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Magherafelt Area Plan 2015

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Area Planning Office County Hall Drumragh Avenue Omagh BT79 7AF

Tel: 101 (NI Only) or (028) 9151 3101 Fax: (028) 8225 4009 email: [email protected]

December 2011

Contents

Preamble 12

Part 1 Introduction 20

Plan Area 22 Purpose of the Plan 22 Plan Allocations, Designations, Policies, Proposals and Zonings 22 Policy Context 22 Plan Aim 25 Plan Objectives 25 Plan Strategy 26

Part 2 Strategic Plan Framework 28

Environment and Conservation 30 Settlement 37 Housing 40 Industry 47 Retailing, Services and Offices 50 Transportation 52 Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation 54 Tourism 56 Education and Community Facilities 58 Public Utilities 60 Minerals 64 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 65

Part 3 Countryside 68

West Lough Neagh Shores Area of High Scenic Value 70 Slieve Gallion Slopes Area of High Scenic Value 70 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance 70 Dispersed Rural Communities 71 Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes 72

Transportation Schemes 74 Industrial Lands at Creagh 75

Part 4 Settlements 78

Towns 80 Magherafelt 80 Maghera 110

Villages 124 Bellaghy 124 Castledawson 133 Draperstown 143 Tobermore 153

Small Settlements 162 Ballymaguigan 162 Ballynease 164 Clady 166 Creagh 168 Culnady 170 Curran 172 Desertmartin 174 Glen 178 Glenone 180 Gracefield 182 Gulladuff 186 Inishrush 188 Kilross 190 Knockcloghrim 192 Longfield 196 Moneyneany 198 Straw 200 Swatragh 202 Tamlaght 206 Upperlands 208 The Woods 212

Contents

Appendices 214

1. Policy Context 216 2. Planning Policy Statements 217 3. Development Control Advice Notes 218 4. Sewerage Infrastructure 219

Maps accompanying this document

1 Countryside Map 5 Magherafelt 6 Maghera

The following comprises a list of all allocations, designations, policies, proposals and zonings as contained in Parts 2 - 4 of the Plan. Further explanation is set out in Part 1 of the Plan

Part 2 Strategic Plan Framework

Environment & Conservation

Policy CON 1 Areas of High Scenic Value 32

Policy CON 2 Local Landscape Policy Areas 32

Policy CON 3 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance

33

Settlement Designation SETT 1 Designation of Settlements 38

Policy SETT 2 Development within Settlement Development Limits

38

Policy SETT 3 Development Opportunity Sites 39

Housing Allocation HOU 1 Housing 42

Policy HOU 2 Protected Town Centre Housing Areas

44

Industry Allocation IND 1 Industry 48

Education & Community Uses

Policy COY 1 Community Uses 59

Minerals Policy MN 1 Hydrocarbon exploration 65

Part 3 Countryside

Countryside Designation COU 1 West Lough Neagh Shores Area of High Scenic Value

70

Designation COU 2 Slieve Gallion Slopes Area of High Scenic Value

70

Designation COU 3 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance

70

Designation COU 4 Dispersed Rural Communities 71

Designation COU 5 Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes

72

Proposal COU6 Park & Ride / Park & Share Transportation Scheme at Castledawson roundabout

74

Proposal COU 7 Park & Ride / Park & Share Transportation Scheme outside Maghera

74

Proposal COU 8 Transportation Scheme for new road link between A6 and Aughrim Road

75

Proposal COU 9 Transportation Scheme for new slip road on northern side of A6 between A6 and Tobermore Road outside Maghera

75

Zoning COU 10 Land zoned for Industry 75

Part 4 Settlements

Towns

Magherafelt Designation MT 01 Settlement Development Limit 82

Zoning MT 02 - MT 25 Housing 83

Zoning MT 26 - MT 29 Industry 96

Designation MT 30 - MT 34

Local Landscape Policy Areas 99

Designation MT 35 Area of Townscape Character 103

Designation MT 36 Town Centre 105

Designation MT 37 Primary Retail Core 106


Development Opportunity Sites 106


Protected Town Centre Housing Areas

108

Maghera Designation MA 01 Settlement Development Limit 110

Zoning MA 02 - MA 09 Housing 112

Zoning MA 10 & MA 11 Industry 115

Designation MA 12 & MA 13


Designation MA 14 Area of Townscape Character 118

Designation MA 15 Town Centre 120

Designation MA 16 Primary Retail Core 120

Designation MA 17 - MA 19

Development Opportunity Sites 121

Designation MA 20 Protected Town Centre Housing Area

122

Villages

Bellaghy Designation BY 01 Settlement Development Limit 124

Designation BY 02 - BY09

Housing Land Use Policy Areas 125

Designation BY 10 Industrial Land Use Policy Area 128

Designation BY 11 & BY 12


Castledawson Designation CN 01 Settlement Development Limit 134

Designation CN 02 - CN 05


Designation CN 06 Industrial Land Use Policy Area 136

Designation CN 07 - CN 10


Draperstown Designation DN 01 Settlement Development Limit 144

Designation DN 02 - DN 09


Designation DN 10 & DN 11

Industrial Land Use Policy Areas 148

Designation DN 12 & DN 13


Tobermore Designation TE 01 Settlement Development Limit 154

Designation TE 02 - TE 06


Designation TE 07 Industrial Land Use Policy Area 156

Designation TE 08 & TE 09


Small Settlements

Ballymaguigan Designation BN 01 Settlement Development Limit 162

Ballynease Designation BE 01 Settlement Development Limit 164

Clady Designation CY 01 Settlement Development Limit 166

Designation CY 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 166

Creagh Designation CH 01 Settlement Development Limit 168

Designation CH 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 168

Culnady Designation CD 01 Settlement Development Limit 170

Designation CD 02 & CD 03


Curran Designation CU 01 Settlement Development Limit 172

Designation CU 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 172

Desertmartin Designation DE 01 Settlement Development Limit 174

Designation DE 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 174

Glen Designation GN 01 Settlement Development Limit 178

Designation GN 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 178

Glenone Designation GE 01 Settlement Development Limit 180

Designation GE 02 & GE 03


Gracefield Designation GD 01 Settlement Development Limit 182

Designation GD 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 182

Gulladuff Designation GF 01 Settlement Development Limit 186

Inishrush Designation IH 01 Settlement Development Limit 188

Designation IH 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 188

Kilross Designation KS 01 Settlement Development Limit 190

Designation KS 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 190

Knockcloghrim Designation KM 01 Settlement Development Limit 192

Designation KM 02 & 03


Longfield Designation LD 01 Settlement Development Limit 196

Designation LD 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 196

Moneyneany Designation MY 01 Settlement Development Limit 198

Designation MY 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 198

Straw Designation SW 01 Settlement Development Limit 200

Designation SW 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 200

Swatragh Designation SH 01 Settlement Development Limit 202

Designation SH 02 & SH 03


Tamlaght Designation TT 01 Settlement Development Limit 206

Designation TT 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 206

Upperlands Designation US 01 Settlement Development Limit 208

Designation US 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 208

Designation US 03 Area of Townscape Character 209

The Woods Designation WS 01 Settlement Development Limit 212

Designation WS 02 Local Landscape Policy Area 212

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Preamble

Preamble

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Preamble The Magherafelt Area Plan 2015 is a development plan prepared under the provisions of Part III of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 by the Department of the Environment (DOE).

Notice was given to Magherafelt District Council on 21st January 2000 that the Department intended to prepare a new development plan for the District for the period 2000 to 2015. A Notice of Intention to prepare the Plan was published in the local and regional press and the Belfast Gazette in the week beginning 1st May 2000 and comments were invited from the public and interested parties in respect of the issues to be addressed in the Plan. Consultations were also carried out with Magherafelt District Council, community groups, Government Departments and Agencies, statutory undertakers and other appropriate bodies.

The Department appointed Community Technical Aid (CTA) to undertake an extensive community and public consultation exercise. The first stage of CTA’s work, which preceded publication of the Issues Paper, involved initial briefings with key umbrella groups in the area which were given the opportunity to express their views on issues of importance to the Plan. CTA then reported the results of this first stage exercise to the Department on 27th November 2000.

The Department published the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015 Issues Paper in December 2000. A notice was placed in the local and regional newspapers and the Belfast Gazette

inviting comment from the public and interested parties. Copies of the Issues Paper were made available free of charge from the Local Area Planning Office, from the offices of Magherafelt District Council and from local libraries.

In February 2001 CTA facilitated 7 public meetings in the District. Planning Staff were in attendance at each meeting to assist and to answer questions. CTA reported to the Department on 30th April 2001 on the implementation of, and their conclusions on, the community consultation exercise which they had facilitated. CTA received responses from 43 community, voluntary and environmental groups and from approximately 130 people who had attended the public meetings.

During the advertised period for response to the Issues Paper, 73 representations were received by the Department and 132 representations were received after that period. 170 representations raised site specific matters and 35 were of a general concern.

All comments and representations received as a result of the two stages of public consultation were considered by the Department in the preparation of the Draft Plan.

The Department published the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015 Draft Plan in April 2004. Publication was advertised in the local and regional newspapers and the Belfast Gazette over 2 weeks. The statutory period for submission of representations, including objections, to the Draft Plan

Preamble

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Policies and Proposals expired on 9 June 2004. Subsequently, upon consideration of submissions received, the Department requested the Planning Appeals Commission, (hereinafter referred to as the Commission), to facilitate an Independent Examination to consider objections to the Draft Plan and provide a report to the Department. The Examination opened on the 2 February 2009 to consider strategic issues and adjourned on 18 February 2009. It recommenced on the 18 May 2009 to consider site specific issues. The Examination was formally closed on the 17 June 2009. The recommendations contained in the Commissioners’ Report have been fully considered by the Department and revisions have been made to the Written Statements and to the maps as appropriate. Full details of the Department’s response to the Commissioners’ recommendations are set out in the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015 Adoption Statement.

The Department is now publishing the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015. The Document, comprising a Written Statement and accompanying maps, incorporates the amendments outlined in the Plan Adoption Statement. The Written Statement is divided into four parts. Part 1 sets out the Plan Objectives and the Strategy proposed to meet these objectives. Part 2 sets out the Strategic Plan Framework comprising allocations, designations and policies relating to the District, intended to complement, and in reference to, the Regional Policy Context. Parts 3 and 4 set out the specific designations, policies, proposals and zonings respectively for the ‘Countryside’ and the ‘Settlements’. These allocations, designations, policies, proposals and zonings

comprise, and are hereafter also referred to collectively as, the Plan Proposals.

In the case of any contradiction between the Written Statement and any other document forming part of the Plan, including the maps and supplements, the provisions of the Written Statement will prevail.

The accompanying maps comprise:-

Countryside Map - this map illustrates Plan designations, proposals and zonings within the District but outside the settlement development limits. Other existing designations, roads schemes and land uses are shown for information only. Archaeological Sites & Monuments within the District have been illustrated by use of a symbol.

Environmental Designations Countryside Map - this map illustrates the area and the location of existing and proposed environmental designations within the District but outside the settlement development limits. All current environmental designations are available on the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) website www.ni-environment.gov.uk.

Settlement Maps - each settlement map illustrates Plan designations, proposals and zonings within and around the settlement development limit, and may also include other designations and land uses for information only. Where a designation, for example in the case of a Local Landscape Policy Area (LLPA), is not shown in its

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entirety, the full extent can be cross referenced to the Countryside Map or the Clarification Map.

Clarification Maps - where a designation relating to a settlement is not shown in its entirety on the settlement map, or where a designation is difficult to distinguish, by virtue of scale or overlapping, a clarification map is available on the Department’s Planning NI website www.planningni.gov.uk or from the Local Area Planning Office.

All maps are reproduced by permission of the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office Crown Copyright Reserved 2011.

In preparing and prior to publication of the Draft Plan, the Department prepared a number of Technical Supplements which provided background and technical information that has informed the Plan proposals. These supplements, listed below, do not form part of the statutory Plan:

1. Technical Supplements which deal with population and housing, industry, com-merce, education, social and community facilities, tourism, open space, sport and outdoor recreation, public utilities, trans-portation and public participation.

2. A Countryside Assessment Technical Supplement which includes an appraisal of environmental assets, an assessment of the landscape of the District, an analysis of rural development pressure and an appraisal of each settlement in terms of its character, assets and constraints,

conservation issues and settlement development limit.

3. A Strategic Environmental Appraisal (SEA) comprising an assessment of the probable environmental impacts of the policies and proposals contained within the Plan.

Habitats Regulations Assessment

Regulation 64B of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) states that where a land use plan is likely to have a significant effect on a European site in Northern Ireland or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), the plan-making authority for that plan shall, before the plan is given effect, make an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of that site’s conservation objectives. In light of the conclusions of the assessment, and subject to considerations of overriding public interest, the plan-making authority shall give effect to the land use plan only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the European site.

Having carried out of a Test of Likely Significance (TOLS), an appropriate assessment of the impacts of the Plan has been carried out on twelve sites within or in close proximity to the Plan Area, namely:

• Lough Neagh & Lough Beg SPA and Lough Neagh & Lough Beg Ramsar site

• Carn-Glenshane SAC

• Wolf Island Bog SAC

• Dead Island Bog SAC

Preamble

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• Ballynahone Bog SAC and Ballynahone Bog Ramsar site

• Curran Bog SAC

• Teal Lough SAC

• River Roe & Tributaries SAC

• Banagher Glen SAC

• Owenkillew River SAC

• Rea’s Wood & Farr’s Bay SAC

• Upper Ballinderry River SAC

A Habitats Regulations Assessment Report is published along with the Plan. This has concluded that the Plan will not adversely affect the integrity of any European or Ramsar site.

Equality of Opportunity

The Northern Ireland Act 1998 has placed the following statutory requirement on each public authority;

1. To carry out their functions with due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity:

(a) between persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status or sexual orientation;

(b) between men and women generally;

(c) between persons with a disability and persons without; and

(d) between persons with dependants and persons without; and

2. Without prejudice to its obligations under subsection (1) a public authority shall, in carrying out its functions relating to Northern Ireland, have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.

The Department has sought to ensure that the Plan does not have the effect of discriminating against individuals or groups of people who fall within these categories. The Equality Impact Assessment of the Plan Proposals has considered any potentially adverse effects on these groups. The Assessment is published along with the Plan.

Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy

The Government’s Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy ‘Lifetime Opportunities’ was published by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in 2006. It outlines a set of long term goals and targets to work towards eliminating poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland by 2020. Public policy in general is expected to take account of anti-poverty / social inclusion considerations, for example through enabling disadvantaged groups and communities to benefit from better access to employment opportunities.

One of the main functions of a development plan is to facilitate development and create a land use framework that will allow investment to take place. The Plan seeks to apply the Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy through specific objectives, policies and proposals.

Review of Public Administration

The Review of Public Administration (RPA) is a far-reaching review of the arrangements for the delivery of public services in Northern Ireland. It is proposed that there will be a two-tier model within which all public services within Northern Ireland will operate. The regional tier, which largely comprises central government departments, will concentrate mainly on policy development, strategic planning and setting and monitoring standards. The sub-regional tier, that will have local government at its core, will be the main vehicle for the delivery of local public services.

Key decisions on the future shape of local government announced in March 2008 proposed the rationalisation of the current 26 local government districts to create 11 new local government districts.

Development Plans and responsibility for Development Management, and Enforcement will fall under the new local government arrangements.

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Part 1 | Introduction

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tests of acceptability for development proposals. In making its decisions, the Department will also assess proposals against all planning policies and other material considerations that are relevant to it. The contents of the Plan must therefore be read in conjunction with the relevant contents of regional policy publications and supplementary planning guidance documents.

In order to ensure that there is no public misunderstanding of the Plan Proposals, it must be recognised that there may be occasion when other material considerations outweigh one or more of these. Each case will be considered on its merits to assess whether an exception would be justified but the provisions of the Plan will prevail unless there are other overriding policy or material considerations which outweigh them and justify a contrary decision.

Policy ContextThe Plan is prepared within the context of the priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive as set out in the Programme for Government, taking into account European, National and Regional policies which have implications for the future pattern of development within the District.

European and UK Context

The European Union and the United Kingdom have embraced the principle of sustainable development based on stewardship of the environment. This principle has been widened in its scope to include both economic and social

Introduction

Plan AreaThe Plan relates to the administrative area of Magherafelt District Council, an area of approximately 573 sq. km with a population in 2001 of 39,780. The main settlement is Magherafelt.

Purpose of the PlanThe purpose of the Plan is to inform the general public, statutory authorities, developers and other interested bodies of the policy framework and land use proposals that will be used to guide development decisions within Magherafelt District over the Plan period 2000 - 2015.

Plan Allocations, Designations, Policies, Proposals and Zonings - The Plan ProposalsThe allocations, designations, policies, proposals and zonings contained in the Plan, hereafter collectively also referred to as the Plan Proposals, constitute considerations that the Department will take into account in determining planning applications within the District. The contents of the Plan must be read as a whole as often several designations, policies and proposals may be relevant to a particular development proposal.

The Plan Proposals contained in the Plan should not, however, be read as the only

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considerations. The Northern Ireland Executive in its Sustainable Development Strategy: ‘Everyone’s Involved’, have set out six Guiding Principles to achieve its vision of society in this Region developing in a sustainable way:

• Living within environmental limits;

• Ensuring a strong, healthy, just and equal society;

• Achieving a sustainable economy;

• Using a sound science responsibly;

• Promoting Opportunity and Innovation and

• Promoting good governance.

Regional Development Strategy

The Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025 “Shaping Our Future” (RDS) published in September 2001 and amended in June 2008, sets out a dynamic strategic spatial planning framework for Northern Ireland to guide physical development within the region until 2025 and it provides an overarching strategic framework for development plans.

A consultation document on the 10 Year Review of the RDS was published in January 2011. It is intended that, when published in final form, the 10 Year Review will replace the current RDS.

At the heart of the RDS is the principle of ensuring a better quality of life for everyone now and for generations to come by seeking to meet the objectives of sustainable development.

The RDS contains a Spatial Development Strategy which aims to provide a strategic focus which will guide future development in order to provide a balanced and equitable pattern of sustainable development across the Region. In the context of the RDS, Magherafelt District lies within Rural Northern Ireland.

The overall aim of the RDS for Rural Northern Ireland is to develop an attractive and prosperous rural area, based on a balanced and integrated approach to the development of town, village and countryside, contributing to the overall well-being of the Region as a whole. This is to be achieved by action on a series of Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategic Planning Guidelines.

The Department for Regional Development (DRD) has determined, in accordance with Article 28(7) of the Planning (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, that the Plan is in general conformity with the RDS.

Regional Transportation Strategy

The Regional Transportation Strategy 2002 - 2012 (RTS) is a ‘daughter document’ of the RDS. The RTS supports the RDS and makes a significant contribution towards achieving the RDS vision for transport.

DRD commenced the review of the RTS in 2011 and has developed proposals for a revised draft Regional Transportation Strategy with support for sustainable economic growth at its core. The consultation document maps out the future direction for transportation beyond 2015


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when the current transport plans are timed to expire.

The purpose of the RTS is to improve access to regional, national and international markets thereby contributing to sustainable patterns of development and movement, and to promote integration between different modes of travel.

The RTS identifies strategic transportation investment priorities and considers potential funding sources and the affordability of planned initiatives. Implementation of the RTS in the Plan Area is through the Regional Strategic Transport Network Plan (RSTNTP) and the Sub Regional Transport Plan (SRTP).

Planning Policy Statements

Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) set out the policies of the Department on particular aspects of land use planning and apply to the whole of Northern Ireland. Their contents have informed the Plan preparation and the Plan Proposals and they are material to decisions on individual planning applications and appeals within Magherafelt District. Details of PPSs are contained in Appendix 2.

The Department has a rolling programme for the preparation of new PPSs and the review of existing PPSs. Where new or revised PPSs are published in final form they will supersede the corresponding policies within the Plan.

PPSs may from time to time be revised to take account of changing circumstances, including experience gained through the development planning and development

management processes. Good practice guides may also be issued to illustrate how concepts contained in PPSs can best be implemented.

A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland

A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland (the Rural Strategy), published in September 1993, contains a number of strategic policies, but essentially comprises a compendium of planning policies setting out, on a topic basis, the factors that the Department takes into account when reacting to development proposals. It is of relevance to Magherafelt District.

The Strategic section of the document has been superseded by the RDS, whilst the topic sections are progressively being replaced by PPSs. Policies within the Rural Strategy remain material considerations until superseded by PPSs.

Regional Supplementary Planning Guidance

The Department’s publication, ‘Creating Places’, issued in May 2000, in furtherance of the Quality Initiative to improve the quality of new housing developments, provides guidance on the design, character and layout of new housing areas in Northern Ireland. The guide describes the contributions to quality and sustainability that developers will be expected to make through the design of new residential developments.

A Design Guide for Rural Northern Ireland is also available. Its purpose is to improve the

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quality of design in the countryside and to help to ensure that new buildings fit into the landscape.

The Department also publishes and updates, as necessary, a set of Development Control Advice Notes (DCANs), which explain the planning criteria, and technical standards that the Department considers when dealing with specific categories or particular aspects of development in Northern Ireland. DCANs are listed in Appendix 3.

It should be noted that the Department is continuously reviewing its regional planning policies and advice. It is therefore advisable to contact the Local Area Planning Office to ascertain the current relevant policies and supplementary guidance that apply within Magherafelt District. Regional planning policy and supplementary planning guidance can also be obtained from the Department’s Planning NI website www.planningni.gov.uk

Plan AimThe overall aim of the Plan is to provide a planning framework which facilitates sustainable growth and high quality development in Magherafelt District throughout the Plan period whilst protecting and where appropriate enhancing the natural and man made environment.

Plan Objectives• To facilitate sustainable patterns of

growth and development throughout the Plan Area in accordance with the sustainability related strategic objectives of the RDS;

• To promote Magherafelt as a local hub within Northern Ireland and to strengthen its role as the principal administrative, trade, employment and residential centre within the District;

• To allocate land for additional housing development over the Plan period in accordance with the strategic objectives and guidelines contained in the RDS;

• To facilitate appropriate development within existing urban areas that will promote urban renaissance, create ease of access to services and community facilities, and to maximise the use of existing infrastructure;

• To promote compact urban forms that respect the individual character and identity of settlements, avoid urban sprawl and conserve the countryside;

• To facilitate economic development and the creation of employment, taking into account “Lifetime Opportunities”, the Government’s Anti Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy for Northern Ireland;

• To facilitate integration between land use planning and transportation in order to reduce congestion and the need for car journeys and to encourage a shift to more sustainable modes of transport, including walking, cycling and public transport;

• To promote vital and viable town centres;

• To protect and enhance the character, quality and biodiversity of natural and man-made environments; and

• To facilitate the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations between


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persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.

Plan StrategyThe Plan Strategy centres on the need to be in general conformity with the RDS and in particular the Spatial Development Strategy, a major thrust of which is to promote more sustainable patterns of development based on:-

• a polycentric network of growth poles integrated with the transport corridors and incorporating enhanced public transport;

• compact urban forms;

• more housing within existing urban areas; and

• the sensible and sensitive use of the built heritage and the rural environment.

In summary the Plan Strategy is to:-

• sustain a living and working countryside whilst supporting the growth and regeneration of towns and villages and protecting from inappropriate development those areas that are vulnerable to development pressure or that are visually or environmentally sensitive;

• identify, define and designate as appropriate, areas of conservation, archaeological, scientific, landscape or amenity importance or interest, within both the natural and built heritage of the District;

• provide a settlement hierarchy, designate

settlement development limits, zone land and designate policy areas which will:-

෮ facilitate allocation of housing growth potential in accordance with the RDS, through a sequential approach, in support of urban renaissance and conservation of town settings and greenfield lands, by maximising as feasible the identified proportion within existing urban areas;

෮ facilitate a level of housing development in each designated settlement that is in accordance with the approach set out in the RDS regarding assessment of individual settlement capacity and any identified special housing needs;

෮ recognise that single dwelling development is likely to continue, at a level which is difficult to predict; and

෮ facilitate a level of overall growth in both Magherafelt and Maghera which reflects their individual status as towns and in reference to the RDS.

