THE DEVELOPED COAST
To encourage and support proposals
for the enhancement and regeneration of urban waterfronts.
Many of Northern Ireland's towns and
cities have a coastal location. Within such urban areas the
shoreline can exhibit a wide range in character and use - from docks
and heavy industries, to tourist resorts and well maintained public
recreation areas. In some settlements an attractive feature has been
made of the waterfront while in others it can have a run-down or
even derelict appearance. Certain waterfront areas contain
impressive historic features such as harbours, lighthouses and sea
defences some of which have been listed. The developed coastline
includes not only urban areas but also other major developments such
as ports, isolated industrial units and power stations.
There are many opportunities to enhance and regenerate areas of
urban waterfront. Already much has been achieved by public and
private investment. Favourable consideration will be given to
further schemes proposed by local authorities or private investors
to improve urban waterfronts.
Where new development requires a coastal location, it will normally
be directed into urban areas, where there are many waterfront areas
which would be suitable locations for such uses. The imaginative
reuse of redundant ports and industrial areas will be encouraged.
Tourist development can make a contribution to the regeneration and
upgrading of existing seaside resorts.
In dealing with the future development of coastal settlements
through the area plan process, new build development will generally
be accommodated on the landward boundary of the settlement rather
than permitting additional development along the coast.
In considering proposals for development on the coast within
existing urban areas, opportunities will be sought to:
- enhance the waterfront by the
careful siting and design of new development and by the
implementation of appropriate and attractive landscaping schemes;
- retain and where possible seek
further development of public access to and along the coast;
- protect existing wildlife habitats
and where appropriate seek opportunities for new habitat creation;
- protect existing coastal open
space within settlements;
- conserve areas and/or buildings of
historical architectural or landscape significance;
- safeguard archaeological sites and
remains;
- encourage suitable tourist and
recreational proposals and strengthen where appropriate the existing
tourist role of settlements;
- use the assets of the coastal
location as development opportunities;
- encourage uses which will help
promote a vibrant and attractive waterfront; and
- open up additional views of the
sea from existing public areas.
Development proposals should be of
a design appropriate to the particular location and of a high visual
quality when viewed from adjacent public areas and from the
shoreline. Proposals which would locate unsightly rear elevations or
services provision on the coastal aspect will not normally be
considered acceptable. |