Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
Strategic Plan Framework: Archaeology and The Built Heritage

Evidence of past human activity within the Plan Area is illustrated by archaeological sites and monuments, vernacular and historic buildings, features and structures surviving from past industries, planned parkland landscapes and in the pattern of streets and buildings in our historic townscapes. There is also a particular maritime element in the local heritage of coastal areas. This heritage is finite and vulnerable and it is important that it be cherished and protected for future generations to enjoy as we do.

All settlements have their own identity and character, drawn from the sense of place and influenced by human activity, which over time has shaped the present built form. In some places, the variety, or consistency of the overall character, including style of construction and, in some instances landscaping, is particularly distinctive or pleasing, and merits specific protection from inappropriate change. Rural vernacular buildings can often have a positive impact on the countryside.

The Plan Area contains many buildings of special architectural or historic interest of which some are listed under Article 42 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. Conservation Areas have been designated, under Article 50 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, in Bessbrook, Dromore, Newry and Rostrevor in recognition of their architectural and historical interest. The Plan makes use of 'Area of Townscape Character', 'Historic Park, Garden and Demesne'; and 'Local Landscape Policy Area'; designations to protect further areas of built heritage value.

The Plan Area contains a range of important archaeological sites, many of which are scheduled under the provisions of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995 and some are presently in the care of the Department. The interrelationship between the surrounding landscape and upstanding remains often heightens the appreciation of an archaeological site. The preservation of such sites and their settings is of the highest priority.

With ongoing archaeological survey work there may be changes to the exact location of these sites. Over the Plan period, additional archaeological remains may be discovered. The existence of such remains may represent a material change that can affect the nature of development that will be permitted in respect of an area within a settlement, or in the countryside.

In some cases, archaeological sites and monuments have formed the basis for, or contributed to the designation of Local Landscape Policy Areas; (see Plan Policy CNV 4).

Where planning permission is granted for a scheme which may impact on archaeological remains, it will normally be conditional on the implementation an appropriate programme of archaeological mitigation. This may include field survey, preservation of remains in situ, or the investigation of remains through excavation recording, and the analysis, archiving and preparation of results as an archaeological report.

It should be noted that within the Plan Area there is a very wide range of archaeological sites and monuments, from find spots of prehistoric tools through to major sites of industrial and defence heritage. Development proposals which may impact on any of those sites already identified in the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record will be determined on their merits having regard to the Department's regional planning policies and the policies and guidance in the Plan.