• establish key site requirements as appropriate against which particular site development proposals will be assessed in order to help achieve good quality development, to respect environmental assets and to facilitate the development of balanced communities in accordance with the strategic requirements of the RDS;

• designate additional industrial land to make provision for an adequate supply and choice of sites for employment uses which take account of accessibility to major transport routes and the provisions of the RDS including the proximity to the

District population, particularly in areas of economic and social deprivation;

• identify, define, designate and safeguard as appropriate specific areas where the retention of, or provision of additional retail, services, recreational and other community facilities will positively contribute to the amenity and well being of the District population, subject to prevailing regional planning policy;

• define, as appropriate, transportation related proposals in accordance with the Regional Transportation Strategy which are intended to facilitate improved flow of vehicular traffic whilst promoting reduction in car travel and the use of alternative modes of travel.

It is proposed that the Plan will implement this Strategy through the Plan Proposals that are in accordance with, and also complement the Department’s regional planning policies. The Plan Proposals are contained in Parts 2, 3 and 4 of the Plan.

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Part 2 | Strategic Plan Framework

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Strategic Plan FrameworkThis part of the Written Statement sets out the Strategic Plan Framework comprising allocations, designations, and policies relating to the District, which complement, and are in reference to, the Regional Policy Context.

Environment and Conservation Magherafelt District contains a diverse range of both upland and lowland landscapes whose wildlife habitats and heritage features give the District its distinctive identity.

The story of 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 the pattern of streets and buildings in the District’s towns. This heritage is finite and vulnerable and it is important that it be cherished and protected for the benefit and enjoyment of both present and future generations. The District contains a wealth of recorded archaeological monuments and buildings, listed as being of special architectural or historic interest, and a number of historic parks, gardens and demesnes of special historical interest. There is one designated Conservation Area (Draperstown) in the District.

Sites of conservation importance are identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside Map,

Map No. 2 - Environmental Designations Map and the relevant settlement maps.

Regional Policy Context

The RDS is based on a number of guiding principles, one of which is the protection and enhancement of the environment through an approach to development and policy formulation, which has the condition of the environment as a central deciding factor. One of the key regional challenges will therefore be to accommodate future development while protecting and caring for the environment.

The Department’s regional planning policies for the protection of conservation interests are currently set out in PPS 2 - Planning and Nature Conservation, PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage and PPS 6 (Addendum) - Areas of Townscape Character.

Other Departmental regional planning policies in relation to the environment including protection of rural landscapes, assessment of environmental effects of proposals and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are set out in PPS 21 - Sustainable Development in the Countryside and the Rural Strategy.

The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy 2002 sets the framework for biodiversity action. The Strategy describes the main features of biodiversity in Northern Ireland, identifies the main factors affecting it and proposes a number of measures to support biodiversity conservation up to 2016.

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Considerations Arising From the Habitats Regulations Assessment Process

In accordance with Regulation 64B of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) an appropriate assessment has been carried out on the impacts of the Plan Proposals on twelve European sites within or in close proximity to the Plan Area.

Arising from the appropriate assessment consultation zones have been identified, where appropriate, for European sites and Annex 1 species, the Whooper Swan. Proposed developments within these consultation zones will be scrutinised to ensure, that in line with the Habitats Directive, there will be no adverse effects. Maps showing the consultation zones are contained in the Habitats Regulations Assessment Report published along with the

Plan. In addition, any industrial development which is likely to adversely affect a European site through aerial deposition will be subject to a Habitats Regulation Assessment.

Where wastewater treatment works capacity is not sufficient to cope with a proposed development, the developer will be required to work with the Department and Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to ensure that there will be no likely adverse affect on any European or Ramsar site, by phasing development to co-incide with sufficient wastewater treatment provision, or by providing interim sewerage treatment arrangements.


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Policy CON 2 Local Landscape Policy Areas

Within designated Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) planning permission will not be granted to development proposals that would adversely affect their intrinsic environmental value and character, which includes those features and areas set out in Part 4 of the Plan.

Planning permission will also only be granted to development proposals which meet any additional key development requirements set out as appropriate in Part 4 of the Plan.

In accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, LLPAs are designated to help protect the environmental assets within or adjoining settlements.

LLPAs are designated in and adjoining the following towns and villages:

Magherafelt, Maghera, Bellaghy, Castledawson, Draperstown and Tobermore;

and in or adjoining the following small settlements:

Clady, Creagh, Culnady, Curran, Desertmartin, Glen, Glenone, Gracefield, Inishrush, Kilross, Knockcloghrim, Longfield, Moneyneany, Straw, Swatragh, Tamlaght, Upperlands, The Woods.

The LLPAs are identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and the relevant Settlement Maps. Clarification Maps are available on the

Policy CON 1 Areas of High Scenic Value

Within designated Areas of High Scenic Value planning permission will not be granted to development proposals that would adversely affect the quality and character of the landscape. A Landscape Analysis must accompany development proposals in these areas to indicate the likely effects of the proposal on the landscape. Planting and retention of indigenous tree species must be an integral part of these proposals and the site must be large enough to accommodate any mitigation measures identified. Where feasible the reuse of traditional buildings will be required.

Areas of High Scenic Value are designated on the West Lough Neagh Shores and the Slieve Gallion Slopes as identified in the Countryside Section in Part 3 of the Plan and as indicated on Map No. 1 - Countryside.

In determining applications for planning permission within Areas of High Scenic Value the Department will consider how proposals will conserve and enhance the landscape of the Area of High Scenic Value. Particular regard will be paid to the siting, massing, scale and design, materials, finishes and landscaping of proposals in order to ensure that development will integrate well into the topography and landscape and respect the scale of, and materials used in existing vernacular and traditional buildings in the surrounding area.

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Department’s Planning NI website www.planningni.gov.uk or from the Local Area Planning Office.

The use of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) will be considered by the Department for those LLPAs where trees contribute significantly to visual amenity, or where trees are considered under threat from development. In cases where a Tree Preservation Order is already in existence the LLPA policy will act in addition to and without prejudice to any other statutory provision associated with this Order.

Where riverbanks are included within a LLPA the Department will normally require that access is provided to the river corridor, as part of any development proposal. A landscape buffer may also be required between any development and the river corridor to maintain its intrinsic environmental value.

Where LLPAs contain significant parts of historic parks, gardens or demesnes, conservation areas, listed buildings, and archaeological monuments this policy will apply in addition to and without prejudice to any other statutory provision or policy relating to these features.

Policy CON 3 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance

Within designated Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance planning permission will not be granted to development proposals that would be liable to have a significantly adverse effect on the nature conservation interests of these sites.

In accordance with PPS 2 - Planning and Nature Conservation, sites of local nature conservation importance are designated within the open countryside as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside. Clarification Maps are also available on the Department’s Planning NI website www.planningni.gov.uk or from the Local Area Planning Office.

Where exceptionally a development is permitted which might adversely affect the nature conservation interests, the Department will endeavor to ensure that such effects are kept to a minimum. Consideration will be given to the use of conditions in order to protect the conservation interest or to require appropriate mitigation measures. Where appropriate, developers may be asked to enter into a planning agreement to secure these outcomes.


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Areas of Townscape Character

Areas of Townscape Character (ATCs) are designated in accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage and PPS 6 (Addendum) - Areas of Townscape Character. ATCs are designated in Magherafelt, Maghera and Upperlands as indicated on the relevant Settlement Maps Nos 5, 6 and 30. Clarification Maps are available on the Department’s Planning NI website www.planningni.gov.uk or from the Local Area Planning Office.

Planning applications within ATCs will be considered in the context of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

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 form in these areas can inform developers in preparing development proposals elsewhere in these settlements, in order to reinforce local identity. Detail on the traditional character, appearance and key features of the ATCs and advice on development within these areas is provided in Part 4 of the Plan.

Areas of Archaeological Potential

In accordance with PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, Areas of Archaeological Potential are highlighted for information on the relevant Settlement Maps in Part 4 of the Plan. They relate to:

• Magherafelt;

• Maghera;

• Bellaghy;

• Castledawson;

• Tobermore;

• Culnady;

• Curran;

• Desertmartin; and

• Gulladuff.

These areas indicate to developers where, on the basis of current knowledge, it is likely that archaeological remains will be encountered in the course of continuing development and change. Developers are advised to liaise with the Department before submitting any proposals within these areas.

Planning policy in relation to archaeology is contained in PPS 6.

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Map2 Environmental Designations (A3)

Fold out

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SettlementThe 2001 census determined the population of Magherafelt District at 39,780 persons. Based on this census information it is estimated that approximately 43% of the household population of the District at 2001 were living within the existing limits of development of its 2 towns and 4 villages, with the remaining 57% living in the small settlements and open countryside. Further details relating to the population of the settlements throughout the District are contained in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

Magherafelt functions as the major centre for housing and employment, retail and professional services and for cultural activities, including sport and leisure. The 2001 census estimates that approximately 8,289 persons, or 21% of the District population, were living within the existing limit of development at 2001.

Maghera functions as a secondary housing and service centre. The 2001 census estimates that approximately 3,648 persons, or 9% of the District population, were living within the existing limit of development limit at 2001.

The villages of Bellaghy, Castledawson, Draperstown and Tobermore currently perform a lesser, but locally significant role, in providing housing, employment and services for their residents and the wider rural community.

Small settlements, at the lower level of the settlement hierarchy, provide a community

focus for their immediate rural area but are limited in their infrastructure, services and employment provision and offer only very limited growth potential.


The Spatial Development Strategy of the RDS, which provides a framework for the future physical development of the Region, identifies a hierarchy of rural settlements based on urban hubs (comprising main towns and small towns) and a strong rural community living either in villages, small settlements or dispersed dwellings in the open countryside.

RDS Strategic Planning Guideline SPG RNI 3 is ‘To support the network of service centres based on main towns, small towns and villages in Rural Northern Ireland.’ Measures identified to implement this Strategic Planning Guideline include:-

• RNI 3.1 ‘Develop a network of strong main towns as the major locations providing employment, services and a range of cultural and leisure amenities for both townspeople and rural communities.’

• RNI 3.3 ‘sustain and consolidate the role of small towns and villages as local rural centres.’

Magherafelt town is identified as a Local Hub in the Spatial Development Strategy. The RDS anticipates future growth in line with Magherafelt’s role as a local service centre. It also identifies particular strengths and opportunities which have the potential to support further growth.



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New small settlements have been designated at Ballymaguigan, Ballynease, Glen, Gracefield, Kilross, Longfield and The Woods.

Policy SETT 2 Development within Settlement Development Limits

Planning permission will only be granted on zoned sites for development proposals that comply with the specified use.

Planning permission will only be granted for alternative types of development in a Land Use Policy Area where the development proposal will:

• be subordinate to the preferred use and occupy a small portion of the Land Use Policy Area;

• exist in close proximity to the preferred use without adverse environmental consequences;

• not prejudice accessibility to the remainder of the Land Use Policy Area, and

• not prejudice potential in the settlement to meet overall development needs.

Favourable consideration will only be given to development proposals within settlement development limits, including zoned sites within towns and Land Use Policy Areas within villages, provided that the proposal:

Designation SETT 1 Designation of Settlements

Settlements are designated in accordance with a hierarchy which consists of:

Towns: Magherafelt, Maghera.

Villages: Bellaghy, Castledawson, Draperstown, Tobermore.

Small Settlements: Ballymaguigan, Ballynease, Clady, Creagh, Culnady, Curran, Desertmartin, Glen, Glenone, Gracefield, Gulladuff, Inishrush, Kilross, Knockcloghrim, Longfield, Moneyneany, Straw, Swatragh, Tamlaght, Upperlands, The Woods.

The above settlement hierarchy takes account of a wide range of factors, including the Spatial Development Strategy in the RDS, the population of individual settlements and an assessment of the role or function of settlements, including the retail base, employment opportunities and community services (e.g. social, religious, educational, recreational), existing hard infrastructure (e.g. sewerage services, water supply, drainage) including spare capacity and public transport provision.

The settlement hierarchy also takes account of an assessment of the character and environmental setting of the settlements including their potential to accommodate further growth.

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which there is a clear indication of potential demand for such use.

It is not the Departments’ practice to identify land within small settlements for specific land uses. Zonings create a degree of inflexibility in the development of those lands which can frustrate the orderly development of smaller settlements.

Poilcy SETT 3 Development Opportunity Sites

Within designated Development Opportunity Sites development proposals shall be in accordance with the key site requirements set out in Part 4 of the Plan.

In accordance with PPS 1 - General Principles, zoned land (development opportunity sites) with the key site requirements which developers will be expected to meet, are set out and shown in Part 4 of the Plan. The zoning of land provides a basis for rational and consistent decisions on planning applications and provides a measure of certainty about which types of development will and will not be permitted.

Development Opportunity Sites are designated in Magherafelt and Maghera.

Development Opportunity Sites are designated where lands are under-utilised or vacant and where development, which might provide a mix of new uses, could promote the vitality and viability of the urban area or town centre, or could enhance

• is sensitive to the size and character of the settlement in terms of scale, form, design and use of materials;

• is, where applicable, in accordance with any key site requirements contained in Part 4 of the Plan.

Settlement development limits are designated for each town, village and small settlement in the District, as set out in Part 4 of the Plan.

In accordance with PPS 1 - General Principles, zoned land and Land Use Policy Areas, along with the key site requirements which developers will be expected to meet, are set out and shown in Parts 3 and 4 of the Plan. The zoning of land provides a basis for rational and consistent decisions on planning applications and provides a measure of certainty about which types of development will and will not be permitted.

Development proposals in the towns, villages and small settlements of the District will be considered in the context of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

Within Magherafelt and Maghera land has been zoned for housing and industry uses. Within the villages Land Use Policy Areas identify lands considered to be particularly appropriate for specific types of development. For example they can indicate where the main housing growth areas may take place in a village. They can also be used to identify sites which are particularly suitable for industrial or business use, or for


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the townscape, for example by closing frontage gaps or by replacing unattractive features. Such development within a town centre could enhance shopping frontages, encourage pedestrian movement and so assist commercial growth.

Proposals to develop these sites will be considered in the context of prevailing regional planning policy and the requirements and guidance contained in Part 4 of the Plan.

The initiation of development proposals for sites will be a matter for landowners and interested developers.

HousingHousing continues to represent the greatest pressure on the land resource throughout Northern Ireland and in Magherafelt District, as elsewhere, it is likely to continue to be the most widespread urban land-use change for many years to come. Need for additional housing land is created by the formation of new households through natural increase in the population, net inward migration and the trend to smaller household sizes. That need includes variety in dwelling size, type and tenure to meet the particular requirements of groups such as the elderly, people with limited incomes and people with disabilities.


Prevailing regional planning policy for housing development is currently contained in the RDS, in relevant PPSs and in the Rural Strategy.

The RDS has introduced a radical change in the manner by which the amount of land for housing development is to be allocated to, and distributed throughout, the District.

The RDS allocates 5,000 housing units to Magherafelt District as an adjusted “Housing Growth Indicator” for the period 31 December 1998 to 31 December 2015. It is the task of the Plan to distribute the growth allocated to the District in accordance with the strategic planning guidance in the RDS. In this context there are two RDS Strategic Planning Guidelines which are particularly important:

SPG-HOU 1 which is to manage housing growth in response to changing housing need.

This SPG sets down an evaluation framework which is intended as an aid for the Plan in the allocation of housing growth to the various settlements within the District. The framework consists of a series of tests and an assessment against each of these is made in respect of each of the towns and villages in the District. The results of this assessment are set out in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

SPG-HOU 4 which is to promote a drive to provide more housing within existing urban areas.

This SPG promotes compact urban forms and encourages more housing within existing urban areas. The regional target for the share of new housing growth to be accommodated within the existing urban areas of towns and cities of over

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5,000 population has been set at 60%. The potential for achieving this regional target is determined through the development plan process by way of urban capacity studies.

Details of the housing allocation process, urban capacity studies and urban footprints are contained in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

The RDS (Policy SPG-HOU 6) encourages the development of balanced local communities through providing housing choice to meet different needs.

PPS 7 - Quality Residential Environments - sets out the Departments regional planning policies for achieving quality in the design and layout of new residential developments. It embodies the Government’s commitment to sustainable development and the Quality Initiative. The Statement contains criteria-based policies against which all proposals for new residential development including those on land zoned will be assessed, with the exception of single dwellings in the countryside. These will be assessed under policies contained in PPS21 - Sustainable Development in the Countryside.

Supplementary planning guidance for residential development is contained in “Creating Places - Achieving Quality in Residential Development”, published in May 2000. It is the principle guide for use by developers in the design of all new housing areas.

In addition, the Department published in June 2002 a revised Development Control Advice Note (DCAN) 8: Housing in Existing

Urban Areas. This will be material to the determination of planning applications for small unit housing within existing urban areas.

The Department will require housing proposals to be designed and implemented in accordance with prevailing regional planning policies and with the relevant Plan Proposals, including the key site requirements set out for zoned land. The key site requirements set out the most important matters which developers will need to address in bringing forward proposals for specific sites.

Developers should however note that while the key site requirements for the development of zoned sites and Housing Land Use Policy Areas are set out in the Plan, the need for certain supplementary infrastructural works and/or mitigation measures necessary to facilitate the specific scale and form of development proposed may only be identified at planning application stage. An example may be as a result of an Environmental Impact Assessment or a Transport Assessment.

Many development sites will require the improvement of existing infrastructure and/or the provision of additional supplementary infrastructural works to enable the development to take place. The infrastructural works may include transport infrastructure, water and sewerage or land drainage. It is presently government policy that developers should bear the cost of works required to facilitate their development proposals. This policy applies to both public and private sector


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developments. Where appropriate, planning agreements under Article 40 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 may be used to enable developers to proceed. Developers are urged to liaise early in the preparation of their proposals with the relevant Department, Agency or service provider.

Some development sites will require existing infrastructure, such as major water mains and sewers, and designated watercourses, to be safeguarded. This may include ensuring that such infrastructure is not built over and that necessary wayleave strips are retained to facilitate maintenance. It is the responsibility of the developer to liaise with the relevant Agencies in this regard.

Allocation HOU 1 Housing

A total of approximately 101 hectares of land is zoned for housing in the 2 towns, comprising:

• Magherafelt - 77 hectares

• Maghera - 24 hectares

Inside the designated settlement development limits for the villages approximately 52 hectares are identified in Housing Land Use Policy Areas.

In accordance with PPS 1 - General Principles, zoned land and Housing Land Use Policy Areas, along with the key site requirements which developers will be expected to meet, are set out and shown in Part 4 of the Plan. The zoning of land

provides a basis for rational and consistent decisions on planning applications and provides a measure of certainty about which types of development will and will not be permitted.

Details of the housing allocation process are set out in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

Further to this allocation an allowance is made for 2,600 dwellings in the small settlements and countryside. The settlement development limits of the small settlements are designated to take account of this.

In view of the amount of committed land, the level of allocation to the towns and the need to ensure choice and an equitable distribution of housing land, it is considered inappropriate to phase zoned housing land.

Committed Housing

Committed sites include housing units built between 31 December 1998 and 1 August 2010 and those committed through planning approvals. The Department’s Housing Land Availability Summary Reports provide details of the housing land availability together with the extent of housing development for settlements and is available from the Department’s Planning NI website www.planningni.gov.uk

Windfall Sites

Windfall development is potential future housing development on land not designated for housing within the urban footprint of towns. It can arise, for

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example, as a result of plot sub-division or property conversion and can contribute to the housing land supply over the Plan period. Accordingly, past trends and broad-based survey techniques have been used to estimate the potential level of windfall development that might occur during the Plan period and this has been taken into account in the housing allocation process for the towns.

Land Within Urban Footprints

The RDS aims to provide an increased share of future residential development within the existing urban footprint to reduce greenfield housing extensions and to encourage compact urban forms, in order to promote sustainable forms of development. The RDS states that targets for individual towns will be set through the development plan process.

In Magherafelt District it is anticipated that land within urban footprints will provide approximately 960 dwellings in Magherafelt town and 332 dwellings in Maghera. These estimated figures include the following elements:

• Dwellings built between January 2000 and August 2010.

• Commitments (potential yield from sites with extant planning approval).

• Additional yield from uncommitted urban capacity sites.

• Windfall allowance.

In Magherafelt town it is estimated that development within urban footprints will represent approximately 44 % of the total housing provision for the town over the Plan period. In Maghera the corresponding figure is estimated at 40%. The remaining housing allocation for each town will be provided on


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greenfield sites beyond the defined urban footprint of the respective towns.

The higher anticipated yields in terms of units constructed on some sites within the urban footprint reflects the higher densities expected on these compared to greenfield sites.

Site Densities

Site densities are specified in the key site requirements in Part 4 of the Plan in line with prevailing regional policy and in response to specific site circumstances. A minimum site density has been specified in the key site requirements for urban capacity sites and greenfield sites within the towns of Magherafelt and Maghera and for Housing Land Use Policy Areas in the villages. This is to ensure the optimum use of land and to accommodate the housing allocation identified for each settlement in the Plan.

A maximum site density is also stipulated for greenfield sites within the towns and on greenfield sites beyond village cores. This is to ensure that greenfield sites are not developed to excess at the expense of urban capacity lands or lands within the core areas of villages. It will also minimise the potential for significant divergence between the Plan housing allocation framework and the RDS strategic objectives.

Development will be acceptable within the specified density range. A maximum density has not been set for urban capacity sites or sites within the core areas of villages.

A number of zonings in the Plan, following the Independent Examination, have no density key site requirement. For the purposes of calculating the Plan provision in these instances the density of the approved planning application, or 20 units per hectare was used. Prevailing regional planning policy will be used to determine an acceptable density for such sites.

Policy HOU 2 Protected Town Centre Housing Areas

Within designated Protected Town Centre Housing Areas planning permission will not be granted for redevelopment or change of use from housing.

In accordance with PPS 12 - Housing in Settlements, Protected Town Centre Housing Areas are designated in Magherafelt and Maghera as identified on the relevant town centre maps in Part 4 of the Plan.

The Department will resist the spread of commercial uses into areas which have a useful longer term residential life. They provide a valuable housing stock and are homes for established communities which contribute to the variety and vitality of life in the town centre.

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Accommodation for the Travelling Community

Within the context of meeting local housing need and ensuring balanced communities it is important to deal with the needs of the travelling community; therefore, proposals for traveller’s accommodation that meet identified local need should be encouraged, subject to meeting prevailing regional policy, currently PPS 12 - Housing in Settlements. These proposals will be expected to clearly demonstrate how they meet identified local need and the planning authority will assess this in consultation with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

As with all development proposals, careful consideration will need to be given to the impact of the proposal on both surrounding land uses and the environment. Proposals that have a significant detrimental impact on surrounding land uses or the environment will be resisted.

The RDS, (SPG-HOU 6) requires that consideration must be given to the distinctive needs of the travelling community. Policy HS 3 in PPS 12 requires that where a need is identified and a development plan is under preparation, a site should be identified. NIHE has carried out a Housing Needs Assessment and there are no Traveller accommodation needs currently identified for the Plan Area. This assessment will be subject to regular review by NIHE.

