghera and on Map No. 82c – Maghera ATC.

Key Features of the area which will be taken into account when assessing development proposals against Policy CON 4 are as follows:

  • Large, 2 storey, and detached residential properties;
     

  • Properties situated within large plots;
     

  • Properties set-back from the road with long front garden areas;
     

  • Properties set within mature gardens;
     

  • Variety of house types from traditional to modern design;
     

  • Built form is subservient to the mature trees and other vegetation;
     

  • Residential properties in single occupancy use.

A major part of the ATC’s intrinsic quality is derived from the mature vegetation which lines the Glen Road and extends into the curtilages of the dwellings. It includes Cherry, Privet and Beech hedges, and Cotoneaster and Pieris garden shrubs. The retention of existing vegetation will be a prime consideration in the assessment of new development proposals.

In addition, the form and scale of existing dwellings in relation to their setting, and the size of individual plots, contributes to the high amenity value of the ATC, which is enhanced by the low density of development. A sensitive approach will therefore be required to any new development. The present arrangement of buildings will need to be taken into account in considering the setting and orientation of any new proposals in order to safeguard the amenity of neighbouring properties, and the distinctive character and layout of the area.

Part of the character of this ATC is the juxtaposition of a wide range of building style and materials. Wall finishes include smooth render, wet dash, brick and timber cladding; roofs are gabled or hipped and finished in slate or tiles, with one example of a metal cladding. A common design theme however is the strong solid to void ratio in the fenestration. The variety allows more flexibility in the design of any new building that might be acceptable, but design principles must reflect those that are established, and new build must harmonise with the group.

Policy for control of development in Areas of Townscape Character is contained on Policy CON 4 in Part 2 of the Plan.

OPEN SPACE, SPORT AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

Magherafelt District Council owns and manages the Leisure Centre on Coleraine Road and the associated area of open space which comprises playing fields and a playground.

The following major areas of existing open space are identified for information only on Map No. 82a - Maghera:

• St Patrick’s College playing fields;

• Maghera High School playing fields.