Northern Ireland Planning Service

Northern Area Plan 2016
Strategic Plan Framework: Environment and Conservation Area of Significant Archaeological Interest

Policy ENV 7 Area of Significant Archaeological Interest
Within the designated Area of Significant Archaeological Interest, planning permission will not be granted for proposals for large scale development, unless it can be demonstrated that there will be no significant impact on the character and appearance of this distinctive historic landscape.
Particular attention will be given to the impact of proposals when viewed from the monuments and other critical viewpoints within an ASAI and on the character of the area experienced while moving in and around its various monuments.
The Plan Area contains a range of regionally important archaeological sites, though not all of these are presently in the care of the Department or scheduled under the provisions of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995. 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.
The Department will use its development control powers to ensure that the setting of monuments is preserved, and that development does not have a detrimental effect on sites and monuments, or the character, appearance or visual amenity of the surrounding landscape. Accordingly, there will be a general presumption against large-scale developments within the ASAI, such as quarrying or mining operations, waste disposal, industrial units, major tourism schemes and the erection of masts, pylons or wind turbines as it is considered the scale of such proposals could be particularly damaging to the distinctive appearance, character and heritage interests of the area. Other development proposals will be determined on their merits having regard to the Department’s r regional planning policies and the policies and guidance in this Plan.
In exceptional circumstances where planning permission is granted for development within an ASAI, the Department will require the implementation of appropriate mitigation works.
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