Social Housing

Social Social housing provision in the Plan Area will be determined in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy, currently set out in PPS 12 - Housing in Settlements and PPS 21 - Sustainable Development in the Countryside. Policy HS 2 of PPS 12 states that in locations where a demonstrable housing need is identified by the NIHE, planning permission for housing proposals will only be granted where provision is made for a suitable mix of house types and tenures to meet the range of market and social housing needs identified. The proportion of land or units to be set aside for social housing will be determined as part of the development control process. Implementation will be achieved through the application of Quality Initiative principles to specific development proposals and, where appropriate, through Planning Agreements to secure a proportion of social housing in major new developments.

Within the villages and small settlements, Policy CTY 5 of PPS 21, now provides the policy context for consideration of small social housing schemes in appropriate locations on the edge of settlements where sites are not available within settlement development limits.

A detailed Housing Needs Assessment has been prepared by NIHE and will be subject to regular review. It will be a material consideration when assessing the requirement for social housing provision.

Schemes being brought forward by Housing Associations through the Social Housing


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Development Programme plus potential yield from those zoned housing sites that are within NIHE’s ownership should meet current identified social housing need in Magherafelt and Maghera up to the end of the Plan period in 2015.

Affordable Housing

Policy SPG - HOU 6.4 of the RDS places an onus on development plans to consider if there is a need for an exceptional housing land response to ensure a local supply of affordable housing and if local planning policies are required as a result of this.

There is currently no mechanism in place for the Plan to specifically address this issue in respect of its housing designations.

The Plan, however focuses development at higher densities in urban areas, promotes mixed housing developments to accommodate balanced communities and promotes improved infrastructure and communications in the District. These planning measures may indirectly make a positive contribution to affordability issues.

Second Homes

Pressure from second home development was not raised as an issue as part of the public participation process leading to the formulation of the Plan Proposals. The 2001 Census indicates there were only 14 second homes in the District at the time of the Census.

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The RDS promotes a balanced spread of economic development opportunities across the region focused on the main regional cities and urban hubs/clusters. It places an onus on development plans to provide a generous and continuous supply of land for employment purposes.

The RDS aims to exploit the economic development potential of the key transport corridors by promoting and exploiting the potential for economic development at selected locations on the strategic network of key transport corridors and links.

Regional planning policy for industry is currently set out in PPS 4 - Planning and Economic Development, November 2010.

Directive 96/82/EC, known as the Seveso II Directive, was implemented in Northern Ireland by the Control of Major-Accident Hazards Regulations (NI) 2000 and the Planning (Control of Major-Accidents Hazards) Regulations (NI) 2000. These are specifically concerned with the implementation of Article 12 of the Directive which requires that the objectives of preventing major accidents and limiting their consequences are taken into account in land-use planning policies and that these objectives are pursued through controls. There is also a requirement to set up appropriate consultation procedures to facilitate implementation of these Regulations. Further information is contained within the Industry Technical Supplement to the Plan.

Industry

Industry and employment opportunities within the District are largely concentrated within the two main towns of Magherafelt and Maghera and also in the rural area close to Creagh. However there is also a significant industrial base in Castledawson, Draperstown and Tobermore. The unemployment claimant count rate in August 2011, based on the working age population, was 4.2% for Magherafelt District. The equivalent rate for the whole of Northern Ireland in August 2011 was 5.3%.

The 2009 Census of Employment figures for Magherafelt District (excluding agriculture) indicates that 19% of the workforce is employed in manufacturing, 16% in construction and 63% in services. Whilst this pattern broadly reflects that of Northern Ireland as a whole, the importance of the manufacturing and construction sectors in Magherafelt District is relatively greater than most other District Council areas.

The Magherafelt Area Plan 1976-1996 zoned land for industry in Magherafelt, Castledawson and Tobermore.

Of the 21.5 hectares of land previously zoned for industry within Magherafelt District, 3.05 hectares remained undeveloped in August 2010. In addition to remaining zoned land, an additional 22 hectares of industrial land was approved in 1999 at the Creagh for Invest Northern Ireland (INI).

Some industrial development has also occurred outside zoned industrial sites.


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The Plan does not identify new development sites for the use or storage of hazardous substances. The determination of planning permission for such proposals may entail the submission of an Environmental Statement, which may be accompanied by an application for consent to store hazardous materials on a site. Granting consent to store hazardous substances would establish a consultation distance within which the Department is required to consult with Health and Safety Executive (Northern Ireland) and the DOE Northern Ireland Environment Agency on proposals for new development.

Details of such guidance and procedures for controlling development in relation to hazardous substances are contained in the Department’s publication entitled “Development Control Advice Note 12 - Planning Controls for Hazardous Substances” available from the Department’s Planning NI website www.planningni.gov.uk or from the Local Area Planning Office.

Existing Industrial Land

Major areas of existing industrial development within towns and villages are shown for information only on the relevant settlement maps in Part 4 of the Plan. Within these areas planning applications will be determined in accordance with the provisions of prevailing regional planning policy. Smaller areas of existing industrial development not identified are however also covered by the same provisions of prevailing regional planning policy.

Allocation IND 1 Industry

A total of approximately 60 hectares of land is allocated for industry in the 2 towns and at Creagh, comprising:

• 11.4 hectares zoned at Magherafelt

• 7.6 hectares zoned at Maghera

• 19.3 hectares zoned at Creagh

• 22 hectares at Creagh Business Park.

Inside the designated settlement development limits for the villages 6.6 hectares are identified in Industrial Land Use Policy Areas.

In accordance with PPS 1 - General Principles, zoned land and Industrial Land Use Policy Areas, along with the key site requirements which developers will be expected to meet, are set out and shown in Parts 3 and 4 of the Plan. The zoning of land provides a basis for rational and consistent decisions on planning applications and provides a measure of certainty about which types of development will and will not be permitted.

Adequate sites are identified for industrial uses to meet the needs of industry and business enterprises over the Plan period.

Development of industrial land will require to be designed and implemented in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy on industry and with the Plan

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Proposals, including those stated key site requirements which are specific to certain sites and which should be taken into account in the preparation of site proposals.

Key site requirements may include matters relating to the provision of infrastructure, landscaping and access arrangements as well as requirements relating to the type, design and layout of industrial development.

Developers should however note that while the key site requirements for the development of zoned sites and Industrial Land Use Policy Areas are set out in the Plan, the need for certain supplementary infrastructural works and/or mitigation measures necessary to facilitate the specific scale and form of development proposed may only be identified at planning application stage. An example may be as a result of an Environmental Impact Assessment or a Transport Assessment.

Some development sites will require existing infrastructure, such as major watermains and sewers, and designated watercourses, to be safeguarded. This may include ensuring that such infrastructure is not built over and that necessary wayleave strips are retained to facilitate maintenance. It is the responsibility of the developer to liaise with the relevant agencies in this regard.


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Retailing, Services and OfficesMagherafelt is the primary commercial centre within Magherafelt District and is well served by banks, offices and retail services. It is also the main administrative and service centre for the District. Meadowlane Shopping Centre adds to the variety of retailing provided by independent traders.

Maghera provides an important commercial focal point and service centre for its rural hinterland.

The villages throughout the Plan Area provide a range and variety of local retail and service facilities for their immediate areas.


The RDS identifies Magherafelt town as a local hub having a role as a centre of employment and services for its urban and rural communities. The Department’s current regional policy for retailing and town centres is contained in PPS 5 - Retailing and Town Centres. Regional policy for office development is contained in the Rural Strategy.

Relevant supplementary planning guidance is contained in the following series of Development Control Advice Notes (DCAN s):

෮ DCAN 1 Amusement Centres; ෮ DCAN 3 Bookmaking Offices; ෮ DCAN 4 Restaurants, Cafes and Fast

Food Outlets; ෮ DCAN 5 Taxi Offices; ෮ DCAN 7 Public Houses; and

෮ DCAN 11 Access for people with disabilities

Town centre health checks were carried out as part of the Plan preparation process and in accordance with PPS 5. Details are provided in the Commerce Technical Supplement (Volume 7).

Town centres are designated for Magherafelt and Maghera in Part 4 of the Plan and are identified on relevant town centre maps.

The purpose in designating town centres is to provide control over change in their structure to ensure the maintenance and enhancement of their vitality and viability.

Primary retail cores are designated in Magherafelt and Maghera and are identified on the relevant town centre maps. The purpose in identifying a primary retail core within a town centre is to provide control over development inside that area, to ensure the continuance of a compact, lively and attractive shopping environment, offering both choice and convenience. Some office uses, such as banking and professional services, are convenient in the shopping environment but their proliferation at street level within retail frontages can displace significant amounts of retail floorspace, reducing shopper activity and the commercial viability of the main shopping area.

Development proposals within town centres and primary retail cores will be assessed in the context of prevailing regional planning policy and other relevant designations, policies, proposals and zonings contained in the settlement section in Part 4 of the Plan.


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Transportation


The Transportation Strategy of the Plan and specific policies and proposals are prepared within the context of the RDS and the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS). Both of these strategies share the vision of a “modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy and the environment and which actively contributes to social inclusion and everyone’s quality of life” as a key factor for their successful implementation.

These Regional Strategies also reflect the transportation principles set out in the current Northern Ireland Transport Policy Statement “Moving Forward” published in November 1998, which provides strategic guidelines for the long-term development of the transport network and promotes a more integrated approach to transportation and land use planning at a regional level.

The RTS is now being delivered in the Plan Area through the implementation of the following more detailed Transport Plans:

• The Regional Strategic Transport Network Plan, (RSTNTP) - published in March 2005 (dealing with the Regional Strategic Transport Network);

• The Sub - Regional Transport Plan, (SRTP) - published in June 2007 (dealing with Other Urban Areas and the Rural Areas); and

• Department for Regional Development (DRD) 2018 Investment Delivery Plan for Roads.

PPS 3 - Access, Movement and Parking, sets out the Department’s planning policies for vehicular and pedestrian access, transport assessment, the protection of transport routes and parking. It forms an important element in the integration of transport and land use planning. It embodies the Government’s commitments to the provision of a modern, safe, sustainable transport system, the improvement of mobility for those who are socially excluded or whose mobility is impaired, the promotion of healthier living and improved road safety. PPS 3 sets out those matters which will be taken into account in determining planning applications involving development which affects the public road network and road safety.

Supplementary Planning Guidance is contained within DCAN 15 (2nd Edition): Vehicular Access Standards.

DRD Roads Service commissioned detailed Local Transport Studies for Magherafelt Town in 2004, which were completed in 2006. These studies, considered the land use proposals contained in the Draft Plan and were used to inform the development of the SRTP for Magherafelt District, published in June 2007.

PPS 13 - Transportation and Land Use was prepared to assist in the implementation of the RDS. It guides the integration of transportation and land use, particularly through the preparation of development plans and transport plans, prepared respectively by the Department and DRD Roads Service. It is also be a material consideration in dealing with individual planning applications and appeals.

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Transportation Strategy

Key elements of the Plan’s Transportation Strategy are set out below. Implementation of the Transportation Strategy will assist in the realisation of broader transportation objectives contained in the RDS and RTS.

• Integration of transportation and land use The Plan addresses strategic guidance on this issue through the spatial allocation of housing growth over the District and within individual settlements. It does so for example, by focusing a high proportion of growth into towns and particularly Magherafelt which is the main centre of employment. The Plan also seeks to maintain compact urban areas, for example through the priority given to the identification and zoning of sites for housing within the urban footprint. These measures seek to promote greater integration between transportation and land use and to reduce reliance on the private car and provide scope for the greater use of public transport.

• Development of the transport infrastructure The Plan seeks to safeguard routes which are important to the continual development of the transport infrastructure.

• Reduction of traffic congestion The delivery of the proposed Magherafelt A31 (Bypass) will assist in the reduction of traffic congestion in Magherafelt town centre.

• Promotion of public transport use In accordance with the vision and

guidance within the RDS and the RTS and in order to encourage modal shift from private car to public transport, sites offering potential as Park and Ride or Park and Share sites are identified in Part 3 of the Plan along key commuter corridors. These sites will be subject to feasibility studies, taking account of factors such as location, site availability, service capacity and frequency to determine their suitability for development.

• Promotion of walking and cycling The RDS and RTS recognise the importance of walking and cycling as economical, environmentally friendly and healthy means of transport that can provide a realistic alternative to the car for short journeys. The Plan addresses this issue, for example through the zoning of sites for housing within the urban footprint. Details of the walking and cycling network for Magherafelt Town are contained in the SRTP Technical Supplement. However the general principles of the measures identified equally apply in the rural settlements.

• Car Parking The transportation strategy does not make provision for additional public car parking areas with the exception of park and ride or park and share facilities.

Transportation schemes are identified in Part 3 of the Plan. Transportation schemes, which are considered necessary for the proper development of the area, will be undertaken as resources permit.


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Open space, sport and outdoor recreationProvision of open space, sport and outdoor recreation facilities throughout the District is the statutory responsibility of Magherafelt District Council. Other public agencies such as the Departments of Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development and Education, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive also provide and manage a variety of publicly accessible outdoor recreation facilities and open space.

Sports and outdoor recreational facilities are also provided by various private organisations, including bowling, tennis, hockey, GAA, golf, rugby and soccer clubs. School playing fields have the potential for dual use by the public outside school hours.

The natural resources of the District, such as the River Bann, Lough Neagh and the Sperrin Mountains, also provide a wealth of opportunities for active outdoor pursuits such as sailing, water sports, angling, and walking.

The District contains a variety of informal outdoor recreational open space, particularly forests. Moydamlaght and Portglenone Forests are examples. Informal recreation facilities also exist in association with the natural resources of the area such as rivers, lough shores and heritage sites. A section of the Loughshore Trail (part of SUSTRANS National Cycle Network) lies within Magherafelt district and provides a leisure cycle route in the District.


The RDS aims to promote the important link between environment, health and well-being and places an emphasis on supporting healthy lifestyles and the promotion of health in the community.

The Department’s regional planning policies for recreation and open space are currently set out in PPS 8 - Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation. PPS 7 - Quality Residential Environments, requires adequate provision for public and for private open space in new residential developments.

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Existing Open Space

Major areas of existing open space are shown for information only on the relevant settlement maps in Part 4 of the Plan. Within these areas planning applications will be determined in accordance with the provisions of prevailing regional planning policy. Any other areas of existing open space, including children’s play areas and kick-about areas, within housing developments have not generally been identified, are however also covered by the same safeguarding provisions of prevailing regional planning policy.

An assessment of open space and outdoor recreation provision in the District was undertaken as part of the plan preparation process and details are provided in the Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation Technical Supplement to the Plan. Some open spaces have been identified as

Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) within which development proposals will also be subject to Policy CON 2 of the Plan.


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TourismThe potential for growth in tourism within the District rests on the beauty of the landscapes and variety of interests and heritage features to be enjoyed. Lough Neagh, Lough Beg, the Lower Bann, Moyola River and the Sperrin Mountains are recognised for the quality of their natural landscapes. The District’s built heritage is wide-ranging and varied, and includes historic buildings such as Bellaghy Bawn, and historic monuments such as St. Lurach’s old church in Maghera.

The historic Magherafelt town is located in the heart of mid Ulster and is well placed in relation to the Regional Strategic Transport Network. It is located close to the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has the potential to develop further as a base for touring within the District.

Promotion and marketing of tourism in the District is primarily the responsibility of Magherafelt District Council. It operates a range of local tourist facilities including picnic and amenity sites. The Department of Environment and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provide additional facilities such as specifically assigned tourist walks as well as access to sites in their care.

There are a number of other bodies which are concerned with tourism in the area. Sperrins Tourism Limited has a responsibility for the development and marketing of tourism in the Sperrins area. The Lower Bann Advisory Committee co-ordinates management and policy making amongst the statutory agencies responsible for various

aspects of the Lower Bann. The Lough Neagh Advisory Committee aims to manage and enhance recreational opportunities for local people and visitors.

The private sector provides tourist accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfast and self-catering chalets, and other tourism services. The potential exists to develop further the range and quality of facilities.

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The RDS promotes a sustainable approach to the provision of tourism infrastructure; the enhancement and development of the distinctiveness of the region as a key element of its tourism product; and the delivery of a competitive advantage through the Activity Tourism, Events Tourism, Business Tourism and Cultural Tourism sectors.

Prevailing regional planning policy for tourism development and accommodation, caravan and camping sites, signage and the protection of tourism assets is set out in the Rural Strategy.

Realising the tourism potential of the District will continue to require investment in marketing, product development and physical facilities in terms of visitor infrastructure, and especially visitor

accommodation. Since a vibrant tourism sector depends on a quality host environment, its growth must be based on the provision of quality tourism facilities and accommodation that contributes to the sustainability of the industry.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is formulating a new Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland which is intended to provide a vision and strategic direction for the development of the region’s tourism industry to 2020 along with an action plan to deliver it. This Strategy is intended to build upon the Tourism Strategic Framework for Action 2004.


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Education and Community Uses Responsibility for the provision of educational facilities in the District rests with the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB), the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and Comhairle na Gaelscolaoíchta (Council for Irish Medium Education) supplemented by a number of voluntary authorities. The Department of Education, the Department for Employment and Learning, and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure retain overall authority for education policy and finance.

It is currently the overall responsibility of the Health and Social Care Board, (HSCB) to assess the health and social care needs of the population and to secure the care to meet those needs in keeping with available resources. Provision of community health and social care services to meet those needs is the responsibility of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety retains overall responsibility for policy and funding of major capital works.

Consultation with the relevant authorities has not identified a need for the Plan to safeguard land for future education and community use development. Further details on education and community uses are contained in the Education Technical Supplement.


The RDS seeks to facilitate the development of education, health and commercial services, cultural and leisure amenities necessary to meet the needs of a growing population.

The RDS identifies Magherafelt as a local service centre. Decisions on the future location of new public sector development for a variety of functions, including health and education, will take into account the role of the town.

The Department’s regional planning policies for community needs are currently set out in the Rural Strategy.

Supplementary Planning Guidance is contained in Development Control Advice Note 9 ‘Residential and Nursing Homes’ and Development Control Advice Note 13 ‘Crèches, Day Nurseries and Pre-school Playgroups’.

Educational Facilities

The enrolment levels in controlled and maintained primary schools at 2010/2011 indicate both sectors have significant spare capacity. However, Spires Integrated Primary School, in Magherafelt town, which opened in 1999 has exceeded its capacity. A significant amount of spare capacity in the primary sector is found in the villages and rural area.

At secondary level there is spare capacity in the controlled sector whilst the voluntary sector is slightly over subscribed. The

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Sperrin Integrated College opened in 2002, is now almost at full capacity. There is one college of Further and Higher Education in Magherafelt - The Northern Regional College, Magherafelt campus.

Libraries and Youth Services

Libraries NI are responsible for library provision within the District. There are 4 branch libraries in the District and 3 mobile libraries.

Youth clubs operate throughout the District from various premises owned by Magherafelt District Council, churches and schools. There is a controlled youth centre in Magherafelt Town. Various other organisations operate widely throughout the District such as Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Girl Guides, Scouts etc.

Policy COY 1 Community Uses

Planning permission will be granted for community uses within settlement development limits provided all the following criteria are met:

• there is no significant detrimental effect on amenity;

• the proposal does not prejudice the comprehensive development of surrounding lands, particularly on zoned sites;

• the proposals are in keeping with the size and character of the settlement and its surroundings;


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• where necessary, additional infrastructure is provided by the developer; and,

• there are satisfactory access, parking and sewage disposal arrangements.

Applications for planning permission for community related facilities will be considered in the context of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

Current policy is contained within the Rural Strategy and PPS 21 - Sustainable Development in the Countryside. Unforeseen demands for new community facilities may arise over the lifetime of the Plan. Accordingly, a flexible approach is required in considering such development within settlement development limits in order to make the most effective use of existing facilities, infrastructure, utilities and resources. For the purposes of interpreting this policy, Community Use refers to those uses specified in Classes C3 and D1 of the Planning (Use Classes) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004.

Public UtilitiesThe provision of public services and utilities within the District is primarily the responsibility of a number of Government Departments and Agencies, Magherafelt District Council and statutory bodies.

However, the role of the private sector is becoming more important. The main services are water and sewerage, drainage, flooding, waste disposal, cemeteries, electricity and telecommunications.

The Department consulted with all statutory agencies and bodies with responsibility for the provision of public services and utilities within the District during the preparation of the Plan, and the information provided by those agencies is as contained within the Plan and Public Utilities Technical Supplement.


The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) provides the strategic environmental context for the delivery of public services and utilities.

Prevailing regional planning policy relating to these topics is set out in, PPS 10 - Telecommunications, PPS 11 - Planning and Waste Management, PPS 15 - Planning and Flood Risk and PPS 18 - Renewable Energy.

The Rural Strategy contains current regional planning policy on overhead electricity cables.

Supplementary guidance is contained within DCAN 14: Siting and Design of Radio Telecommunication Equipment.

Water and Sewage

The abstraction, treatment and supply of drinking water and conveyance and treatment of sewage are the responsibility

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of Northern Ireland Water (NIW). Future improvements to this infrastructure are also the responsibility of NIW.

The main water source for the Magherafelt District is Lough Neagh. Water is abstracted from the Lough and treated in the Moyola Water Treatment Works. Treated water is pumped to a command service reservoir at Mullaghboy Hill. Water is supplied from Mullaghboy service reservoir to Magherafelt Town and is also transported to local service reservoirs at Moneymore, Windmill Hill, Gulladuff and Draperstown.

The western side of the District is supplied from Lough Fea Water Treatment Works through a series of service reservoirs, which supply Draperstown, Moydamlaght, Maghera (high area) and Swatragh.

The future infrastructural requirements of the Plan Area are determined on the basis of a number of appraisal studies including Watermain Zonal Studies, Drainage Area Studies and Wastewater Treatment Work Studies.

Throughout the District, NIW has schemes programmed to upgrade the water and sewerage system, where required, and to comply with EU directives, to ensure water quality and meet increasing demand. Details of the current programme of upgrade to the sewerage infrastructure are provided in Appendix 4 of the Plan. This Table lists each Wastewater Treatment Works throughout the Plan Area in five categories. Those listed within category 1 are deemed satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment area that

is proposed in the Plan throughout the plan period. Category 2 details upgraded works that will be operational from March 2012. Category 3 details those Works programmed for upgrade during 2011 to 2013 subject to funding. Category 4 lists those where there is no capacity during the Plan period and Category 5 lists those settlements not currently served by a Waste Water Treatment Works.

Drainage

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Rivers Agency, is the statutory drainage and flood protection authority and will be consulted in relation to applications for development which may affect watercourses and floodplains.

In accordance with government policy, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is committed to the introduction of procedures for the recovery of developer contributions towards the costs of drainage infrastructure improvement work. Currently, drainage improvements necessary to permit development are subject to strict cost/ benefit criteria and scheme prioritisation and whilst drainage works to facilitate development may be identified as viable, their implementation will be dependant on the availability of resources. This situation pertains to a considerable number of sites proposed for housing in the Plan.


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For those sites where necessary infrastructure improvements are not viable, Rivers Agency will not consent to any additional run-off beyond existing rates. In both of these circumstances, developers are recommended to consult with Rivers Agency and Northern Ireland Water (NIW) at an early stage prior to submission of a planning application, in order to ensure proper management and acceptable means of storm water drainage systems.

Many existing urban drainage systems are damaging the environment and are, therefore, not sustainable in the long term. The government wishes to promote a move to Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). These provide a number of techniques for draining an area. Details of SUDs and the techniques are detailed in PPS 15 - Planning and Flood Risk.

While awaiting the final research report into the use of SUDS, current understanding suggests that the use of appropriately scaled and supported SUDs can, in the right circumstances, offer developers the opportunity to proceed with developments which would otherwise be refused due to the increased flood risk they would pose.

