A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 106a - Upperlands.
 

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 106a - Upperlands, Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 106b – Local Landscape Policy Areas.

Those features or combination of features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of the area are listed below:

• Mature vegetation, including substantial areas of designed landscape, along the Knockoneill/Clady River, defines the character of the settlement and enhances its setting, and is also valuable for nature conservation;
   

• Several streams, with associated mature trees and scrub, contribute to the landscape character and natural heritage of the area;
   

• Extensive industrial complex, Clark’s Mill, with associated dams, races, and buildings (including a listed 1736 thatched beetling mill and water wheel) in a designed landscape which complements those of associated large houses;
   

• A series of substantial residences in designed inter-related landscape settings are associated with the owners and managers of the local industry. Ampertaine House (listed building) adjoins the main mill building complex. It with its gate-lodge (listed building), within a designed landscape setting which includes the river corridor, dominates the Kilrea road through the settlement.  This landscape combines with a series of locally significant buildings – Ardtara (listed building), Rockwood, Gortreade, Carnbane and Upperlands Houses, and their designed settings, to define the north-eastern approaches to the settlement. The mature woodland contributes to the distinctive character of the settlement and its setting;
   

• The extensive landscaped grounds of Benbragagh House, a locally significant building, define the south-eastern limits of the settlement and enhance the approach from Culnady;
   

• Boyne Row (listed buildings), and its riverside setting, represents workers housing, provided by the mill-owners;
   

• The extensive woodland, including estate planting and parkland, which is such an impressive part of the landscape is also of value for nature conservation.

An Area of Townscape Character is designated as identified on Map No. 106a – Upperlands and Map No. 106c – Area of Townscape Character.

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

• The late Victorian/early Edwardian Boyne Row - red brick and black stone built terraces with pitched slate roofs, which retain their original form and proportions, and much original detailing;
   

• The visually prominant setting of Boyne Row on high ground overlooking the river and the surrounding area of the settlement;
   

• The long front gardens to Boyne Row emphasise and enhance the form of the terrace, and their physical and visual link to the industrial complex on the Kilrea Road;
   

• Boyne Row has an historical and physical relationship with the Knockoneill River, Kilrea Road beetling mill buildings, Ampertain House Gate Lodge and the former railway yard;
   

• The designed open space between Boyne Row and the river is critical for maintaining the elements of industrial heritage and townscape;
   

• Mature trees and woodland along the Knockoneill River, the line of the former railway, and Kilrea Road;
   

• The beetling mill building on the Kilrea Road, a solid Victorian stone-built industrial building, and the adjacent mill race and weir represent the history of industrial use;
   

• Ampertain House Gate Lodge on the Kilrea Road, a late 18th Century single storey hipped roof building with canted bay windows, and the entrance to the Clark’s estate and Ampertain House; walls, gates, pillars and surrounding vegetation;
   

• Built form is everywhere part of a designed planted landscape/townscape.