To require development proposals in
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be sensitive to the
distinctive character of the area and the quality of their
landscape, heritage and wildlife.
Northern Ireland is fortunate in having
a rich variety of high quality landscapes, within a relatively small
land area. Approximately 26% of the Province is within existing and
proposed
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
AONBs are areas not only of high scenic quality but often of
wildlife importance and rich in both cultural and architectural
heritage. The Department designates them as AONBs in recognition of
the national importance of these qualities.
The objectives of designation are to:
- conserve or enhance the
natural beauty or amenities of the area;
- conserve wildlife, historic
objects or natural phenomena within it;
- promote its enjoyment by the
public; and
- provide or maintain public
access to it.
These objectives are based on wider
environmental considerations than the control of development and
AONB boundaries will not necessarily be synonymous with the
application of one particular planning policy.
The Countryside Assessments, to be produced as part of the
development plan process (policy
DES1),
will consider each designated AONB, to identify distinctive local
landscape character types and their potential for protection,
enhancement or limited development. The various planning policy
areas for each AONB will be set out in the relevant development plan
and not in the Department's AONB designation document.
While the designation policy is one of protection and enhancement of
these special landscapes, in applying the planning policy, account
will be taken of the needs of local communities and the need to
sustain the economic and social wellbeing of those living in the
AONBs.
In assessing development proposals within Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, including those parts subject to policy constraint,
the Department's aim will not only be to protect their unique
qualities but also to promote the enjoyment and make a positive
contribution to their conservation. New buildings should respect,
and may have to reflect, the traditional architectural styles and
settlement pattern. Applicants and their professional advisers
should take particular care over the retention or reconstruction of
traditional boundary details, such as hedges, walls, trees and
gates, around new developments in AONBs.
Planning applications for housing, industrial, and tourist-related
development, in AONB towns and villages, will be judged on the basis
of the effect of the proposals on the setting of the settlement
within the AONB, as well as scale, design and other planning and
environmental considerations.
The Department will publish guidance and provide detailed advice on
the design principles to be applied in each AONB. Design guides have
already been published for the Mournes, and Antrim Coast and Glens.
Particular attention will be given to local styles and layout.
Designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty does not
necessarily rule out certain forms of development. However the first
principle of practice is that the Department will not be prepared to
permit schemes that would be detrimental to environmental quality.
It is up to architects and designers to put forward proposals which
reflect an appreciation of, and sympathy for, the special character
of each AONB.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are designated by the
Department of Agriculture and particular management programmes and
grant aid schemes apply to farms within them. ESAs are areas of
special landscape, wildlife or historic interest which can be
protected or enhanced by supporting specific agricultural practices.
While they are not planning designations, applications for new
development with them will be approved if the proposals respect and
are sensitive to the particular character
of the area. |