There are a number of recorded flooded areas that significantly affect particular settlements within the District. Major areas of flooding are located:

• to the south of Maghera,

• to the north and east of Tobermore

• to the south of Castledawson

• at Upperlands

• at Clady

• at Inishrush

• to the east of Tamlaght

• at Culnady

• at Curran.

This list is not exhaustive nor is it intended to include the floodplain of every watercourse in the District.

The Strategic Flood Map (NI) - Rivers and Sea was published in November 2008 and is available on the Rivers Agency website www.riversagencyni.gov.uk. The main purpose of this map is to give an indication of the areas across Northern Ireland that may be at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The map can be accessed via the internet web viewer which will allow users, subject to acceptance of terms and conditions, to view any specific areas of interest using a search facility and to print sections of the map.

Prospective developers are advised to contact the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Rivers Agency, at an early stage to clarify flooding or floodplain issues that may affect particular sites.

Waste Disposal

It is not the purpose of the Plan to prescribe either the preferred methods of dealing with waste materials or specific sites for new facilities. These matters are determined by the producers or holders of waste in the context of land use policies and the Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland.

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The management of waste is an essential community service. Presently Magherafelt District Council operates a landfill site at Ballymacombs approximately 7 kilometres north east of Magherafelt town.

As part of the North West Region Waste Management Group (NWRWMG) Magherafelt District Council is currently working with 6 other Councils to develop a sustainable solution for waste management in the District. Recycling and composting in the NWRWMG is facilitated through the provision of bottle banks and civic amenity sites within the District. Civic amenity sites are located at Magherafelt, Maghera, Castledawson, Tobermore, Bellaghy, Upperlands, and Draperstown.

Cemeteries

Magherafelt District Council has responsibility for a number of cemeteries

within the District. Some churches also manage associated cemeteries and burial grounds.

Electricity

Northern Ireland Electricity will continue to develop existing 33kV and 11kV distribution networks as customer requirements and demand change in the future. The existing 33kV networks within the District are presently being reinforced.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications provision within the District is primarily the responsibility of British Telecom, supplemented by a number of other private companies. There are a number of providers operating mobile telecommunication networks within the District.


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Minerals Mineral resources within Magherafelt District range from peat, diatomite, limestone, basalt, igneous rock and sand and gravel. Currently peat is extracted and processed at two sites both located just west of the River Bann. The diatomite resource west of Toomebridge is currently inactive. Building and roadstone aggregates are produced from a number of the hard rock quarries lying between Knockcloghrim and Moneymore. As well as producing primary crushed rock for use as hardcore many quarries further crush the material to produce finer aggregate which can be used in a range of secondary processes. Such processes include ready-use concrete, bitumen macadam production and the manufacture of concrete products. These processes increase the value of the aggregates and enable the quarries to compete over greater distances.

Extraction of sand and gravel within Magherafelt occurs at a number of locations. One of the main sources of sand and gravel is Lough Neagh. Lough sand is brought ashore by barge before being processed at one of four land based sites located between Creagh Road / Airfield Road and the northern shoreline of the Lough. Existing land based extraction sites are located in the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the north and east of Lough Fea. Outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there are other smaller sand and gravel operations stretching from near Moneymore in the south to Tobermore in the north.

A survey of existing sand and gravel operations in Magherafelt District carried

out in 2001 indicated production figures for the year 2000 of approximately 960,000 tonnes. Reserves in Lough Neagh have not been estimated.


The RDS includes the following guidelines:

• to maintain a working countryside with a strong mixed use rural economy; and

• to make use of minerals for economic development in a sustainable manner and in a way which assesses the need to exploit the mineral resource against the need to protect and conserve environmental resources.

Prevailing regional planning policies for mineral development are set out in the Rural Strategy. This contains a range of policies for the control of mineral developments including peat extraction, taking into account environmental protection, visual amenity, public safety and traffic considerations. It also includes policies for mineral reserves, valuable minerals, areas of constraint on mineral developments and restoration of mineral workings.

The policies contained in PPS 2 - Planning and Nature Conservation - provide protection for the full range of sites of nature conservation importance, including peatlands.

PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage - sets out the policies for the protection and conservation of archaeological remains and features of the built heritage and embodies the

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Government’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Policy MN 1 Hydrocarbon Exploration

In the event that hydrocarbon exploration identifies the possibility of commercially viable reserves of oil or gas, their exploitation will be considered in the context of the short and long term suitability of the site. Applications which would have a significant adverse impact on the environment will not be permitted.

Limited hydrocarbon exploration has occurred north of Lough Neagh, near Toome, in the early 1990’s. Future exploration under license may identify deposits of oil or gas which are particularly valuable to the Northern Ireland economy. Hydrocarbon extraction is a site specific operation with any potential environmental effects being dependant on the methods used at that site. Applications will be treated on their individual merits having regard to the impact of the specific development on nearby residents, and sites or features designated for their scientific, landscape or heritage interests.

Agriculture, Forestry And Fishing

Agriculture

Agriculture is the predominant land use within the District and employed 2,165 people on 1,222 holdings in 2010. Approximately 76% of farms in the District are involved in cattle and sheep farming. Dairy farming is also important with 141 holdings. The District currently has one of the lowest number of farms producing cereals, general crops or involved in horticulture in Northern Ireland occupying only 5% of the total holdings, whereas it has one of the highest numbers of mixed farms.

Farm size within the District tends to be small with 78% of farms classed as very small by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD (NI) under European standards and only 4% described as large.

Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) are areas where the natural characteristics, including geology, altitude and climate, make it difficult for farmers to compete. However, within these areas, agriculture is the main factor shaping and maintaining valuable landscapes and habitats. Support is paid to farmers in LFAs so that society can continue to enjoy these benefits. LFAs are divided into Disadvantaged and Severely Disadvantaged Areas. 72% of farms in the District fall within LFAs and 32% are categorised as Severely Disadvantaged Areas.


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Forestry

Forestry operations within the District are carried out by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Forest Service. Approximately 1,088 hectares are publicly managed woodland.

Forest Service also assists in the planting and management of privately owned woodlands, including Council owned woodland, through the payment of grants and provision of advice. Establishing new woodland on Council owned land is an inexpensive way of restoring or maintaining the quality of the landscape, whilst contributing to wider Council goals of community development, economic regeneration, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and wood production.

A Community Woodland has been established at Drumlamph by the Woodland Trust in partnership with local communities as part of the “Woods on Your Doorstep” project which began in 1996 with grant assistance from Forest Service and the Millennium Commission.

Community woodlands are intended to mark the millennium and will provide a source of informal recreation, beauty, tranquillity, and quiet enjoyment for local people. The sites will also increase people’s awareness of woodland, contribute to woodland biodiversity and increase the area of new native woodland. The Woodland Trust provides and maintains paths, gates and similar facilities for public access.

Fishing

Lough Neagh supports a substantial commercial fishery, mainly for eels.

The majority of the fishing rights to most rivers in the District are owned by The Honourable the Irish Society, based at Cutts House, Coleraine. These rights are sub leased to a number of angling clubs in the area and most recreational game angling takes place on waters controlled by these clubs, in particular the Moyola and Clady Rivers, and specific stretches of the Lower Bann. These rivers all sustain good runs of salmon and trout and are attractive to visiting anglers.

Lough Beg and the River Bann contain good coarse fish stocks, mainly pike, roach and bream which attract significant angling tourists to the area.

Aquaculture within the District is limited to a small number of rainbow trout farms, which supply fish either directly to the wholesale market or for restocking angling waters. The Moyola angling club operates a salmon hatchery near Draperstown to enhance juvenile stocks in the river.

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The RDS seeks to maintain a working countryside with a strong mixed-use rural economy. It also seeks to create and sustain an attractive and unique rural environment in the interests of the rural community and the Region as a whole.

PPS 21 - Sustainable Development in the Countryside and the Rural Strategy contains current regional planning policies for agricultural and forestry development, agricultural diversification and community woodlands.

Part 3 | Countryside

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CountrysideThe character of the countryside throughout the District, its landscapes, biodiversity and heritage are detailed in the Countryside Assessment Technical Supplement and aspects of the rural economy are outlined under Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing in Part 2 of the Plan.


The overall aim of the Spatial Development Strategy in the RDS in relation to Rural Northern Ireland is to develop an attractive and prosperous rural area, based on a balanced and integrated approach to the development of town, village and countryside, in order to sustain a strong and vibrant rural community, contributing to the overall well being of the Region as a whole.

Designation COU 1 West Lough Neagh Shores Area of High Scenic Value

An Area of High Scenic Value is designated on the West Lough Neagh Shores as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside.

The distinctive landscape of the West Lough Neagh Shores was identified in the Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment 2000 as an area of scenic quality and is designated in the Plan as an Area of High Scenic Value. The area extends, within the Magherafelt District, along the western shoreline of Lough Neagh from Traad Point, through the flat pastures, bog and wet

woodland on the fringes of Lough Neagh and Lough Beg to the woodlands of Portglenone Forest.

Policy for the control of development in Areas of High Scenic Value is contained in Policy CON 1 in Part 2 of the Plan.

Designation COU 2 Slieve Gallion Slopes Area of High Scenic Value

An Area of High Scenic Value is designated on the Slieve Gallion slopes as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside.

The Slieve Gallion slopes were identified in the Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment 2000 as an area of scenic quality and are designated in the Plan as an Area of High Scenic Value. The area is largely within Magherafelt District and forms a distinctive landscape of scenic farmland and deep wooded glens along the western fringes of Slieve Gallion.

Policy for the control of development in Areas of High Scenic Value is contained in Policy CON 1 in Part 2 of the Plan.

Designation COU 3 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance

Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are designated in the locations identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside.

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Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance are designated in accordance with PPS 2 - Planning and Nature Conservation. Sites have been identified on the basis of their flora, fauna or earth science interest. Detailed descriptions of their characteristics are provided in the Countryside Assessment Technical Supplement.

Policy for the control of development within Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance is contained in Policy CON 3 in Part 2 of the Plan.

Designation COU 4 Dispersed Rural Communities

Dispersed Rural Communities (DRCs) are designated at Carntogher and Sixtowns as identified in Map No 1 - Countryside.

The boundary of Carntogher is also identified in Map No 3 - Carntogher.

One focal point has been identified in Sixtowns DRC, the Sixtowns Resource Centre and St Patrick’s Church, around which future development may be appropriate.

Proposals for residential development within the designated area(s) will be regulated in accordance with the provisions of regional planning policy and the criteria established below relating to clusters of residential development.

• The layout should be informal reflecting a clachan style and should not take the form of a suburban type layout typical of urban locations;

• Individual buildings should be simple in form, avoiding ornate front projections and should be modest in scale;

• Development should normally be located close to an existing focal point;

• The number of dwellings in any one cluster should be subject to a maximum of six;

• Existing mature vegetation should be retained;

• Existing dwellings should be retained where possible and where necessary restored to a habitable standard;

• Where appropriate development should be located within a vacant farmyard complex.

The designation of Dispersed Rural Communities (DRC) is based on the criteria contained within PPS 21 - Sustainable Development in the Countryside.

Carntogher DRC is located to the north north-west of Maghera on the edge of the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Sixtowns DRC is located to the south west of Draperstown within the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Plan


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designation has identified the Sixtowns Resource Centre and St Patrick’s Church as the focal point around which future development may be appropriate.

Carntogher and Sixtowns are not served by a public sewerage system. Developers will be required to make arrangements for new development proposals which will satisfy consent to discharge, issued under the Water (NI) Order 1999.

Proposals for non-residential development will be assessed in accordance with the provisions of prevailing regional planning policy.

Designation COU 5 Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes

The following historic parks, gardens, and demesnes of special historic interest are designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and the relevant settlement maps:

Ampertaine House (or Ampertaine),

Ballyscullion House,

Moyola Park.

There is also a Supplementary site at Rockwood, situated beside Ampertaine Primary School, Upperlands.

Prevailing regional planning policy for the protection of historic parks, gardens and demesnes of special historic interest is set

out in PPS 6 - Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage.

Division and enclosure of the landscape since the 17th century has strongly impacted on the appearance of the modern landscape of Magherafelt. These designed landscapes - parks, gardens and demesnes - have changed through time, under management, neglect or new uses so that their historical character may not always be obvious.

The planned landscapes of demesnes with their distinctive features and integration into local vistas still make a valuable contribution to the quality and character of the local landscape.

These areas are detailed in a Register of Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest in Northern Ireland, published by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. This Register summarises the historical significance of each site and the contribution such planned features make to the local landscape. It also seeks to encourage the public, as well as owners, to value and support the protection and maintenance of such sites.

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Issues

Sinks

Issues

Issues

206.6

208.7

(covd)

Sinks

Issues

Sinks

IssuesIssues

Sinks

Issues

Issues

Sinks

Issues

Sinks

138.6

147.6

133.7

136.7

144.1

133.0

140.8

142.7

139.5

134.7

150.3

141.4

154.1

162.3

159.9

138.0

155.9

131.8

144.4

139.3

157.7

Issues

Issues

Sinks

Issues

Issues

Issues

128.1

132.4

Issues

(covd)

Issues

Issues

164.5

166.9

169.1

171.5

172.0

167.9

164.3

163.3

(covd)

Issues

Sinks

Issues

Sinks

Issues

Issues

Gaelic

Football

Collects

Springs

Collects

Collects

Collects

Collects

Ground

Car Park

(in ruins)

BM 164.40

BM 161.79

Reservoir

BM 143.78

BM 164.84

Foot Bridge

PO

Sks

Pond

Pond

Pond

Lower

Church

Doonan

Roohan

Seefinn

Tirkane

An Carn

Bunscoil

Crockbane

Ballyheige

Back Parks

Drumlamph

St Brigid's

Slaghtneill

Naomh Bríd

Craignahaltora

Primary School

Gortinure Bridge

C r o c k m o r e

Enterprise Centre

G r i l l a g h R

i v e r

G r i l l a g h R i v e r

Rath

Rath

Rath

Rath

Rath

Bridge

Bridge

Rockfield

Mullans Town

Tullykeeran

Slaghtneill

Upper Tirkane

Gril

lagh

Riv

er

Chambered Grave


Granaghan Hill

RADHARC AN CHAIRN

RADHARC AN CHAIRN

CARR

OW

MEN

AGH

LANE

R O

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L A

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R O A D

SLAGHTNEILL ROAD

CARR

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MEN

AGH

LANE

S L A G

H T N

E I L L

T I R N O N Y R O A D

S E

E F

I N

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T I R K A N E R O A D

C A

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T I R N O N Y R O A D

T I R

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G R I L L A G H R O A D

G R I

L L A

G H

R O

A D

C O R L A C K Y R O

A D

H A

L F

G A

Y N

E

R O

A D

H A

L F

G A

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R O

A D

G O R T I N U R E R O A D

H A

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G A

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R O

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G O R T I N U R E R O A D

H A L F G A Y N E R O

A D

H A

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O A D

Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 3 - Carntogher Dispersed Rural Community

Dispersed Rural Community

This material is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authorityfrom the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right, NIMA No. EMOU206.1 (2011).


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Transportation Schemes

Proposal COU 6 Park and Ride/Park and Share Transportation Scheme at Castledawson roundabout

A site with development potential for a park and ride/park and share Transportation Scheme is identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside.

Policy for the protection of new Transportation Schemes is contained in PPS 3 - Access, Movement and Parking, Policy AMP 4.

In order to encourage a modal shift from private cars to public transport, the site is identified on a key commuter route between Belfast and Londonderry along which Goldliner bus services operate. It is anticipated that the site, if found to be suitable, may provide additional car parking spaces to facilitate need.

Prior to the completion of a feasibility study, conducted by or on behalf of Roads Service, into the suitability of the sites for the proposed use, planning permission will not be granted for any other form of development which would prejudice the provision of Park and Ride / Park and Share facilities.

Proposal COU 7 Park and Ride/Park and Share Transportation Scheme outside Maghera

Two sites with development potential for park and ride/park and share Transportation Schemes are identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside.


In order to encourage modal shift from private cars to public transport, the sites are identified on a key commuter route between Belfast and Londonderry along which Goldliner bus services operate. It is anticipated that each site, if found to be suitable, may provide additional car parking spaces to facilitate need.

The provision of a slip road as identified in Plan Proposal COU 9 would compliment the provision of Park & Ride/Share facilities at this location.

Prior to the completion of a feasibility study, conducted by or on behalf of Roads Service, into the suitability of the sites for the proposed use, planning permission will not be granted for any other form of development which would prejudice the provision of Park and Ride / Park and Share facilities.

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Proposal COU 8 Transportation Scheme for a new road link between A6 and Aughrim Road

A road line for a Transportation Scheme for the provision of a new link road between the A6 and Aughrim Road is identified on Map No.1 - Countryside and Map No. 4 - Industrial Lands, Creagh.


This road line will stretch between the roundabout on the A6 to the Creagh Road. Part of this road accessing the industrial area from A6 has been constructed.

Proposal COU 9 Transportation Scheme for a new slip road on the northern side of the A6, between the A6 and Tobermore Road, outside Maghera

A road line for the provision of a new slip road between the A6 and Tobermore Road is identified on Map No.1 - Countryside Map.

Policy for the protection of new Transportation Schemes is contained in PPS 3, Policy AMP 4.

The provision of this slip road would complement the provision of Park & Ride/Share facilities identified in Plan Proposal COU 7.

Zoning COU 10 Land zoned for Industry

19.33 Hectares of land at the A6, Creagh is zoned for Industry as identified on Map No. 4 - Industrial Lands, Creagh.

Key Site Requirements

• The site shall be accessed by a purpose built industrial access road, linking to the A6 at the roundabout at the entrance to the industrial area.

• Existing trees and vegetation along the northern boundary of the site to be retained.

• Existing trees along the laneway defining that part of the western boundary adjacent to the electricity sub station are to be retained.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, the existing vegetation along the northern boundary is to be augmented by the planting of a 15 metre landscaping belt of trees and vegetation of native species, to provide screening for the development from the A6 and to assist integration of the industrial buildings.


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• Contemporaneous with the new development, the eastern boundary and also the eastern half of the southern boundary (contiguous with the disused airfield) are to be planted by an 8 to 10 metre belt of trees and vegetation of native species to provide screening for the development from Creagh Road and to assist integration of the industrial buildings.

• Landscaping within the site shall be agreed with the Department at planning application stage.

• A badger survey of the site will be required to be submitted along with any planning application and in advance of any site works. Appropriate protection measures are to be implemented in accordance with the recommendations of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

• The developer’s attention is drawn to the high voltage overhead lines that cross the site which will impose development constraints in their vicinity.

Creagh Business Park

Invest Northern Ireland owns a 22 hectare serviced Business Park at Creagh which is identified on Map No. 4 - Industrial Lands, Creagh.

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LOUGH NEAGH

COU 10


Creagh

COU 8

A6 Toome - CastledawsonDualling Scheme

1

41

36

23

52

11

42

71

82

10

24

50

95

19

74

65

2

4

43

3

70

66

51

45

80

8

99

13

22

19b 17

78

12

163

93

9

6

5

38

49

81

55

105

62

53

44

104

86a

18

36c

60

116

32

30

26

14

19a

67

16

53a

87

88

68

61

84

20

89

63

40

112

97

36a

86

114

35

37

28

21

69

15

76

114a

120

114b

Station

Filling

BM

Well

El P

TCB

15.1

19.3

17.8

15.5

15.6

15.8

15.9

20.1

16.1

20.7

16.5

17.4

17.7

19.8

18.4

20.4

18.6

15.2

19.1

19.2

Pond

Pillar

Ground

Tramways

Tramway

PH

Weighbridge

Conveyor

Club House

WB

Tank

Sinks

Gaelic Football

Tanks

Issues

Trawway

Sks

Footpath

Iss

ESS

16.65

Hall

C R E A G H R O A D

Brick

Works

Pond

Works

Concrete

Creagh House

Factory

Mortar Works

Breakwater

( d i s u s e d )

Products

P o n d

O'Neill Terrace

ESS

Near Aughrim

Sand Pit

Anahorish

Black Park

Primary School

Rices IslandAughrim Hill

A i r f i e l d

(d i s u s e d)

Concrete Products Works

A i r f i e l d

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MEADOWLANDS

C R E A G H

R O A D

N E

C R E A G H R O A D

L A

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G

U

HOLMECROFTE

HOMELANDS

MANOR

A I R F I E L D R O A D

MOYOLA VIEW

D E E R P A R K R O A D

A U G H R I M R O A D

A I R F I E L D

B L A C K P A R K R O A D

MEADOWLANDS

H R I M

CREAGH ROAD

H I L L H E A D

H I L L H E A D R O A D

HILLHEAD ROAD

R O A D

JAMES PARK

0 100 200 Metres

Settlement Development Limit For Information Only


Land Zoned for Industry

Road Proposal Archaeological Site and Monument (Unscheduled)


Protected Route

Road Scheme

Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 4 - Industrial Lands, Creagh

Part 4 | Settlements |

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Part 4 | Settlements

79

Part 4 | Settlements | Towns

80

Towns

Magherafelt

Background

Magherafelt town is the largest settlement in Magherafelt District, with an estimated population in 2001 of 8,289 within the existing limit of development. Magherafelt accommodates approximately 21% of the total population of the District.

Magherafelt is located to the north-west of Lough Neagh. It is some 56 kilometres to the north-west of Belfast and some 65 kilometres to the south-east of Londonderry. Magherafelt lies on the A31 trunk road and is close to the A6 Belfast / Londonderry strategic route.

The town has its roots in the Plantation of Ulster having been established by the Salters’ Company in c.1614. The Plantation legacy is still evident in the town’s wide Broad Street with the Market Square at the top (site of the Plantation castle and bawn), and the ruins of the Planters’ church at the lower end.

The 19th Century Magherafelt consisted of four principal streets; Broad Street, Charity (Rainey) Street, The Pass (Queen Street) and Meeting (Market) Street. Modern development has taken place on and between the arterial routes radiating out from the town centre.

Magherafelt town is situated on rising land to the west of the Lough Neagh lowlands.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by shallow hills and ridges, with occasional distinctive small conical hills and sharp breaks of slope.

Through traffic from the north-east and south-west passes through the town centre and traffic congestion occurs at peak periods. Development of the town is not constrained by water supply, however some drainage improvement works may be required. Periodic flooding occurs in several lower lying areas of the town close to watercourses.


The RDS identifies Magherafelt as having an important role as a local service centre providing retail, health, educational and community facilities for the town’s population and a significant rural hinterland. The town has developed as a relatively strong retail centre and has experienced an above average level of new enterprise start-ups. Agriculture remains important to the local economy.

The RDS recognises that Magherafelt town is well placed in relation to the Regional Strategic Transport Network which is an advantage to its future development. Its location in the heart of the Region and in close proximity to the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provide a good opportunity for developing its tourism function.

The RDS recognises that whilst there is potential for outward growth there are also opportunities for development of inner

81

urban and recycled land within the built fabric of the town.

The RDS recognises that Magherafelt has the potential to build on its role as an important employment centre and to further develop its growing housing, employment and service role. It also emphasises strengthening the town centre and its retail sector, developing public transport where possible and further increasing the economic self-sufficiency of the town.

Development Strategy

Magherafelt is substantially the larger of the two towns within the District. Its prominence in terms of housing, industry, retailing, services, administration, and community facilities, together with its location relative to the regional strategic transportation network and its significant rural hinterland make it a

sustainable location for future development within the District.

