COUNTRYSIDE AND THE COAST

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Volume 1, Part 3 sets out the Regional planning context and the Plan’s strategic
     overview and designations relating to various designations that relate to the Plan
     area overall, or are of more than local significance. The following section addresses
     local issues relating specifically to nature conservation and historic landscapes.

2.0 AREAS OF INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE

2.1 A number of Areas of International and National Nature Conservation Importance
     are located within Ballymoney Borough and comprise the following:
 

2.2 These areas of International and National Importance are identified on Map No 2 –
      Ballymoney Borough. Further details are set out in the Countryside Assessment
      Technical Supplement.

2.3 Development proposals within or adjoining these areas will be assessed in
     accordance with prevailing regional policy as set out in PPS 2: Planning and Nature
     Conservation.

2.4 All Areas of International and National Nature Conservation Importance are also
     identified as Areas of Constraint on Mineral Development under Plan designation.

3.0 SITES OF LOCAL NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE (SLNCIs)

3.1 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCIs) are designated in
     accordance with PPS 2: Planning and Nature Conservation. Sites are identified and
     protected on the basis of their flora, fauna or earth science interest. Detailed
     descriptions of their characteristics are provided in the Countryside Assessment
     Technical Supplement.

3.2 All SLNCIs are also designated as Areas of Constraint on Mineral Developments at
     Designation COU 16 in Volume 1, Part 3 of the Plan.

3.3 Policy for the control of development within SLNCIs is contained in Volume 1, Part
     2, Policy ENV 3 of the Plan.

4.0 AREAS OF CONSTRAINT ON MINERAL DEVELOPMENT

4.1 By their nature, scale, location and duration of operation, mineral developments
     frequently impact more severely on the environment than any other form of
     development. They can damage or destroy sites of nature conservation or earth
     science value and sites of historic or archaeological interest. They can also have
     a significant visual impact on the landscape and have an adverse effect on the
     amenity of the people living nearby.

4.2 Areas of Constraint on Mineral Developments are identified to safeguard the most
     valuable and vulnerable areas of the environment within the Borough from the
     detrimental effects of mineral extraction. Their identification has taken account of
     nature conservation interests, the archaeological and built heritage, landscape
     quality and character, visual prominence, amenity value and
     geological/geomorphological interest.

4.3 In view of their scientific importance, all ASSIs, ASIs, Ramsar sites and SPAs are
     designated as Areas of Constraint on Mineral Developments. SLNCIs, the greater
     part of the AONB based Countryside Policy Areas (CPAs) and small portions of the
     rural remainder are also designated as Areas of Constraint on Mineral
     Developments.

4.4 Proposals for the development of mineral resources will be determined in
     accordance with prevailing regional planning policy, current set out in MIN 3 of the
     Rural Strategy and, in addition, Policy COU 16 as contained in Volume 1, Part 3 of
     the Plan. In respect of the lignite resource in the Ballymoney District see Policy
     MIN1 and Designation COU15 in Volume 1, Parts 2 and 3 of the Plan.

5.0 HISTORIC PARKS, GARDENS AND DEMESNES

5.1 The following Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes are designated.

5.2 The Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest listed above
      will be detailed in a register of Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special
      Historic Interest in Northern Ireland to be published by the Environment and
      Heritage Service, DOE. The Register will summarise the historical significance of
      the site and the contribution its planned features make to the local landscape. It
      will also seek to encourage the public and owners, to value and support the
      protection and maintenance of such sites.

5.3 Ballyhibistock House was built in the early 19th century. Part of the demesne is
     now a turkey farm. Benvarden House was established in the late 17th century. It
     is located adjacent to the River Bush. Leslie Hill was founded in the mid 18th
     century and is located near the town of Ballymoney. Lissanoure was founded in
     the 14th century. The house is private although there is public access to the lake.
     Moore Lodge is located high above the River Bann. The house dates from the mid
     18th century and is private. O’Hara Brook is located adjacent to the Ballymoney
     River. The house is private but the gardens are open to the public on special days.

5.4 Prevailing regional policy for the protection of Historic Parks, Gardens and
     Demesnes of Special Historic Interest is set out in PPS 6 Planning, Archaeology
     and the Built Heritage. Additional information about the site is contained in the
     Countryside Assessment Technical Supplement.