Northern Area Plan 2016
Moyle District: Ballycastle Conservation Area

A Conservation Area was designated in the historic town centre and environs of Ballycastle in 1990, and the boundary is shown on the Ballycastle Town Centre Map (Map No. 5/01 b). Detailed information on the historic evolution of Ballycastle and design guidelines for new development within the Conservation Area is provided in the Ballycastle Conservation Area Design Guide booklet. Since the publication of this supplementary planning guidance, significant progress has been made in maintaining and enhancing the Conservation Area, with sympathetic repairs, restoration and redevelopment, and there have been improvements to lighting, footpaths and street features.

The supplementary planning guidance of the Ballycastle Conservation Area Booklet provides detailed design guidance with which development will be expected to fully conform.

Unlike the other North Coast towns, Ballycastle lies in a sheltered bay, protected by hills from the onshore winds which would otherwise inhibit tree and plant growth. The town is noticeably well wooded with many fine individual trees and groups of deciduous trees flourishing inside the grounds of larger houses. The town has an exceptionally attractive setting, with extensive seaward views that include the bold headland of Fair Head, the rugged profile of Rathlin Island, and the long line of hills along the Kintyre peninsula. Inland the forested slopes of Knocklayde, flanked by Glentaisie and Glenshesk, contribute greatly to the attractiveness of the setting of Ballycastle.