In response to the issues impacting on the town and taking account of the RDS the Development Strategy is to:

• define the current settlement development limit in order to identify sufficient lands for development in a variety of locations throughout the Plan period;

• allocate sufficient land for housing in accordance with the Plan Strategy, to provide for choice of location, to maximise the use of vacant or under-developed land within the urban footprint and to promote a compact urban form;

• facilitate the redevelopment of vacant under used lands in the town centre by identifying a range of development opportunity sites;


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• provide a choice of location for a variety of employment uses by zoning additional lands. The zoning of additional areas for industry and employment uses will provide alternative locations to Creagh which accommodates the Invest Northern Ireland (INI) site and other larger scale industrial enterprises.

• provide for the commercial expansion of the town centre by extending the town centre boundary and identifying a primary retail core;

• seek to protect and to enhance the town’s environmental quality by designating and safeguarding local landscapes both within the town and on the urban fringe which contribute to visual amenity, to the setting of the town, or which contain particular features, locally valuable and worthy of retention; and

• designate and protect part of Tobermore Road as an Area of Townscape Character.

Settlement

Designation MT 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

The settlement development limit is designated to take account of the town’s role as a local hub while protecting its natural setting.

The opportunity for outward expansion is constrained in several locations by topographic and environmental factors including elevated land to the north and west and high quality landscape to the north, south and east of the town. The settlement development limit has therefore recognised the important contribution of these elements to the setting of the town.

The settlement development limit maximises the use of existing land within the previous limit of development. The previous limit of development has been extended in several locations in order to provide additional land for housing and industry. The settlement development limit has also been extended to the south, off Moneymore Road and Ballyronan Road, to take account of established industrial development and to the north east to take account of the Sperrin Integrated College.

HousingIn line with its role as a local hub as established by the RDS and its District Town status, it is considered appropriate and in accordance with the RDS, that Magherafelt should accommodate a substantial portion of the District housing allocation.

The Plan makes provision for approximately 2,130 dwellings in Magherafelt town over the Plan period. This includes dwellings built since 31 December 1998, the yield arising from existing commitments and the estimated yield delivered by the housing zonings. A total of approximately 77 hectares of land is zoned for housing in Magherafelt town under Allocation HOU 1 in Part 2 of the

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Housing Zonings

The following sites MT 02 - MT 25 are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

Zoning MT 02 Housing Committed Housing Sites (Built Sites)

The following sites are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt:

MT 02/01 Hospital Road

MT 02/02 Deramore Park

MT 02/03 The Brambles

MT 02/04 The Spires, Station Road

MT 02/05 Sherbourne Park/Heights

MT 02/06 Piney Hill

Committed sites include approved housing sites developed in full or in part for 10 or more dwellings since the commencement of the Plan period.

Plan. Housing lands are identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

Sites have been selected to allow for the efficient use of land within the urban footprint, to provide choice in the housing market and to include existing commitments on sites where development has occurred since the beginning of the Plan period. Other factors influencing site selection include accessibility to the town centre and to public transport and the aim to minimise detrimental impact upon the environment.

Zoned housing land will be developed in accordance with all prevailing regional planning policy and with the relevant Plan Proposals including the key site requirements. These key site requirements may include access requirements, infrastructure requirements, public open space provision, landscaping and other site specific requirements. In the case of the larger sites, the submission to the Department of a Concept Master Plan will be a key site requirement in the interests of comprehensive and quality development.

Some of the zoned housing sites in Magherafelt are subject to drainage constraints. Prospective developers are recommended to consult with Rivers Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and with the Northern Ireland Water (NIW) at an early stage. Further advice is contained in the Public Services and Utilities section in Part 2 of the Plan.


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Zoning MT 03 Housing Committed Housing Sites (Other Sites)

The following sites are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt:

MT 03/01 Desertmartin Road (0.92 ha)

MT 03/02 Mullaghboy Hill Road (1.23 ha)

MT 03/03 Mullaghboy Lane (0.42 ha)

MT 03/04 Tobermore Road (0.86 ha)


MT 03/06 Moneymore Road (0.81 ha)

MT 03/07 Queen’s Avenue (0.22 ha)

MT 03/08 Piney Hill, off Ballyronan Road (0.67 ha)


MT 03/10 South of Aughrim Road (2.41 ha)

Committed sites include sites with planning permission for housing. Only those sites with approval or potential for 10 dwellings or more have been zoned for housing.

The Plan does not stipulate key site requirements for these sites as future development will be subject to the conditions attached to the relevant planning permissions. In the event that such permissions lapse, the Department may alter existing conditions or attach new conditions to any subsequent approval to take account of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposal.

Zoning MT 04 Housing Land opposite 17-33a Ballyronan Road

0.81 hectare of land opposite 17-33a Ballyronan Road is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Housing development to be a minimum gross site density of 22 dwellings per hectare.

• The access is to be located at or close to the mid point of the site frontage onto Ballyronan Road.

• Existing mature trees along the north-east and south-east boundaries are to be retained.

• No dwellings are to back onto Ballyronan Road.

85

Zoning MT 05 Housing Land to south-east of Ballyronan Road

6.0 hectares of land to the south-east of Killowen Drive, Ballyronan Road are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• No development shall commence until a Concept Master Plan to facilitate the comprehensive development of the site has been submitted to and agreed with the Department.


• The site can be accessed from Killowen Drive and Aughrim Road. Access to Aughrim Road via Laurel Brook is also permissible for either an additional 57 dwellings or 75 dwellings in total served by this access.

• The developer is required to submit a Transport Assessment with any subsequent planning application to evaluate the proposals’ transport implications.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, an 8 to 10 metre planted landscape buffer consisting of indigenous trees and hedgerow species to be provided along the south-eastern boundary. This is intended to provide screening for the development and to assist its visual integration with the countryside.

• Provision of a 2 metre minimum planted buffer along the south-western boundary adjoining the petrol filling station to safeguard the amenity of the proposed dwellings.

• Provision of a 2 metre minimum planted buffer along the north western boundary adjoining the industrial estate to safeguard the amenity of the proposed dwellings.

• Existing trees and vegetation along the north-western boundary to be retained.

Zoning MT 06 Housing Land opposite Park Lane, Killyfaddy

0.75 hectare of land opposite Park Lane, Killyfaddy Road is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.




86

• The private lane along the northern boundary of the site to be incorporated into the access road serving the proposed housing.

• Existing trees and vegetation along site boundaries are to be retained except where removal is necessary to facilitate access to the development.

Zoning MT 07 Housing Land at Thornhill Court

0.83 hectare of land at Thornhill Court is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• The site shall be accessed from Coolshinney Road via the Thornhill housing development.

• Housing development shall be limited to a maximum of 17 dwellings in order to comply with access requirements.

• Existing trees along the eastern boundary of the site with Moneymore Road are to be retained.

• Residential layout to be designed to ensure that dwellings front onto Moneymore Road.

Zoning MT 08 Housing Land between Coolshinney Road and Moneymore Road (adjacent to Thornhill Avenue)

3.17 hectares of land between Coolshinney Road and Moneymore Road (adjacent to Thornhill Avenue) are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Housing development shall be a minimum gross site density of 16 dwellings per hectare.

• Access to the site shall be taken from Coolshinney Road.

• A right turn lane on Coolshinney Road which must not compromise a right turn lane into site MT 15.

• Residential layout to be designed to ensure that dwellings front onto Coolshinney Road and Moneymore Road.

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Zoning MT 09 Housing Land Between Coolshinney Road and Moneymore Road

1.32 hectares of land between Coolshinney Road and Moneymore Road are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• A right turn lane on Moneymore Road which must not compromise a right turn lane into site MT 14.

• Residential layout to be designed to ensure that dwellings front onto Moneymore Road.

• No dwellings are to back onto Coolshinney Road.

• Existing trees and vegetation along the northern boundary to be retained.

Zoning MT 10 Housing Land between Mullaghboy Hill Road and Lisadell Drive

1.32 hectares of land between Mullaghboy Hill Road and Lisadell Drive are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• The southern part of the site shall be reserved for single storey development with a maximum ridge height of 5.5 metres. This area is defined as land to the south of the 80 metre contour line.

• The layout is to be designed to ensure that dwellings do not back onto Mullaghboy Hill Road.

• Existing trees and vegetation along the western boundary of the site to be retained.

• The layout is to avoid retaining walls in excess of 1.5 metres.


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Zoning MT 11 Housing Land between Tobermore Road and Desertmartin Road

1.68 hectares of land between Tobermore Road and Desertmartin Road are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• The site lies within an Area of Townscape Character and any future planning application will be considered within the context of prevailing regional planning policy and Designation MT 35.

• Housing development shall be limited to a maximum of 11 dwellings to recognise the location of the site within a designated Area of Townscape Character which is characterised by low residential density.

• A planning application for development of the site must be accompanied by a fully detailed tree survey carried out by a qualified arboriculturist.

• The following areas within the site are excluded from development:

(1) A copse of mature trees on the Desertmartin Road frontage located between No.7 Desertmartin Road and the driveway to Mullaghboy House.

(2) Belts of mature trees around the perimeter of the site and inside the site boundary.

Development in proximity to a tree will not be permitted within a distance equating to half of the height of the tree or the equivalent of the crown spread, whichever is the greater, unless required for access points, which shall be minimised.

• The layout is to be designed to ensure a built frontage of two-storey, detached dwellings to Tobermore Road. A maximum of 5 such dwellings set back at least 30 metres from the site frontage will be permitted. This is to reflect the existing building line and built form on Tobermore Road.

• The remainder of the dwellings shall be provided in the western portion of the site adjacent to the Fern Drive housing. House types in this area may be semi-detached or detached and either single or 2 storey. These dwellings must not back onto Desertmartin Road.

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Zoning MT 12 Housing Land at Hospital Road, adjacent to Regency Court

0.23 hectare of land at Hospital Road, adjacent to Regency Court, is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Access to the site shall be via Regency Court.

• The layout is to be designed to ensure a built frontage of 2 to 2.5 storey, terraced blocks to Regency Court.

• Mature trees and existing vegetation along the stream which defines the north-east and north-west boundaries of the site are to be retained.

Zoning MT 13 Housing Land at Killyfaddy Road, to south of Park Lane

1.74 hectares of land at Killyfaddy Road, to the south of Park Lane, are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Housing development to be a minimum gross site density of 10 dwellings per hectare and a maximum gross density of 15 dwellings per hectare to take account of the topography of the site.

• Steeply sloping and elevated land above the 80 metre contour level shall be reserved for single storey development with a maximum ridge height of 5.5 metres.

• The site is to be accessed via Park Lane.

• A right turn lane on Killyfaddy Road.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, an 8 to 10 metre planted landscape buffer consisting of indigenous trees and hedgerow species to be provided along the southern boundary. This is intended to assist visual integration of the new development with the countryside.

• The layout is to be designed to ensure that dwellings front onto Killyfaddy Road.


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• No dwellings are to back onto Park Lane between Killyfaddy Road and number 18 Park Lane.

• Retaining walls shall not exceed 1.5 metres in height.

Zoning MT 14 Housing Land at Moneymore Road

14.92 hectares of land at Moneymore Road are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• No development shall commence until a Concept Master Plan to facilitate the comprehensive development of the site has been submitted to and agreed with the Department. The Concept Master Plan shall incorporate details of any phasing proposed by the developer.

• Housing development to be a minimum gross site density of 20 dwellings per hectare and a maximum gross density of 25 dwellings per hectare.

• Direct access from the site will not be permitted to the proposed bypass.

• The existing mound and associated scrub vegetation, located along the north-east boundary in proximity to Manor Downs and Manor Avenue, shall be retained and incorporated into the overall design and layout of the scheme, as an area of public open space and wildlife habitat.

• The existing mature vegetation and trees at the south-western end of the site, located to the rear of the primary school and further to the south-west, shall be retained and incorporated into the overall design and layout of the scheme, as an area of public open space and wildlife habitat.

• Contemporaneous with the new development an 8 to 10 metre planted landscape buffer consisting of indigenous trees and hedgerow species to be provided along the south-east boundary.

Zoning MT 15 Housing Land at Coolshinney Road

3.39 hectares of land at Coolshinney Road are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



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• A right turning lane is required on Coolshinney Road. This must not compromise provision of a right turn lane into site MT 08.

• Access arrangements and dwelling layout to be designed to ensure a built frontage onto Coolshinney Road.

• Existing hedgerows and trees along the north and west boundaries to be retained.

Zoning MT 16 Housing Land at Mullaghboy Road

0.41 hectare of land at Mullaghboy Crescent is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• The design layout shall ensure that no dwellings back onto Mullaghboy Crescent.

Zoning MT 17 Housing Land at Tobermore Road

3.04 hectares of land at Tobermore Road are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• A right turning lane on Tobermore Road.

• Housing development in the field to the rear (western-most field) shall be restricted to single or 1.5 storey with a maximum ridge height of 6.0 metres.

• Access arrangements and dwelling layout to be designed to ensure a built frontage onto Tobermore Road.

• Existing boundary trees and vegetation are to be retained. Contemporaneous with the proposed development, an 8 to 10 metre planted landscape belt consisting of indigenous tree and hedgerow species to be provided along the north and west site boundaries to augment existing vegetation. This is intended to provide screening for the development and to assist visual integration of the new development with the countryside.


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Zoning MT 18 Housing Land at Ballyheifer Road

11.14 hectares of land off Ballyheifer Road are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• No development shall commence until a Concept Master Plan to facilitate the comprehensive development of the site has been submitted to and agreed with the Department. The Concept Master Plan shall incorporate details of any phasing proposed by the developer.

• Housing development to be at a minimum of 20 dwellings per hectare.

• The mature trees and vegetation along the disused rail bed shall be retained except where removal is required to facilitate access.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, an 8 to 10 metre planted landscape buffer consisting of indigenous trees and hedgerow species to be provided along the north-east boundary of the site. This is intended to assist visual integration of the new development with the countryside and with the adjacent Local Landscape Policy Area.

Zoning MT 19 Housing Land at Westland Drive

0.35 hectare of land at Westland Drive is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• Access to be via Westland Drive; existing parking provision to be accommodated within the proposed development.

• The design layout shall ensure a built frontage onto Westland Drive.

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Zoning MT 20 Housing Land at Killowen Drive

0.72 hectare of land at Killowen Drive is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• Access to be via Killowen Drive, which must not compromise access to MT 05.

• Right turn lane to be provided on Ballyronan Road into Killowen Drive.

• The design layout shall ensure a built frontage onto Ballyronan Road.

• The design layout shall ensure that dwellings do not back onto Killowen Drive.

Zoning MT 21 Housing Land at Tobermore Road/Hospital Road

1.74 hectares of land at Tobermore Road/Hospital Road is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

No key site requirements specified.

Zoning MT 22 Housing Land south of Aughrim Road and east of Laurel Brook

3.50 hectares of land south of Aughrim Road and east of Laurel Brook is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Housing development to be a minimum gross density of 20 dwellings per hectare and a maximum gross density of 25 dwellings per hectare;

• All existing trees, shrubs and hedgerows within the site and on its boundaries shall be retained unless the Department determines that such vegetation is not of a quality to merit retention or is required to be removed to facilitate proposed development;

• A Flood Risk Assessment of the watercourses within and adjacent to the site shall be carried out and submitted to the Department to inform proposals for development of the site. Potential developers are advised to contact Rivers Agency at an early stage for advice; and

• A Transport Assessment, agreed with DRD Roads Service, shall be required to identify the extent of any necessary improvements to the road network/public transport/transportation facilities in the area.


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Zoning MT 23 Housing Land including No. 8 Pound Road

1.10 hectares of land including and surrounding No. 8 Pound Road is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Upgrade existing footway on the northern side of Aughrim Road and provide a footway/cycleway across the site frontage; and

• Any subsequent planning application for housing development on this site shall be accompanied by a survey showing vegetation within and on the site’s boundaries, detailing trees’ health, indicating vegetation to be retained and including measures to protect vegetation during construction.

Zoning MT 24 Housing Land to the west of Beechgrove Heights

1.46 hectares of land west of Beechgrove Heights is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Housing development to be at a maximum gross density of 15 dwellings per hectare;

• All existing trees, shrubs and hedgerows within the site and on the boundaries shall be retained unless the Department determines that such vegetation is not of a quality to merit retention or it is required to be removed to facilitate access;

• A planning application for development of the site must be accompanied by a fully detailed tree survey carried out by a qualified arboriculturist;

• The planting of new trees, shrubs and hedges of native species shall be carried out as agreed with the Department;

• A 5 to 8 metre wide landscape buffer of trees and hedges of native species shall be planted along the site’s western and southern boundaries; and

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IndustryIn keeping with the status of Magherafelt as a local hub within the context of the RDS, and as the District Town, it is proposed to provide the opportunity to further develop its role as a location of employment, by zoning some 11.4 hectares of industry / employment land within the settlement development limit.

There are pockets within some of the existing industry sites which remain undeveloped or vacant. A previously zoned site at Station Road remains undeveloped. It is zoned for industry in the Plan.

An additional 3 areas are zoned for industrial development in accordance with Allocation IND 1 in Part 2 of the Plan. All industrial zonings are identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt. These lands are in a variety of locations to allow for a range of industrial types and site choice.

Applications for planning permission within these sites will be determined in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy and the key site requirements in the Plan.

• Buildings’ ridge heights shall be a maximum of 6.0 metres above existing ground level.

Zoning MT 25 Housing Land at Mullaghboy Lane

4.28 hectares of land at Mullaghboy Lane is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Housing development to be a minimum gross density of 20 dwellings per hectare and a maximum gross density of 25 dwellings per hectare;

• A Transport Assessment, agreed with DRD Roads Service, is required to identify any necessary improvements to the road network/public transport/transportation facilities in the area;

• All existing trees, shrubs and hedgerows within the site and on the boundaries shall be retained unless the Department determines that such vegetation is not of a quality to merit retention or it is required to be removed to facilitate a safe means of access to the site; and

• A 5 to 8 metre wide landscape buffer of trees and hedges of native species shall be planted along the site’s southern and western boundaries.


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Industrial Zonings

The following sites MT 26 - MT 29 are zoned for industry as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

Zoning MT 26 Industry Land at Station Road

0.9 hectare of land at Station Road is zoned for industry as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• The site is to be used for light industrial use as defined in Class B2 of the Planning (Use Classes) Order 2004 and for no other type of industrial use. Where it is established that part of the site has an authorised use within Classes B3 or B4, an exception may be merited.

• Access arrangements and industrial layout are to ensure that buildings do not back onto Station road.

• All new development shall provide a high quality of layout and design.

• Buildings shall exhibit variety in their elevational treatment and heights.

• Any open storage areas are to be located so as to be screened from view from Station Road.

• The existing hedgerow along the Station Road site frontage to be retained.

The proximity of the site to the NIW and Roads Service depots render the site suitable for an industrial use.

Zoning MT 27 Industry Land at Ballyronan Road

1.9 hectares of land at Ballyronan Road are zoned for industry as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• Access arrangements and industrial layout are to ensure that buildings do not back onto Ballyronan Road.

• Any open storage areas to be located so as to be screened from view from Ballyronan Road.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, an 8 to 10 metre planted landscape buffer consisting of indigenous trees and hedgerow species is to be provided along the site’s southern and south-eastern boundaries.

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Zoning MT 28 Industry Land at Ballymoghan Road

5.0 hectares of land at Ballymoghan Road are zoned for industry as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• Buildings shall exhibit variety in their elevational treatment and heights.

• Ballymoghan Road will require widening to accommodate industrial traffic. The developer is advised to consult with Roads Service at an early stage.

• Development of the site is dependant on the provision of a right turn lane from the A31 into Ballymoghan Road. The developer is advised to consult with Roads Service at an early stage.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, the south-east and north-east boundaries of the site are to be planted with an 8-10 metre belt of trees of native species designed to provide screening for the development, to assist integration of industrial buildings with the countryside and to reduce the outbreak of noise from the site relative to adjoining dwellings.

• Landscaping to be carried out along the site frontage to Ballymoghan Road and within the site in line with Departmental guidance at planning application stage.

Zoning MT 29 Industry Land at Ballymoghan Road

3.63 hectares of land at Ballymoghan Road are zoned for industry as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.



• Buildings shall exhibit variety in their elevational treatment and height.

• Ballymoghan Road will require to be widened to accommodate industrial traffic. The developer is advised to consult with Roads Service at an early stage.

• Development of the site is dependant on the provision of a right turn lane from the A31 into Ballymoghan Road. The developer is advised to consult with Roads Service at an early stage.


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• Contemporaneous with the new development, the west and south-east boundaries of the site are to be planted with an 8 to 10 metre belt of trees of native species designed to provide screening for the development, to assist integration of industrial buildings with the countryside and to reduce the outbreak of noise from the site relative to adjoining dwellings.

• Landscaping to be carried out along the site frontage to Ballymoghan Road and within the site in line with Departmental guidance at planning application stage.


The following major areas of existing industrial land are identified for information only on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

• Station Road Industrial Estate

• Aughrim Road Industrial Estate

• Concrete works, Ballyronan Road

• Henry Brothers Industrial site, Moneymore Road.

TransportationMagherafelt is situated on the A31 trunk road and approximately 1.6 kilometres from the A6, the strategic route between Belfast and Londonderry. A major road scheme to upgrade the A6 between the end of the M22 motorway at Randalstown and the A31 at Castledawson to dual carriageway standard will further enhance this strategic route, providing a safer network with more reliable journey times.

The implementation of the proposed A6 upgrade is being brought forward through the Roads Service statutory process. Following a public inquiry the route as shown on the Plan Map No 1 - Countryside, for information purposes, was confirmed by Direction Order which came into effect on 7th May 2011.

The A31 is also part of the east-west route north of Lough Neagh linking the west of the Province with the A6 and the major urban areas in the east. Consequently, the road system within the town carries a high proportion of through traffic in addition to locally generated traffic.

In the town centre, the local network converges on the junctions at The Diamond. As a result, Broad Street, Market Street, Queen Street and Rainey Street as well as Union Road and Church Street each carry high volumes of traffic. On-street parking and the limited capacity of the main junctions in the town to deal with traffic exacerbate the situation. The results are congestion, particularly at peak times, conflict with pedestrians, degradation of the

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Environment and Conservation The following sites MT 30 - MT 34 are designated as Local Landscape Policy Areas as identified on Map No 1 - Countryside and Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

Designation MT 30 Local Landscape Policy Area Mullaghboy Hill Slopes

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

Those features or combination of features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of these areas are listed below:

• Localised hill and associated vegetation contributes to the setting of the town, especially when viewed from the west;

• Attractive green slopes with visually significant mature trees in field boundaries contributes to the setting of the town;

• The hill and vegetation form a good entrance feature into the town from the west and a significant visual stop to the edge of the settlement development limit.

environment and a diminished attractiveness of the town centre as a shopping destination.

Six off street car parking areas, two of which are privately controlled, serve the town centre and in addition there is a considerable amount of on-street parking.

A31 Magherafelt Bypass

The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan 2015 (RSTN TP) provides for the provision of a bypass to the town of Magherafelt in order to relieve traffic congestion on the A31 trunk route which currently passes through the town centre. The proposal is further supported by the Investment Delivery Plan (IDP) for Roads, published in 2008.

This proposal is being taken forward through the Roads Service statutory process. Following a public inquiry the route as shown on the Plan Map No 5 - Magherafelt, was confirmed by Direction Order which came into effect on 25th October 2010.Timing of construction will be dependent on availability of finance.

This new road will bypass the town to the east. It will extend from the A31 Moneymore Road to the south of the town, to the A6 at Castledawson Roundabout to the north, thus providing an alternative route for strategic traffic. The Line as shown on Map No 5 is shown for information purposes only.


