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Northern Ireland Planning Service

Northern Area Plan 2016
Strategic Plan Framework: Environment and Conservation Area of Townscape Character

Policy ENV 6 Areas of Townscape/Village Character
Within designated Areas of Townscape Character and Areas of Village Character, planning permission will only be granted where the following criteria are met:
  • the proposed development maintains or improves the overall character and respects the built form of the area;
  • the siting, height, scale, massing and design, and the materials and finishes of the proposed development are sympathetic to the character of, and qualities displayed in the area, and
  • the proposed development protects and enhances the key features of the designated area, including those set out in the District Proposals.
Planning permission will not be granted for development that does not conform to the detailed design guidance in the Plan and would detract from the townscape quality of the area.
Extensions to existing buildings shall be subordinate in form and scale, and complementary in terms of architectural style, detailing and materials to the host building(s).
Alterations to building facades will not be approved where this would result in the loss of architectural detail and/or disrupt the uniformity and rhythm of the street frontage.
Special regard shall be given to the important compositional role of corner sites and key buildings.
The size, shape and position of signage (advertising material) shall reflect the scale and design of the building façade(s) on which it is to be erected. Signage will normally only be permitted at fascia level where it can be satisfactorily integrated into the shop front. Only exceptionally, when it is well designed and there is no potential for clutter, shall signage be permitted above fascia level.
All settlements have their own identity and character, derived from the sense of place that comes from 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.
The Department wishes to ensure that new development respects the distinctive character and appearance of the townscape in the designated areas. The Department also considers that the characteristic built forms in these areas can inform developers in preparing development proposals elsewhere in these settlements to reinforce local identity. Future proposals for alterations provide the opportunity to restore architectural features which have been lost, and to rectify inappropriate alterations that detract from the character of the streetscape. Areas of Townscape Character are designated in accordance with PPS 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage in Coleraine, Portrush and Limavady and an Area of Village Character is designated in Armoy. More information on the traditional character, appearance and key features of each Area of Townscape Character is contained in the relevant District section in Volume 2. Proposals within an Area of Townscape Character will be considered in the context of the above policy, and the specific design guidance contained within the settlement section.
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