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Designation MT 31 Local Landscape Policy Area Glebe Lands



• Localised hill occupied by an historical grouping of the old Planters’ church and graveyard (an historic monument) on the site of a medieval Parish church, 2 rectories (listed buildings) and Glebe lands, including their mature settings and views from various parts of the town;

• Mature trees within boundary hedges are visually significant environmental assets, and a valuable townscape feature, a focus at the bottom of Broad Street and a distinctive form seen from Union Street.

Designation MT 32 Local Landscape Policy Area King Street



• Historically and visually significant grouping of locally important buildings - the Presbyterian Manse, 2 Parochial Houses, listed St. Swithin’s (C of I) Church, and associated vegetation including mature trees, the majority of which are within boundary hedges;

• Small hill with mature woodland is of wildlife value and is visually significant in the local landscape and townscape;

• Listed Church of Ireland Church, a blackstone building in Gothic style, is prominent in the townscape of Church Street and in views, especially from Church Street / Castledawson Road;

• Presbyterian Manse and Parochial House are large substantial properties on large sites with mature vegetation. They are individually distinctive and contribute to the character of the historic core of the town.

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Designation MT 33 Local Landscape Policy Area Brennen Court



• Mature vegetation including trees along the Roadside boundary, visually significant in the local landscape, and a distinctive feature on a main approach to the town centre;

• Listed building in mature grounds with listed boundary wall contribute to the built character of the local area;

• Sensitively designed sheltered housing scheme contributes to the built character of the local area.

Designation MT 34 Local Landscape Policy Area North and East Magherafelt

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.


• Significant groups of mature trees along the Tobermore Road and adjacent field boundaries, north of the Hospital Road junction, form a good entrance feature to the town;

• Ballyheifer House is a late Georgian farmhouse, a listed and locally important building. It is set within mature treed grounds and on a low hill, and is visually significant in the local landscape;

• Irish Hill and Donnelly’s Hill are raised localised landforms along the town’s northern boundary and are visible in the wider landscape. They incorporate good hedgerows and are part of the traditional rural setting of the town;

• Important green slopes with hedgerows to the north of Station Road industrial estate, which defines the edge of the town at this place, and are part of the traditional rural the setting of the town;


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• Windmill Hill is a raised localised landform on the town’s eastern boundary, is visible in the wider landscape, especially from Pound Road and contributes to the setting of the town. It incorporates good hedgerows and mature trees and helps form a backdrop to the town to the east;

• Several stream corridors traverse the area, acting as wildlife corridors, often with visually significant treed banks and steep slopes, contributing to the quality landscape;

• The range of land cover including wetland, grassland, hedges and trees are of value for biodiversity.

This large LLPA is an area of distinctive landscape that historically has been used and transformed in various ways, ranging from agricultural uses represented by traditional field patterns to the intensively shaped and planted parkland of the country houses. It is the most distinctive part of the town and makes a major contribution to its sense of place, and provides an outstanding approach to the town from the main A6 Road.

Policy for the control of development in Local Landscape Policy Areas is contained in Policy CON 2 in Part 2 of the Plan.

• Mature trees and other significant vegetation within Polepatrick Cemetery and parklands contribute to the quality of the approaches and entrance into the town from the north-east, and are a significant visual stop to the edge of the settlement development limit;

• Mature trees along both sides of the Castledawson Road, adjacent to Polepatrick Cemetery and north-eastwards to St. John’s RC Church, form a good entrance feature into the town from the north-east;

• St. John’s RC Church (and graveyard) is a locally important building situated on a visually prominent site off the Castledawson Road, with a backdrop of mature trees along two of its boundaries, contributing to the setting of the town and the quality of the approaches from the north east;

• Glenbrook House is a listed and locally important building in a mature estate landscape. Mature trees along field and lane boundaries contribute to the quality of the wider area, and to the character of the approach to the town from the north-east;

• Millbrook House is a locally important building in a mature estate landscape. Mature trees along field and lane boundaries contribute to the quality of the wider area, and to the character of the approach to the town from the north-east;

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Designation MT 35 Area of Townscape Character

An Area of Townscape Character is designated as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt.

The key features of the area which will be taken into account when assessing development proposals against prevailing regional planning policy are as follows:

• Mostly large, 2 storey and detached, residential properties;

• Properties in large mature gardens, set back from the road with long front garden areas;

• Variety of house types from traditional to modern design;

• Mullaghboy House, a large 2-storey Victorian property set within a substantial site, which is bounded by mature trees. These trees make a significant contribution to the character of the area;

• Built form is subservient to the mature trees and other vegetation;

• Residential properties in single occupancy use.

The ATC has a strong sense of place based on regularity of form, built and enclosed, and variety of mature planting, which have been deliberately combined to create a tranquil suburb which is a pleasing contrast with the vitality of the town centre.

The retention of existing vegetation will be a prime constraint to new development.

The form and scale of existing dwellings, and their proportion, in relation to their setting, contribute to the high amenity value of the Area. Low density development with a sensitive approach will therefore be required to any new development. Maintaining the character and relationship of buildings and spaces will be fundamental in considering the setting and orientation of any new proposals in order to safeguard the amenity of neighbouring properties.

Part of the character of this ATC is the juxtaposition of a wide range of building style and materials. The earlier properties often have a smooth render or wet dash finish with a natural slate roof. Later properties introduce pebbledash and large areas of brick. Some dwellings use concrete interlocking roof tiles. There are examples of semi-detached and single storey dwellings, and hip roofs. This variety allows more flexibility in the design of any new building that might be acceptable, but design principles must reflect those that are established, and new build must harmonise with the group. Vertical proportions and a high solid to void ratio are common themes in the building design.

It should be noted that part of the ATC is zoned for housing under Zoning MT 11.

Policy for the control of development in ATCs is contained in PPS 6 (Addendum) - Areas of Townscape Character.

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Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation Magherafelt District Council owns and manages outdoor playing spaces and other areas of open space throughout Magherafelt town. The single largest area for outdoor playing space is at Meadowbank on the Ballyronan Road. This is further supplemented by playing fields and a playground at Stoney Park, adjacent to the Greenvale Leisure Centre, close to the town centre.

The following major areas of existing open space are identified for information only on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt:

• Playing fields adjacent to Leckagh Drive;

• Rainey Endowed School playing fields;

• St Mary’s Grammar School playing fields;

• St Pius X High School playing fields;

• Meadowbank Sports Arena and Hatrick Park.

Additionally, there are private bowling, golf and rugby facilities in the town.

Magherafelt District Council has not identified a need for additional land for open space over the Plan period.

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Town Centre Magherafelt town is the main shopping and retail services centre for the District and surrounding rural areas. It is located close to the Key Transport Corridor between Belfast and Londonderry and is linked to Cookstown via the A31. It has a multi-functional role providing educational, health, administrative, community and recreational facilities as well as being the focus of commercial activity for the area.

The town has several independent retailers providing a range of convenient and comparison goods centred on Broad Street and The Diamond. Meadowlane Shopping Centre contains some of the national retailers and there are several public houses, cafes, offices and banks throughout the town. There are several vacant properties and some gap sites in the town particularly close to the Broad Street/Church Street junction. There are current opportunities for new retail activities within the town centre particularly close to the Broad Street/Church Street junction where there are a number of vacant and under-utilised units. These have the potential to be refurbished or redeveloped with the option of utilising upper floors for non-retail use.

There is good pedestrian access to the centre from the bus depot located behind Broad Street and the main car parks located off Union Road, King Street, Rainey Street and Fair Hill. However, vehicular access to the town centre car parks is hampered by significant traffic congestion caused by the volume of locally generated and through traffic.

There are a number of sites within the town centre which present opportunities for development.

Designation MT 36 Town Centre

A Town Centre is designated for Magherafelt as identified on Map No. 5 - Magherafelt and Map No. 5a - Magherafelt Town Centre.

The Development Strategy seeks to accommodate growth in the commercial role of the town centre by extending the town centre boundary and identifying a primary retail core.

The town centre has been designated to include a wide range of commercial and non-commercial uses and reflects the main business activity area. It includes Broad Street, the Diamond, Market Street, Queen Street, Church Well Lane, Church Street, Meeting Street, Fair Hill, Garden Street and sections of Union Road, King Street, Kirk Avenue, Moneymore Road and Rainey Street.

Development proposals within the town centre will be processed in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy and relevant policies within the Plan.


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Development proposals within the primary retail core will be processed in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy.

The following sites MT 38 - MT 43 are designated as Development Opportunity Sites as identified on Map No. 5a - Magherafelt Town Centre.

Designation MT 38 Development Opportunity Site 19-21 Broad Street

A Development Opportunity Site is designated as identified on Map No. 5a - Magherafelt Town Centre.

Key Site Requirement:

• Development proposals shall include retail use at street level.

This is a vacant site of 0.07 hectare, part of which is situated in the primary retail core in a prominent location. It contains a substantial hoarding filling a gap in the street frontage scene and gives a poor impression of the town centre where recent new developments have striven to achieve a higher design standard.

Designation MT 37 Primary Retail Core

A Primary Retail Core is designated within Magherafelt Town Centre as identified on Map No. 5a - Magherafelt Town Centre.

The purpose of identifying a primary retail core is to allow control to be exercised over development inside that area to ensure the continuance of a compact and attractive shopping environment, offering both choice and convenience.

The area includes the main retail outlets such as Stewarts supermarket, the Diamond Centre, Cuddy’s and on the fringe is the Meadowlane Shopping Centre. It is a compact form centred around Broad Street, The Diamond, Market Street and Rainey Street with an extension to the south to include the Meadowlane Shopping Centre. The primary retail core also contains several banks and professional offices which are convenient in a shopping environment but any further expansion at street level within shopping frontages can displace significant amounts of retail floorspace, reduce shopper activity and impact upon the commercial viability of the area.

There are two development opportunity sites identified within the primary retail core, on vacant land at 19-21 Broad Street and 1-7 King Street in which the Department will encourage and facilitate the development of additional retail floorspace and an enhanced range of shops.

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Designation MT 39 Development Opportunity Site 1-7 King Street


Key Site Requirements:

• Development proposals shall include retail use at street level;

• Development proposals shall be of a similar scale and appearance to the adjacent terrace in King Street.

This is a vacant site of 0.04 hectare mostly within the primary retail core. It is in a highly visible location at the junction of King Street and Church Street where traffic enters the town from the east and north.

Designation MT 40 Development Opportunity Site Land between 45 & 49 King Street


Key Site Requirement:

• Development proposals shall respect the amenity of the adjoining dwelling and church properties.

This is an undeveloped site measuring 0.38 hectare located between a bungalow and

a church hall and bordering the grounds of the First Magherafelt Presbyterian Church and Our Lady of the Assumption Church. The site is suitable for a mix of residential and commercial uses. The land rises to the south and west of the site which may restrict the buildable area.

Designation MT 41 Development Opportunity Site Land at Fair Hill


This site measures 0.45 hectare and incorporates an enclosed field and Government offices at the junction with Aughrim Road. The site is at a significant location on the main approach to the town from the east. The long established prefabricated office buildings are unattractive and detract from the appearance of the street scene. The site is suitable for a range of uses including office, institutional and community uses.

Designation MT 42 Development Opportunity Site Land at rear of Queen Street and Market Street


This site measures 0.75 hectare and incorporates the former cinema in Queen


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The following sites MT 44 - MT 45 are designated as Protected Town Centre Housing Areas as identified on Map No. 5a - Magherafelt Town Centre.

Designation MT 44 Protected Town Centre Housing Area Garden Street

A Protected Town Centre Housing Area is designated as identified on Map No. 5a - Magherafelt Town Centre.

Designation MT 45 Protected Town Centre Housing Area King Street

A Protected Town Centre Housing Area is designated as identified on Map No. 5a - Magherafelt Town Centre.

Policy for the control of development in Protected Town Centre Housing Areas is contained in Policy HOU 2 in Part 2 of the Plan.

Street and several portions of backland currently in use as a fuel depot, service yards, car parking and vacant land. Vehicular access is available from Queen Street and Kirk Avenue with other pedestrian only accesses also possible. The area is bounded on its southern side by the rear gardens of dwellings along Queen’s Avenue. The site is suitable for office, leisure, entertainment, cultural and service uses.

Designation MT 43 Development Opportunity Site The Market Yard, Rainey Street


This is a historic site on the edge of the town centre that consists of mid and late Victorian basalt built 2 and 3-storey buildings surrounded by a high basalt wall, all of which are listed as of historic and architectural significance. Until recently it operated as a livestock market but now remains largely vacant. There is a current full planning approval for retail and offices units and a restaurant on the site. The site is suitable for offices and retail, a farmers market, variety market, or a leisure, cultural or community facility. Prospective developers are advised to liase with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency at an early stage.

Policy for the control of development in development opportunity sites is contained in Policy SETT 3 in Part 2 of the Plan.

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MT 44

MT 43

MT 32

MT 41

MT 40

MT 37

MT 42

MT 38

MT 39 MT 45

8 & 9

6 & 7

24 to 28

8

9

4

9

10

2

1

1

5

2

2

1

7

50

7

47

6

4

7

15

9

16

9

54

18

25

3

79

5

8

11

4

60

56

31

51

55

13

2 3

55

23

70

82

8

36

10

15

2

1

3

16

29

67

29

96

6

6

44

2

2

81

1

1

25

7

12

1

17

63

98

3840

10

8

1

46

4

1

2

7

92

2

91

7

10

57

12

43

69

80

59

53

1

43

51

31

37

8

8

23

6

9

39

13

2

1

41

1

25

7

2

27

19

30

22

52

3

11

7

30

14

33

14

3624

11

16

25

13

9

15

88

16

53

2

45

44

12

10

10

22

78

2

41

28

1

42

5

18

1

27

6

25

22

39

8

3

20

58

67

41

40

38

9

6

17

65

41

17

23

12

35

37

60

7

45

14

2632

32

34

29

2

17

51

19

13

5

47

26

57

5

37

29

17

56

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3

39

49

23

41

51

7

2

15

7

18

43

38

4

1

12

28

7

42

2

25

19

24

40

38

4

10

1

2

23

32

26

15

13

28

17

14

22

16

14

20

1223

16

36

1

9

4

22

8

26

11

40

45

11

6

40

13

28

32

2

3

68

11

21

25

27

15

31

4

29

46

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21

19

24

11

38

29

26

18

2718

76

18

7

24

9

16

5

4 19

2

12

24

34

53

14

15

8

9

6

6 13

1

45

13

1

3

14

5

3

42

12

3

2

6

90

19

78

16

15

8

14

38

9

7

92

48

13

17

94

1

10

79

42

26

12

16

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14

15

16

20

1

13

46

5

1

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56

18

4458

18

13

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79

50

44

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1

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46

1715

10

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48

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58

56

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261

30

20

1

17

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1

20

21

5

8

2

13

4

25

13

7

12

4

31

9

15

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32

7

15

3

22

26

7

16

6

8

10

6

11

36

1

7

4

8

2

10

11

30

36

116

108

64a

30a

36a

20b

20a

26b

24c

28c

1 to

6

35a-

c

7 to 1

8 1

0

7a & b

7 to

1

25 to

15

42 - 48

33 to 29

48 to 56

16 -

18

50 to 54

80 to 82

62

Sloping Mas Slpg Mry

Roundabout

Sloping Masonry

Sloping Masonry

The Three Spires

Parochial House

LB

Tk

LB

Fs

Tk

Fs

LB

BM

BM

BM

PH

PH

Ps

PH

Ps

PH

Ps

PH

LB

PH

Ps

PH

PO

PH

PH

BM

PH

LB

74.2

76.2

72.0

70.1

68.5

77.4

66.4

65.2

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60.0

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55.5

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63.3

61.2

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54.8

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71.3

71.0

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71.0

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78.78

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Sinks Sinks

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Issues

Factory

Station

Car Park

Car Park

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Nursery

BM 60.95

Library

Car Park

Car Park

Pavilion

Car Park

Car Park

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BM 58.98

Rectory

Playground

Grave Yard

Government

(in ruins)

Magherafelt

Presbyterian

Magherafelt

Union Arcade

Court House

Timber Works

Bowling Green

Playing Field

Police Station

Playing Field

Parochial Houses

First Magherafelt

Library &Tourist Office

P l a y i n g F i e l d

Fold

House

Church

Church

Church

Church

Church

Baptist

Fairhill

Marriott

Greenvale

Grave Yard

Union Road

Meadowell

Magherafelt

St Swith

in's

Magherafelt

Magherafelt

Our Lady of

Presbyterian

Gospel Hall Magherafelt

Leisure Centre

Primary School

the Assumption

The North East

Industrial Estate

Magherafelt Campus and Higher EducationInstitute of Further

Rainey Endowed School

Meadow Lane

Shopping Centre

MAGHERAFELT

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0 25 50 Metres

Primary Retail Core For Information Only

Protected Route

Local Landscape Policy Area


Please refer to Map No. 5 - Magherafelt for designations, proposals and zonings

outside the Town Centre

0 50 100 Metres

Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 5a - Magherafelt Town Centre

Development Opportunity Site

Town Centre

Protected Town Centre Housing Area

Area of Archaeological Potential

Archaeological Site and Monument (Unscheduled)


110

Maghera Maghera is the second town in Magherafelt District. It is located some 10 km north-west of Magherafelt town. It lies to the north of the A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road, and is bisected by the A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road.

The town has its roots in early Christian times. It was the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Ardstra from 597 until 1158. It was burned in the rising of 1641, and abandoned for a time under an assault from adherents of James II in 1688. In the 19th Century, Maghera was described as a market and post town of 1154 inhabitants and consisted of a main street, some ½ mile in length and three small lanes. Modern development has taken place on and between the arterial routes radiating out from the town centre.

Maghera is situated in an elevated position above lower lying wetland, on the edge of the River Moyola Floodplain (to the south) and the lowland landscape of the Garvagh Farmland (to the north).

The form of the settlement has been influenced significantly by the steep slopes falling to the low-lying wet lands to the south, where there is a history of flooding. The mature Glebe lands contribute considerably to the attractive landscape setting from the southern approaches to the town.


The RDS supports the network of service centres based on main towns, small towns and villages in Rural Northern Ireland.

Settlement

Designation MA 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.

The settlement development limit is designated to take account of the town’s role as a local service and employment centre while protecting its natural setting.

The opportunity for outward expansion is constrained by a number of environmental factors including elevated land to the north and the high quality landscape to the south and west. The settlement development limit has therefore recognised the important contribution of these elements to the setting of the town. In addition, the A6 road to the south provides an effective limit to development.

The settlement development limit allows for a choice of development opportunities, maximises the use of underdeveloped land and provides a degree of urban containment.

Development in Maghera has extended to the west and north along the arterial roads. The settlement development limit will contain any further urban sprawl in these

111

areas. This is particularly important on the Glen Road to prevent the coalescence of Maghera with Glen.

HousingThe Plan makes provision for approximately 820 dwellings over the Plan period. This includes dwellings built since 31 December 1998, the yield arising from existing commitments and the estimated yield delivered by the housing zonings. Further details are contained in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement. A total of approximately 24 hectares of land is zoned for housing under Allocation HOU 1 in Part 2 of the Plan. Housing zonings are identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.

Sites have been selected to allow for the efficient use of land within the urban footprint, to provide choice in the housing market and to include existing commitments

on sites where development has occurred since the beginning of the Plan period. Other factors influencing site selection include accessibility to the town centre and to public transport and the aim to minimise detrimental impact upon the environment.

Land zoned for housing if developed, will be in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy, and with the Plan Proposals including key site requirements which may include access requirements, infrastructure requirements, public open space provision, landscaping and other site specific requirements.


112

Housing ZoningsThe following sites MA 02 - MA 09 are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.

Zoning MA 02 Housing Committed Housing Sites (Built Sites)

The following sites are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera:

MA 02/01 Tirkane Road

MA 02/02 Martinvale Park

MA 02/03 Craigadick Road

MA 02/04 Coleraine Road

MA 02/05 Glen Road

Committed sites include approved housing sites developed in full or in part for 10 or more dwellings since the commencement of the Plan period.

Zoning MA 03 Housing Committed Housing Sites (Other Sites)

The following sites are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera:

MA 03/01 Fair Hill (1.0 ha)

MA 03/02 Crew Road (1.57 ha)

MA 03/03 Crew Road (2.5 ha)

MA 03/04 Coleraine Road (4.57 ha)

MA 03/05 Land south of Largantogher Park (1.85 ha)

Committed sites include sites with planning permission for housing. Only those sites with approval or potential for 10 dwellings or more have been zoned for housing.

The Plan does not stipulate key site requirements for these sites as future development will be subject to conditions attached to planning permissions. In the event that such permissions lapse, the Department may alter existing conditions or attach new conditions to any subsequent approval to take account of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

113

Zoning MA 04 Housing Land at Martinvale Park, off Station Road

1.88 hectare of land at Martinvale Park, off Station Road, is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.



Zoning MA 05 Housing Land at Sycamore Drive, off Carricknakielt Road

1.86 hectares of land at Sycamore Drive, off Carricknakielt Road, are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.



• The mature trees and vegetation along the disused rail bed shall be retained except where removal is required to facilitate access.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, the northern and eastern boundaries abutting the countryside shall be planted with a 5-8 metre belt of trees of native species. This is intended to provide screening for the development and to assist integration.

Zoning MA 06 Housing Land at Glen Road

1.33 hectares of land at Glen Road, to the east of Glenvale, are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.



• The residential layout is to ensure that dwellings do not back onto Glen Road.

• Existing mature trees within the site and along site boundaries are to be retained.


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Zoning MA 07 Housing Land at Tirkane Road

0.62 hectare of land at Tirkane Road is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.



• The residential layout is to ensure that dwellings do not back onto Tirkane Road.

Zoning MA 08 Housing Land at Crew Road

1.65 hectares of land at Crew Road are zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.



• The site shall be accessed from Crew Road via the zoned housing site MA03/02.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, a 5 to 8 metre planted landscape buffer consisting of indigenous trees and hedgerow species to be provided along the southern boundary of the site.

Zoning MA 09 Housing Land at Sunnyside Drive

0.46 hectare of land at Sunnyside Drive is zoned for housing as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.


• Housing Development shall be a minimum gross site density of 31 dwellings per hectare.

• The design layout shall ensure that dwellings do not back onto Sunnyside Drive.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, a 5 to 8 metre planted landscape buffer consisting of indigenous tree and hedgerow species shall be provided along the eastern boundary of the site abutting the open space area.

115

Zoning MA 10 Industry Land at Glen Road

0.65 hectares of land at Glen Road are zoned for industry as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.


• The site is to be used for light industrial use as defined in Class B2 of the Planning (Use Classes) Order 2004 and for no other type of industrial use.

• Access shall be via the lane at the north-west corner of the site to 52 Glen Road.

• The above lane will require widening to meet the necessary access standards. The developer shall consult with Roads Service prior to submission of a planning application.

• Existing trees and vegetation along the boundaries of the site are to be retained and supplemented with a 2 metre minimum planted buffer to safeguard the amenity of the adjacent dwellings.

IndustryMaghera has a number of existing industrial sites including a 14 unit business park on Station Road, joinery works and bakery on Coleraine Road, joinery works and workshops on Glen Road, a food factory at Fair Hill, timber frames workshop and builders services on Craigadick Road and industrial units on Tobermore Road.

In line with its role as a service and employment centre, mainly serving the northern sector of the District, the Plan zones an additional 7.6 hectares of land for industry within the settlement development limit. All industrial zonings are identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera. These lands are in a variety of locations to allow for a range of industrial types and site choice.

Applications for planning permission will be determined in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy and the key site requirements of the Plan.

Industrial Zonings

The following sites MA 10 and MA 11 are zoned for industry as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.


116


The following major areas of existing industrial land are shown for information only on Map No. 6 - Maghera:

• Coleraine Road

• Station Road

• Tobermore Road

• Glen Road

TransportationMaghera is located on the A29, a link corridor within the Strategic Road Transport Network. The A29 provides a north-south link between the towns of Coleraine and Newry as well as other towns along the route. The town is situated immediately to the north of the A6, the strategic route between Belfast and Londonderry.

Environment and ConservationThe following sites MA 12 and MA 13 are designated as Local Landscape Policy Areas as identified on Map No 1 - Countryside and Map No. 6 - Maghera.

Zoning MA 11 Industry Land at Moneysharvan Road

6.92 hectares of land at Moneysharvan Road are zoned for industry as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.



• A Transport Assessment shall be submitted with any subsequent planning application(s) to allow the Department to evaluate the proposal’s transport implications.

• Existing trees and vegetation along site boundaries shall be retained.

• The western and northern boundaries of the site adjoining the open countryside shall be planted with an 8 to 10 metre belt of trees of native species to assist integration of industrial buildings with the countryside and define the Settlement Development Limit.

• Provision of a 2 metre planted buffer along the boundaries with existing residential properties and along the southern boundary with the zoned housing site MA 03/04.

117

Designation MA 12 Local Landscape Policy Area Craigadick Road

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 -Countryside and Map No. 6 - Maghera.

Those features and areas that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of this area are listed below:

• Two large detached houses in substantial mature gardens, surrounded by mature vegetation, contributing to the character and setting of the town;

• Visually significant mature tree groups planted along the boundaries of the sites, contributing to the character of the local area;

• Stream corridor traverses the area, providing an important local landscape feature.

Designation MA 13 Local Landscape Policy Area South of Maghera

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 6 - Maghera.

Those features and areas that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of this area are listed below:

An area of distinctive landscape comprising the slopes to the south of the town and the river floodplain, historically used and transformed in various ways. It combines farmland with mature designed landscaping.

• Attractive green slopes and a significant wetland landscape characterised by streams and associated vegetation define the hilltop setting of the town and provide distinctive views from the A6 Road;

• The grouping, setting and historical physical and visual association between the St. Lurach’s Churches (a listed building and a scheduled monument) and the C of I Rectory (listed) and the Presbyterian Meeting House (listed);

• Church of Ireland Rectory, mature designed landscape with significant trees and stream corridors contributes to the distinctive character of the Glebe lands and the quality of the wider townscape;


118

Designation MA 14 Area of Townscape Character

An Area of Townscape Character is designated within Maghera as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera.

Key features of the area which will be taken into account when assessing development proposals are as follows:

• Large, 2 storey, and detached residential properties;

• Properties situated within large plots;

• Properties set-back from the road with long front garden areas;

• Properties set within mature gardens;

• Variety of house types from traditional to modern design;

• Built form is subservient to the mature trees and other vegetation;

• Residential properties in single occupancy use.

A major part of the ATC’s intrinsic quality is derived from the mature vegetation which lines the Glen Road and extends into the curtilages of the dwellings. It includes Cherry, Privet and Beech hedges, and Cotoneaster and Pieris garden shrubs. The retention of existing vegetation will be a prime consideration in the assessment of new development proposals.

• Visually significant tree group and planting at the junction of Church Street and Mullagh Road provide a quality local focus on this main approach to the town;

• Silverhill House is a locally important building. Mature trees along its boundaries and particularly the tree lined avenue to Glen Road contribute to the quality of the local landscape, and to the view of the town from the A6 road;

• Roadside trees on Mullagh Road, just north of Mullagh Bridge, form a good entrance feature to the town from the south;

• The stream corridor and associated wetlands are important as a wildlife corridor and for its landscape, wildlife and heritage interest.


119

In addition, the form and scale of existing dwellings in relation to their setting, and the size of individual plots, contributes to the high amenity value of the ATC, which is enhanced by the low density of development. A sensitive approach will therefore be required to any new development. The present arrangement of buildings will need to be taken into account in considering the setting and orientation of any new proposals in order to safeguard the amenity of neighbouring properties, and the distinctive character and layout of the area.

Part of the character of this ATC is the juxtaposition of a wide range of building style and materials. Wall finishes include smooth render, wet dash, brick and timber cladding; roofs are gabled or hipped and finished in slate or tiles, with one example of a metal cladding. A common design theme however is the strong solid to void

ratio in the fenestration. The variety allows more flexibility in the design of any new building that might be acceptable, but design principles must reflect those that are established, and new build must harmonise with the group.



120

town. There are 5 main car parks located at St. Lurach’s Road, Coleraine Road, Main Street, Hall Street and Church Street which provide very good access to shoppers.

There are a number of sites including those to the rear of existing frontages which may present opportunities for development.

Designation MA 15 Town Centre

A Town Centre is designated for Maghera as identified on Map No. 6 - Maghera and Map No. 6a - Maghera Town Centre.

The town centre boundary is designated to reflect the expansion of business activity in recent times and includes a wide range of commercial and non-commercial uses. It includes Main Street, Bank Square, St. Lurach’s Road and small sections of Church Street, Hall Street, Coleraine Road, Station Road and Fair Hill.

Designation MA 16 Primary Retail Core

A Primary Retail Core is designated within Maghera Town Centre as identified on Map No. 6a - Maghera Town Centre.

The purpose in identifying a primary retail core is to allow control to be exercised over development inside that area to ensure the continuance of a compact and attractive

Open Space, Sport and Outdoor RecreationMagherafelt District Council owns and manages the Leisure Centre on Coleraine Road and the associated area of open space which comprises playing fields and a playground.

The following major areas of existing open space are identified for information only on Map No. 6 - Maghera:

• St Patrick’s College playing fields;

• Maghera High School playing fields.

Town CentreMaghera serves as the main shopping centre for the northern portion of the District providing a range of comparison and convenience goods and includes 3 supermarkets, furniture showrooms and many small-scale independent retailers. The main shopping area which includes 3 banks, a hotel and several public houses, cafes and offices is located along most of Main St. and part of Coleraine Road.

There are current opportunities for new retail activity within the town centre including Main Street where there are a number of vacant and under-utilised units which have the potential to be refurbished or redeveloped.

Access to the town is generally good but the increasing volume of traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles, in a north-south direction does cause periodic congestion along the narrow streets in the heart of the

121

• Development shall take account of the residential amenity of dwellings sharing the laneway.

This is a site comprising several parcels of land measuring 0.18 hectare located behind Main Street frontage properties within the primary retail core. It includes some rear garden space, rough ground and a vacant dwelling and has both a common access laneway at the rear and some direct access onto Main Street. The site is suitable for a mixed use development including residential and commercial use.

Designation MA 18 Development Opportunity Site St Lurach’s Road, former Recreation Centre

A Development Opportunity Site at the former recreation centre on St Lurach’s Road is designated as identified on Map No. 6a - Maghera Town Centre.

This site comprises the former recreation centre, all weather pitch and adjoining vacant plot fronting the road and measures 0.31 hectare. It is located adjacent to a public car park and within the town centre. The site is suitable for a range of uses including residential, office, leisure, entertainment, cultural and service uses.

shopping environment, offering both choice and convenience.

The area includes most of Main Street and 2-22 Coleraine Road. The majority of shops are located on the south side of Main Street and Coleraine Road and each of the 3 main supermarkets has adjacent car-parking provision. There are opportunities to consolidate retail uses particularly on the northern side of Main Street and to lift the visual appearance of the narrow streetscene by improving design standards.

The main concentration of retail floorspace in the town centre should continue to be within the primary retail core.

Development proposals within the Primary Retail Core will be processed in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy.

The following sites MA 17 - MA 19 are designated as Development Opportunity Sites as identified on Map No. 6a - Maghera Town Centre.

Designation MA 17 Development Opportunity Site Land at rear of 102-118 Main Street

A Development Opportunity Site on land at the rear of 102 - 118 Main Street is designated as identified on Map No. 6a - Maghera Town Centre.

Key Site Requirement


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Designation MA 19 Development Opportunity Site St Lurach’s Road, opposite former Recreation Centre

A Development Opportunity Site on St Lurach’s Road is designated as identified on Map No. 6a - Maghera Town Centre.

This is a portion of vacant ground at the rear of the Northern Bank adjoining the cinema and measuring 0.04 hectare with direct access onto St. Lurach’s Road. Development of the site would fill a gap which presently exposes the unsightly rear elevations of buildings and would improve the streetscene. This site is suitable for a range of town centre uses.

Policy for the control of development in development opportunity sites is contained in Policy SETT 3 in Part 2 of the Plan.

Designation MA 20 Protected Town Centre Housing Area Martins Terrace

A Protected Town Centre Housing Area is designated as identified on Map No. 6a - Maghera Town Centre.

This is a short terrace of long established housing on the edge of the town centre and includes a substantial detached residence with mature gardens which are considered worthy of retention.

Policy for the control of development in Protected Town Centre Housing Areas is contained in Policy HOU 2 in Part 2 of the Plan.

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MA 16

MA 18

MA 19

MA 17

MA 20

MA 13

MA 13

5

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56

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For Information Only Protected Route



Please refer to Map No. 6 - Maghera for designations, proposals and zonings

outside the Town Centre


Development Opportunity Site

Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 6a - Maghera Town Centre

Town Centre

Protected Town Centre Housing Area

Part 4 | Settlements | Villages

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VillagesBellaghy

Bellaghy is located on the A54 Portglenone to Magherafelt Road, 8 km north-east of Magherafelt town and 2½ km west of Lough Beg. It is set in a landscape of low rolling hills, and wooded parkland at nearby Ballyscullion House.

The village was founded in 1619 by the ‘Vintners Company’. The Company Bawn, now a Historic Monument in State Care, stands at the south-west entrance to the village at the head of Castle Street. It includes significant remains of the original complex and a later house with permanent Seamus Heaney exhibits.

The original village was laid out along Castle Street and Mullaghboy Road, and later Main Street and William Street were created. Modern development has resulted in expansion of the village to the north-west and north-east, mainly in the form of housing estates.

Bellaghy functions as a local service centre with a good range of facilities including several places of worship, shops, cafes, library, public houses, health centre, GAA Ground and two schools. The village has a small industrial base.

Designation BY 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.

The settlement development limit is designated to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing. The settlement development limit also takes account of the role of the settlement whilst protecting its natural setting. The settlement development limit excludes the important landscapes to the north-east and south-west of the village, the Wolfe Tones Gaelic Athletic Club Ground on the Ballyscullion Road, other lands which are not committed to development and Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land, to prevent further ribbon development along the Oldtown Road. The settlement development limit also takes account of the setting of Bellaghy Bawn and the Church of Ireland Church and prevents ribbon development along the Old Town Road.

Housing Land designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas will be developed in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy and the relevant Plan Proposals including key site requirements where specified.

The following sites BY 02 - BY 09 are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.

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Designation BY 02 Housing Land Use Policy Area Committed Housing Site (Built Site)

2.0 hectares of land at Mullaghboy Road is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.

Designation BY 03 Housing Land Use Policy Areas Committed Housing Sites (Other Sites)

The following sites are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy:

BY 03/1 Mullaghboy Road (1.38 ha)

BY 03/2 Mullaghboy Road (0.9 ha)

BY 03/3 Adjacent to William Court (1.3 ha)

BY 03/4 Castle Street (0.27 ha)

BY 03/5 Gulladuff Road (3.26 ha)

BY 03/6 Oldtown Road (1.61 ha)

BY 03/7 Northeast of Beatrice Villas (0.45 ha)

Committed sites include sites with planning permission for housing. Only those sites with


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approval or potential for 10 dwellings or more are designated for housing.

The Plan does not stipulate key site requirements for these sites because future development will be subject to the conditions attached to planning permission. However, in the event that such permission may lapse, the Department may alter existing conditions or attach new conditions to any subsequent approval to take account of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

Designation BY 04 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land between Main Street and Springfield Park

0.51 hectare of land between Main Street and Springfield Park is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.



• The site shall be accessed via Springfield Park.

• Land will be required to upgrade sightlines at the junction of Springfield Park with William Street.

• All parking displaced from the lay-by at the access to the site on Springfield Park is to be replaced (additional to that which is required to serve the development).

Designation BY 05 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land to south of Nos. 6-12 Main Street

0.37 hectare of land to south of numbers 6-12 Main Street is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.



• Land will be required outside of the site to meet the necessary access standards and sight line requirements.

Designation BY 06 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land to rear of Nos. 3-9 William Street

0.53 hectare of land to rear of numbers 3-9 William Street is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.


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Designation BY 08 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land at Hunter Park

0.23 hectare of land at Hunter Park is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.


• Housing development shall be in the form of frontage development onto Hunters Park.

Designation BY 09 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land at Ballyscullion Road

0.77 hectare of land at Ballyscullion Road is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.



• The site shall be accessed from Ballyscullion Road.


• Land will be required outside of the site to meet the necessary access standards and sight line requirements.

Designation BY 07 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land to rear of Nos. 15-39 William Street

1.06 hectares of land to rear of numbers 15-39 William Street are designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.


• Housing development to be a minimum gross site density of 30 dwellings per hectare and a maximum gross site density of 35 dwellings per hectare.

• The site shall be accessed from William Court in association with the proposed housing development on the adjacent site (BY 03/3).

• The existing hedgerow along the southern boundary adjacent to the open countryside shall be retained and enhanced with an 8-10 metre belt of trees of native species to provide screening for the development and help integrate it into the surrounding countryside.


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Industry Land designated as Industrial Land Use Policy Areas will be developed in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy and the relevant Plan Proposals including key site requirements where specified.

Designation BY 10 Industrial Land Use Policy Area Land at Deerpark Road

0.56 hectare of land at Deerpark Road is designated as an Industrial Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.


• The site is to be used for light industrial use as defined in Class B2 of the Planning (Use Classes) Order 2004 or for an appropriate alternative mixed business use which would not be detrimental to the amenity of nearby residential properties.

• The developer shall consult with Roads Service regarding the possible need for provision of a right turn lane into the industrial estate from Deerpark Road.

• The trees and vegetation along the northern boundary of the site shall be retained in the interests of amenity and as a landscape buffer to assist integration of industrial development in the surrounding countryside and afford protection to the adjacent Local Landscape Policy Area.

• The northern and western boundaries of the site are to be planted with a 5-8 metre belt of trees of native species to provide screening for the development, to assist integration of industrial development in the surrounding countryside and to afford protection to the adjacent Local Landscape Policy Area.


The following area of existing industrial land is shown for information only on Map No. 7 - Bellaghy:

• Deer Park Road.

Environment and ConservationThe following sites BY 11 and BY 12 are designated as Local Landscape Policy Areas as identified on Map No 1 - Countryside and Map No. 7 - Bellaghy

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Designation BY 11 Local Landscape Policy Area Bellaghy Bawn and Cavehill

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.


• Bellaghy Bawn (listed building and Monument in State Care), and Church of Ireland Church (listed), including their settings, are landmark buildings which form an historical group and are part of the original planned village. There are significant views to, from and between these features and the village;

• Visually significant mature trees and hedges around Bellaghy Bawn contribute to the setting of the Bawn, Church and the village. They create an attractive entrance on roads from the south;

• Land to the west of the Gulladuff Road is part of Bellaghy Bawn, which was strategically located to take advantage of the terrain;

• Cavehill is a raised local landform, with trees on and adjacent to it, and also a site of archaeological interest. The hill and trees contribute to the setting of the village, especially when viewed from the Gulladuff Road;


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• Wetland area south-west of Cavehill and stream corridor bisecting the LLPA both provide local nature conservation interest.

Designation BY 12 Local Landscape Policy Area Ballynease Road

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 7 - Bellaghy.


• Listed RC Chapel, a landmark building, with its setting and views;

• Listed Rectory, in designed grounds, with its setting and views;

• Visually significant landscape with mature trees around the Rectory contributes to the setting of the Rectory and the village.


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Map 7 Bellaghy (A3)


CastledawsonCastledawson is located beside the main A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road, approximately 4km north-east of Magherafelt town. It is set in a landscape of low rolling hills and flat meadowlands, south of the Moyola River and the mature woodland and parkland of Moyola Park estate, which contribute much to the character and setting of the village.

‘Lewis’s Loughinsholin (1837)’ states that “Castledawson, or Dawson’s Bridge, appears to have assumed its present form and name in the year 1710. It consists of two principal and some smaller streets.” It

further developed along Main Street, and then expanded to the south, away from the river and estate lands. Modern development has resulted in the village expanding further southwards, where it is now contained by the A6 road.

Castledawson is a service centre with a wide range of facilities including several places of worship, community halls, a variety of shops, garage and golf course. The village has a strong industrial base including a furniture factory, timber yard and engineering works.

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Designation CN 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 8 - Castledawson.

The settlement development limit is designated to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing. The settlement development limit also takes account of the role of the settlement whilst protecting its natural setting. The settlement development limit excludes the important landscapes to the west, north and east of the village, lands to the south-east, between the Bells Hill Road and the Moyola River, that are subject to flooding, lands to the west of Annaghmore Road that are visually prominent, Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land, and other lands which are not committed to development.


The following sites CN 02 - CN 05 are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 8 - Castledawson.

Designation CN 02 Housing Land Use Policy Areas Committed Housing Sites (Built Sites)

The following sites are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 8 - Castledawson:

CN 02/1 Oak Grove, off Annaghmore Road

CN 02/2 Castle Oak, off Annaghmore Road

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conditions attached to relevant planning permissions. In the event that such permissions lapse, the Department may alter existing conditions or attach new conditions to any subsequent approval to take account of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

Designation CN 04 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land between Main Street and Moyola Gardens

0.3 hectare of land between Main Street and Moyola Gardens is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 8 - Castledawson.



• The site must be accessed from Moyola Gardens which will require to be widened to 4.8 metres with provision of two 1.8 metre wide footways.

• The mature trees along the western boundary of the site shall be retained in the interests of amenity and as a landscape buffer along the boundary with existing commercial premises to afford protection to the amenity of the proposed dwellings.

Designation CN 03 Housing Land Use Policy Areas Committed Housing Sites (Other Sites)

The following sites are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 8 - Castledawson:

CN 03/1 Moyola Road (3.65 ha)

CN 03/2 Castle Oak, Annaghmore Road (0.55 ha)

CN 03/3 Hillview Terrace and Bells Hill, Bellshill Road (0.43 ha)

CN 03/4 Rear of Bells Court, Bells Manor, Oak Grove and Castle Oak (4.14 ha)

CN 03/5 Annaghmore Road (1.54 ha)

CN 03/6 Tamnadeese Road (1.13 ha)

Committed sites include sites with planning permission for housing. Only those sites with approval or potential for 10 dwellings or more are designated for housing.

The Plan does not stipulate key site requirements for these sites because future development will be subject to the


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Designation CN 05 Housing Land Use Policy Area Lands to the south of former railway line and to the west of Bells Hill Road

4.05 hectares of land to the south of former Railway Line and to the west of Bells Hill Road are designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 8 - Castledawson.



• The site shall be accessed from Bells Hill Road. A second access can be taken from Annaghmore Road.

• A right turn lane is required on Bells Hill Road.

• Mature trees within the site shall be retained.

• The design layout shall ensure a built frontage onto Bells Hill Road.

IndustryLand designated as Industrial Land Use Policy Areas will be developed in accordance with prevailing regional planning policy and the relevant Plan Proposals including key site requirements where specified.

Designation CN 06 Industrial Land Use Policy Area Land to rear of existing industry at Bells Hill Road

0.84 hectare of land to the rear of existing industry at Bells Hill Road is designated as an Industrial Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 8 - Castledawson.



• The site shall be accessed via the existing industrial access on Bells Hill Road.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, the eastern boundary of the site adjacent to the Moyola River is to be planted with a 5-8 metre belt of trees of native species to provide screening for the development and to afford protection for the visual amenity and character of the river corridor (refer to Designation CN 09).

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The following areas of existing industrial land are shown for information only on Map No. 8 - Castledawson:

• Curran Road

• Moyola Road

• Bells Hill Road.

Environment and ConservationThe following sites CN 07 - CN 10 are designated as Local Landscape Policy Areas as identified on Map No 1 - Countryside and Map No. 8 - Castledawson.

Designation CN 07 Local Landscape Policy Area North and West of Castledawson

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 8 - Castledawson.


• Tamnadeese Rath/tree ring; an archaeological site on a local hill, tree-planted as part of 18th or early 19th century landscape enhancement, visible in the wider landscape and contributing to the setting of the village;


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• 2 stands of mature trees on the Tamnadeese Road adjacent to Loughinsholin Park are important landscape and visual features, visible in the wider landscape. They form a good entrance feature to the village from the west along the Tamnadeese Road.

• Moyola Park is a planned landscape of special historic interest, providing a designed setting and views associated with listed buildings, bridge, and including a number of archaeological sites;

• Visually significant densely wooded planned landscape within Moyola Park, at the northern edge of the village, with its contribution to the setting of the village and closing the village to the north;

• Wider planned landscape within Moyola Park, including estate planting and parkland, and its contribution to the setting of the village and nature conservation interest;

• Moyola River provides an important wildlife corridor and landscape feature through the village;

• Roadside tree planting along the boundary of the golf course on the Curran Road forms a good entrance feature to the village from the north-west.

• Back lands of properties between Main Street and the Moyola River contribute to, and benefit from, the character of the river corridor;

• Listed thatched cottage and adjacent Listed river bridge in Bridge Street;

• Listed Presbyterian Meeting House, and adjacent Manse with its mature treed gardens, on Main Street. These form a good entrance feature to the village centre and a good focal point at the junction with the Magherafelt Road.

This large LLPA comprises a series of areas which are both distinctive and inter-related, because of their land-use history: Tamnadeese rath/tree ring; the golf course; the parkland and agricultural fields north and south of the golf course; the River Moyola and its environs and a number of listed and locally important historic buildings in various surroundings. Much of the LLPA is designated as a Historic Park, Garden and Demesne under Designation COU 5 in Part 3 of the Plan.

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Designation CN 09 Local Landscape Policy Area Brough Road


Those features or combination of features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of this area are listed below:

• Mature trees - northern boundary planting of Moyola Lodge, are visually significant in the local landscape and a valuable townscape feature, especially seen from Moyola Road and Brough Road (north);

• Moyola River provides an important wildlife corridor and landscape feature;

• Large detached residences set in spacious and mature landscaped sites contribute to the character of this area, and are a valuable townscape feature;

• Listed Moyola Lodge, including its setting and views.

Designation CN 08 Local Landscape Policy Area Station Road



• Listed Methodist Church and adjacent Listed Rectory, including their settings and views;

• Visually significant formal planting within the Rectory grounds. The designed setting of the house is a distinctive feature within the village;

• Raised localised landform, visible along Station Road and Annaghmore Road, contributes to the setting of the village.


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Designation CN 10 Local Landscape Policy Area Moyola Road



• Warren Lodge is a locally important building with associated outbuildings and garden. It is set on rising landform and is prominent in the local landscape. The house and landform contribute to the setting of the village, especially when viewed from Castledawson;

• Mature trees along the north-eastern boundary are visually significant in the local landscape and a valuable landscape feature, especially when viewed from Castledawson.


Open Space, Sport and Outdoor RecreationThe following major areas of existing open space are identified for information only on Map No. 8 -Castledawson:

• Magherafelt Road

• Park View.

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Map 8 Castledawson (A3) Fold out


DraperstownDraperstown is located 12 km north-west of Magherafelt town and is set within gently undulating farmland in the Upper Moyola Valley, at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains which provide an impressive backdrop to the west.

Draperstown is an example of a ‘green’ village. Originally the buildings were laid out in a triangular village green, the Fair Hill and along three streets. Later the green became The Shambles, and this, together with the open space of the Fair Hill, and the wide crossroads at the head of St. Patrick’s St.

provides a distinctive townscape and historic settlement form.

The buildings are located in accordance with a clearly defined and well established building line. The triangular feature known as The Shambles together with the wide crossroads creates a distinctive settlement pattern.

Early development took the form of terraces of residential and commercial properties along High Street and St. Patrick’s Street. More recent development has spread out along the radial roads in the form of single dwellings and small housing estates.

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Key buildings within the village include: St.Columba’s Church, Tobermore Road (1888); the Courthouse, 20 High Street (1839); and the Presbyterian Meeting House, 47 High Street (1843). These three ‘Listed’ buildings help frame the village green/cross area from the south-west; St.Patrick’s Street and Sixtowns Road.

The core of the village was designated a Conservation Area in 1979, the boundary of which is shown on the Draperstown Settlement Map. Detailed guidance on development within the Conservation Area is provided in the Draperstown Conservation Area Design Guide booklet.

Draperstown is a local service centre containing a variety of shops and offices, several places of worship, public houses, a visitors centre, livestock market and two schools. The village has a very strong industrial base including industrial estates on the Cahore Road, Tobermore Road (46 unit Business Centre), and Magherafelt Road.

Designation DN 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.

The settlement development limit is designated to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing. The settlement development limit also takes account of the role of the settlement whilst protecting its natural setting. The Settlement Development Limit excludes the important

landscapes to the north of the village, and south of the Presbyterian Meeting House, the stream corridor, linear park and visually associated land, between Moykeeran Gardens, to the east and Derrynoyd Road, to the west, and Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land. The settlement development limit also prevents ribbon development on the Derrynoyd Road around Woodbine Cottage.


The following sites DN 02 - DN 09 are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.

Designation DN 02 Housing Land Use Policy Areas Committed Housing Sites (Built Sites)

The following sites are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown:

DN 02/1 Tobermore Road

DN 02/2 Cordarragh, off Tobermore Road

DN 02/3 Derrynoyd Road

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Designation DN 03 Housing Land Use Policy Areas Committed Housing Sites (Other Sites)

The following sites are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown:

DN 03/1 Sixtowns Road (7.56 ha)

DN 03/2 Magherafelt Road (1.57 ha)

DN 03/3 North of Moykeeran Crescent (0.56 ha)

Committed sites include sites with planning permission for housing. Only those sites with approval or potential for 10 dwellings or more are designated for housing.

The Plan does not stipulate key design requirements for these sites as future development will be subject to the conditions attached to relevant planning permissions. In the event that such permissions lapse, the Department may alter existing conditions or attach new conditions to any subsequent approval to take account of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

Designation DN 04 Housing Land Use Policy Area Lands to south of Derrynoyd Road

2.26 hectares of land to the south of Derrynoyd Road are designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.



• Provision of a 2 metre minimum planted buffer along the eastern boundary adjoining the livestock mart to safeguard the amenity of the proposed dwellings.

• Open space is to be provided in the eastern portion of the site to offset the loss of the existing open space along the Derrynoyd Road frontage and to provide a buffer between the housing and the livestock market.

Designation DN 05 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land to rear of 45 Magherafelt Road

0.43 hectare of land to the rear of 45 Magherafelt Road is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.


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• Contemporaneous with the new development, a 5 metre planted landscape belt consisting of indigenous tree and hedgerow species to be provided along the southern boundary to ensure a well defined edge to development and to assist the integration of buildings with the open countryside.

• Retention of the existing vegetation alongside the lane which defines the western boundary of the site.

Designation DN 07 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land at Back Lane to rear of High Street

0.13 hectare of land at Back Lane to rear of High Street is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.


• The design, finishes and materials of the proposed dwellings shall be appropriate to the site’s location within a designated Conservation Area and full account shall be taken of the design guidance contained within the Draperstown Conservation Area Design Guide.

• Mature trees and vegetation along the eastern boundary shall be retained.



• Land will be required outside of the site boundary, along the Magherafelt road frontage, in order to meet sight line requirements.

• Access to the properties on either side of the site access must be relocated off the development road.

• The line of mature trees along the western boundary of the site is to be retained and no housing development is to take place within the crown-spread of these trees.

Designation DN 06 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land to west of Glenshane Park and south of Bradley Park

0.58 hectare of land to the west of Glenshane Park and south of Bradley Park is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.



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• Provision of a 2 metre minimum planted buffer along the southern boundary to protect the amenity of the proposed dwellings from the adjoining commercial use.

Designation DN 08 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land to west of Cordarragh

0.6 hectare of land west of Cordarragh is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.



• Access shall be via the existing housing development to the east of the site at Cordarragh.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, a 5 to 8 metre planted landscape belt consisting of indigenous tree and hedgerow species shall be provided along the northern and western boundaries to provide screening, to assist the integration of buildings with the open countryside and to recognise the adjacent Local Landscape Policy Area.

Designation DN 09 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land at Tobermore Road

0.48 hectare of land at Tobermore Road is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.



• The design layout shall ensure that dwellings do not back onto Tobermore Road.


The following sites DN 10 and DN 11 are designated as Industrial Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.


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Designation DN 10 Industrial Land Use Policy Area Land at Magherafelt Road

1.97 hectares of land at Magherafelt Road are designated as an Industrial Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.



• The developer shall consult with Roads Service regarding the possible need to provide a right turn land into the site from Magherafelt Road.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, the existing vegetation along the southern boundary of the site shall be supplemented by an 8 to 10 metre planted landscape belt consisting of indigenous tree and hedgerow species to assist integration of new buildings with the open countryside.

• Retention of existing vegetation along the western boundary and enhancement by provision of a 2 metre minimum planted buffer to afford protection of the amenity of the adjacent dwellings.

Designation DN 11 Industrial Land Use Policy Area Land to the east of Cahore Road

1.14 hectares of land to the east of Cahore Road is designated as an Industrial Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 9 - Draperstown.



• The site shall be accessed from Cahore Road via Cahore Terrace.

• Road widening may be required outside the boundary of this site in order to achieve adequate access. The developer is advised to consult with Roads Service on this issue.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, a 5-8 metre planted landscape belt consisting of indigenous tree and hedgerow species to be provided along the eastern boundary to provide screening for the development, to assist integration of industrial development in the surrounding countryside and to recognise the adjacent Local Landscape Policy Area.

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• Provision of a 2 metre minimum planted buffer along the boundaries of the adjacent dwelling to afford protection of the amenity of the dwelling.


The following major areas of existing industrial land are shown for information only on Map No. 9 - Draperstown:

• Magherafelt Road

• Tobermore Road

• St Patrick’s Street/Cahore Road.

Environment and ConservationThe following sites DN 12 and DN 13 are designated as Local Landscape Policy Areas as identified on Map No 1 - Countryside and Map No. 9 - Draperstown.

Designation DN 12 Local Landscape Policy Area Moyola River Corridor

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside Map and Map No. 9 - Draperstown.


• Moyola River provides an important wildlife corridor and landscape feature;

• Significant tree groups at the Derrynoyd Road form a good entrance feature to the village from the north-west and enhance the setting of the village;

• Listed river bridge on the Derrynoyd Road, including its setting and views;

• Listed St. Columba’s (C of I) Church and surrounding landscaped grounds, including a band of mature trees along its northern boundary, and its setting and views;

• The Fair Green with its historic and townscape contribution;

• Stream corridor and associated public amenity parkland with its recreational, landscape, vegetation and wildlife value. This provides an important linkage from the town centre into the countryside.


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Designation DN 13 Local Landscape Policy Area Lands including and to rear of Presbyterian Meeting House

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 9 - Draperstown.


• Listed Presbyterian Meeting House, its setting and views;

• Area adjoins the only part of the historic boundary of the settlement that survives as a development limit;

• Views out of the Conservation Area show original relationship of buildings and countryside beyond.


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Map 9 Draperstown (A3) fold out


TobermoreTobermore is located on the main A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road, 10km north-west of Magherafelt town. It is set in a natural hollow, along the base of a slope (Calmore Hill & Castle Hill) just above the flood plain of the Moyola River.

The village is a linear settlement that grew up along a country road, that became Main Street, originally between the Lisnamuck, Maghera, Magherafelt and Desertmartin road junctions. As the village grew, it extended westwards towards Kilcronaghan Parish Church, and then along main roads to the north and south.

Main Street is in part characterised by the variety and lay-out of its built form and associated irregular spaces, with consequent informality to the street frontage. This is emphasised by the lack of a strong building line. Several small housing estates either punctuate or nestle behind the Main Street.

Kilcronaghan Parish Church provides a focus at the western end of the steeply rising Main Street. The approach from Draperstown is dominated by a natural avenue of mature trees. Fortwilliam, a substantial house in a designed setting, which includes a tree-planted Rath, occupies a local hill and is a particularly distinctive feature outside the village, seen by travellers approaching and leaving the village by the Maghera Road.

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The following sites TE 02 - TE 06 are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 10 - Tobermore.

Designation TE 02 Housing Land Use Policy Areas Committed Housing Sites (Built Sites)

The following sites are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 10 - Tobermore:

TE 02/1 Maghera Road

TE 02/2 Hazel Grove, off Calmore Road

TE 02/3 Calmore Road

Designation TE 03 Housing Land Use Policy Area Committed Housing Sites (Other Sites)

The following sites are designated as Housing Land Use Policy Areas as identified on Map No. 10 - Tobermore:

Tobermore is a local service centre, and includes several places of worship, community halls, 2 supermarkets and a Primary school. The village has an industrial base with assets including concrete product manufacturers, engineering works and purpose-built workshop units provided under the auspices of the Community Regeneration Initiatives Special Programme.

The concrete product works on Lisnamuck Road and haulage depot at the western end of Main Street have an adverse affect on views in and around the village.

Designation TE 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 10 - Tobermore.

The settlement development limit is designated to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing. The settlement development limit also takes account of the role of the settlement whilst protecting its natural setting. The settlement development limit excludes the important landscapes to the north and north-east, and west of the village, prominent lands to the south-west of the village, lands between the Clooney and Maghera Roads that are subject to flooding, other lands which are not committed to development, and Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land. The settlement development limit also takes account of the need to restrict ribbon development on the Desertmartin Road.

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TE 03/1 Desertmartin Road (0.58 ha)

TE 03/2 Magherafelt Road (4.46 ha)

TE 03/3 Lisnamuck Road (1.69 ha)

Committed sites include sites with planning permission for housing. Only those sites with approval or potential for 10 or more dwellings are designated for housing.

The Plan does not stipulate key design requirements for these sites as future development will be subject to the conditions attached to planning permission. In the event that such permissions lapse, the Department may alter existing conditions or attach new conditions to any subsequent approval to take account of prevailing regional planning policy and the Plan Proposals.

Designation TE 04 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land at Nos. 62-66 Main Street

0.26 hectare of land at numbers 62-66 Main Street is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 10 - Tobermore.


• The design layout shall ensure that dwellings do not back onto Main Street.

Designation TE 05 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land between Lisnamuck Road and Maghera Road

1.64 hectares of land between Lisnamuck Road and Maghera Road are designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 10 - Tobermore.



• A footpath shall be provided to link with the existing footpath network.

• The design layout shall make provision for a built frontage to Fort William Road.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, an 8 to 10 metre wide planted landscape belt consisting of indigenous tree and hedgerow species shall be planted along the northern boundary of the site to assist integration of development with the surrounding countryside.


156

• Contemporaneous with the new development, a 5 metre wide planted landscape belt consisting of indigenous tree and hedgerow species shall be planted along the southern boundary of the site to provide screening and to assist integration of development with the surrounding countryside.


Designation TE 07 Industrial Land Use Policy Area Land at Lisnamuck Road

2.12 hectares of land at Lisnamuck Road are designated as an Industrial Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 10 - Tobermore.


• The site is to be used for light industrial use as defined in Class B2 of the Planning (Use Classes) Order 2004 or for an appropriate alternative mixed business use which would not be detrimental to the amenity of nearby residential properties.

• Contemporaneous with the new development, an 8 to 10 metre wide planted landscape belt consisting of closely spaced evergreen trees shall be planted along the western boundary of the site to reduce the impact of potential nuisance which may arise from the operations of existing and proposed industrial uses on the opposite side of Lisnamuck Road.

• Open space provision to be located in the western portion of the site to maximize separation distance between the new housing and existing and proposed industrial land uses on the opposite side of Lisnamuck Road.

Designation TE 06 Housing Land Use Policy Area Land at Hillmount Crescent

0.35 hectare of land at Hillmount Crescent is designated as a Housing Land Use Policy Area as identified on Map No. 10 - Tobermore.



157

• The site shall be accessed from Lisnamuck Road.

• Provision of a solid wall or appropriate fencing along the boundaries with adjacent properties on Main Street and Lisnamuck Road, in line with Departmental guidance, in order to afford protection to the amenity of these properties.

This site is used for the open storage of used tyres and appears to be under utilised. It is considered that the site is unlikely to be suitable for housing development due to its proximity to the cement works.


The following major area of existing industrial land is shown for information only on Map No. 10 - Tobermore:

• Lisnamuck Road/Main Street.

Environment and ConservationThe following sites TE 08 and TE 09 are designated as Local Landscape Policy Areas as identified on Map No 1 - Countryside and Map No. 10 - Tobermore.

Designation TE 08 Local Landscape Policy Area Draperstown Road/Wood Road

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 10 - Tobermore.


• Listed Kilcronaghan Parish Church and graveyard on the rising landform on the edge of village, including its setting and views;

• Trees located on the ridge at Wood Road are an important visual feature contributing to the setting of the village, viewed from the village and from the Draperstown Road;

• Rising landform to Kilcronaghan Church from the Draperstown Road, contributing to the setting of the village. These are important views and are particularly sensitive to change;

• Significant tree groups at the Draperstown Road entrance to the village. They form a good entrance feature from the west and contribute to the setting of the village.


158

Designation TE 09 Local Landscape Policy Area Clooney Road/ Maghera Road/ Magherafelt Road

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 10 - Tobermore.


• Fort William, a Listed House, beside a hill-top rath on a local hill, and in designed grounds with mature planting, including its setting and views;

• Hilltop rath, a historic monument, beside Fortwilliam House and within its designed setting. Visible, as a distinctive landmark, in the wider landscape, its prominence is enhanced by tree planting. The slopes of the hill are particularly sensitive to any change;

• Low lying wetland and associated vegetation, to the south and off the Maghera Road opposite Fort William, and originally part of the designed setting of the house, contributes to the setting of the village and has nature conservation value;

• Several stream corridors traverse the area, providing an important local landscape feature, and act as wildlife corridors;

• Significant tree groups at the Clooney Road entrance to the village. They form a good entrance feature from the east and contribute to the setting of the village;

• The Manse on the Magherafelt Road is a locally important building, set within substantial tree-planted grounds, contributing to the character and setting of the village.


Open Space, Sport and Outdoor RecreationThe following major area of existing open space is identified for information only on Map No. 10 - Tobermore:

• Recreation Grounds, Desertmartin Road.

159

Map 10 Tobermore (A3) fold out

Part 4 | Settlements | Small Settlements

162

Small SettlementsBallymaguigan

Designation BN 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 11 - Ballymaguigan.

The settlement development limit is designated around three existing clusters of development to facilitate a compact form while allowing for sufficient development opportunities commensurate with the scale, character and role of the settlement.

Interim sewage disposal measures or development phasing may be necessary for future development proposals until such time as the required upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Works for Ballymaguigan is complete and fully operational.

163

COU 1

LOUGHNEAGH

27

20

35

21

55

39

1

7

5

194

22

43

9

51

49

11

13

209

26a

46

28

6

231

38

53

8

3

23

213

31

15

19

27

30

245

18

208

37

248

25

201

197

34

40

198

196

2

35a

33

48

42

225

12

17a

211

32

14

209a

26

36

50

47

24

4

17

10

210

44

235

244

197b

229

19a

212

16

41

226

218

220

29

216

246

240

233

242

237

238

197a

195

244a

199a

239

226a

BM

Well

Gate

Tank

18.5

16.7

18.7

17.0

17.3

19.7

16.3

15.7

23.3

17.6

20.2

17.7

17.8

24.2

18.0

20.7

20.6

20.5

PondPonds

(covd)

Sluice

Sewage Works

Filter Bed

Sinks

Tank

Issues

Tanks

Pipeline

ESS

24.39

Hall

Tk

Works

Ground

Apiary House

Island Hill

St Trea's Primary School

Water Treatment

Gaelic Football

O'NEILL PARK

Coal

Near WaterfootHill

St Trea's Villas

Murphy's Hill

M o y o l a

R i v e r

W A T E R F O O T R O A D

LOUGH

B A R R A C K R O A D

ROAD

BALLYRONAN ROAD

MOSS ROAD

BALLYMAGUIGAN ROAD

BARRACK

R O A D

S H O R E R O A D

L O U G H R O A D

M O S S

0 100 200 Metres

For Information Only

Area of High Scenic Value



Settlement Development Limit

Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 11 - Ballymaguigan


164

Ballynease

Designation BE 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 12 - Ballynease.

The settlement development limit is designated around three existing clusters of development to facilitate a compact form while allowing for sufficient development opportunities commensurate with the scale, character and role of the settlement.

164

Ballynease is not served by a public sewage system. Developers will be required to make arrangements for new development proposals which will satisfy consent to discharge, issued under the Water (NI) Order 1999.

165

COU 1

17

7

15

9

15a

12

104a

112

19

114

102

1

130

106

33

21

2

99

100

107

25

6

11

116

120

118

104

10

33a

8

108

105

5

122

14

93

23

110

95

91

126a

110a

106b

106a

128

110b

134

20.9

25.2

21.6

22.4

23.2

23.8

24.3

24.4

24.8

25.1

Works

BM 20.16

(covd)

Sinks

Tank

Sewage

Tanks

Issues

Iss

Hall

Ballynease

St John Bosco

Primary School

McErleans Villas

Thornstown

Maccanns Hill

R O A D

C U L B A N E

B A L L Y N E A S E

0 50 100 Metres

Area of High Scenic Value





Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 12 - Ballynease


166

• Glenburn House is a substantial residence surrounded by mature planting and forms part of the mill complex. It is of local historical significance and is an important feature in the local landscape and river corridor;

• The remains of the mill complex (mill buildings, mill race, weir and bleach green) beside Glenburn House represent the local industrial heritage;

• Rising local landform at Collas Hill forms a good backdrop to the settlement, is visible in the wider landscape and contributes to the setting of the settlement;

• Listed Glenone Bridge on the Kilrea Road, including its setting and views.


Clady

Designation CY 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 13 - Clady.

The settlement development limit is designated to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of this linear settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It excludes lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value, and historically and archaeologically important features of the man-made landscape along the Clady River and its environs.

Designation CY 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified in Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 13 - Clady.


• Clady River corridor and associated vegetation is an important landscape feature, including visually significant treed banks adjacent to Glenburn House, and acts as a wildlife corridor;

167

0 100 200 Metres

CY 02

IH 02

8

3

9

5

7

13

16

25

3

4

74

1

74a

11

27

31

37

68

19

41

30

8

6

240

12

29

2

238

87

224

39

88

53

35

43 21

46

76

92

14

241

74b

230

94

90

34

11a

98

15

71

95

48

18

91

246

26

70

83

10

22

217

80

72

73

100

54

24

97 93

40

49

232

17

33

85

89

23

47

LB PO

TCB

15.8

16.5

15.2

18.9

19.2

19.8

16.2

22.9

27.4

27.6

32.7

33.8

35.9

36.0

36.3

37.1

21.6

Pond

House

Garage

Playground

BM 36.74

BM 17.17

BM 15.32

(covd)

PH

Weighbridge Sluice

Tennis

Parochial

Playing Field

Tank

Court

Sinks

Issues

Sks

Iss

17.96

ESS

Hall

Tk

Sl

BM 34.04

BM

Collas Hill

Playing Field

Frenches Hill

Landgarve

Manor

Fair View Big House or

(RC)

Park

College

Church

Glenburn

Glenone

Bridge

Plunkett GAC

Clady Bridge

Business

St Mary's

Gibsons Hill

Plunkett's

St Oliver

C l a d y R i v e r

Clady

BEECHLAND PK

V

K

S

L A

E

L A N E

R

L I

F R E N C H E S H I L L

N E

N

R I

H

FRENCHES HILL

BEECHLAND PARK

BEECHLAND GARDENS

P A R

CLADY MANOR

CLADY

COURT

I E W

G L E N O N E R O A D

O L D T Y A N E E R O A D

BEECHLAND PK

BEECHLAND DRIVE

R I V E R V I E W

LONGLANDS

R O A D

K I L R E A

C L A D Y R O A D

M O Y A G A L L R O A D

ROAD

KILREA




Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 13 - Clady

Protected Route


168

• Listed bridge over the Moyola River at Aughrim Road, including its setting and views;

• Moyola River corridor and associated vegetation is an important landscape feature, and acts as a wildlife corridor.


Creagh

Designation CH 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 14 - Creagh.

The settlement development limit is designated to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of this linear settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside, and excluding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the Moyola River.

Designation CH 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 14 - Creagh.

Those features or combination of features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of the area are listed below:

• Visually significant mature tree belt at the junction of the Creagh and Blackpark Roads, with its contribution to the setting of the settlement and nature conservation value;

169

CH 02COU 8

1

36

41

23

11

42

71

82

10

24

19

74

50

65

2

4

3

66

80

8

70

43

13

22

19b 17

78

12

105

9

6

99

5

38

49

81

5562

53

44

86a

18

36c

92

60

26

32

14

19a

67

16

53a

87

88

68

61

84

20

89

40

93

86

21

103

69

15

76

120

45

Station

Filling

BM

Well

El P

TCB

15.6

15.9

16.1

19.8

15.1

16.5

17.4

17.7

18.6

19.1

19.2

20.1

15.8

15.5

19.3

20.7

20.4

Ground

Filter

PH

Weighbridge

Club House

Sinks

Gaelic Football

Tank

Issues

Sks

Footpath

Iss

Bed

16.65

ESS

Hall

C R E A G H R O A D

Works

Creagh House

Factory

Sewage Works

Timber Works

O'Neill Terrace

Near Aughrim

Anahorish

Black Park

Primary School

(Mc Lorinan)

A n n a h o r i s h

M o y o l a R i v e r

79

MEADOWLANDS

N E

L A

A

G

U

HOLMECROFTE

HOMELANDS

MANOR

MOYOLA VIEW

D E E R P A R K R O A D

A U G H R I M R O A D

B L A C K P A R K R O A D

MEADOWLANDS

H R I M

CREAGH ROAD

C R E A G H R O A D

H I L L H E A D

HILLHEAD ROAD

R O A D

JAMES PARK

0 50 100 Metres




Road Proposal



Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 14 - Creagh

Protected Route


170

• Visually important tree group at the primary school, beside the Presbyterian Meeting House; a good entrance/exit feature from the west.

Designation CD 03 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 15 - Culnady.


• Grillagh River corridor and associated mill race/stream are important landscape features, including visually significant treed banks. They also act as wildlife corridors.

• The old mill buildings, mill race and weir represent the local industrial heritage, based on the river.


Culnady

Designation CD 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 15 - Culnady.

The settlement development limit is designated to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside, and excluding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the Grillagh River.

Designation CD 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 15 - Culnady.


• Culnady Presbyterian Meeting House (and graveyard), a visually and historically important building contributing to the character of the settlement;

171

0 50 100 Metres

CD 02 CD 03

5

3

1

94a

11

12

1

28

3

79

78

8

2

20

105

94

4

77

18

110

30

5

115

9

16

13

6

96

81

80

10

25

73

87

117

15

98

7

107

115a

LB

55.3

53.1

36.3

42.0

52.8

37.0

38.7

41.9

50.6

44.8

48.0

50.4

BM 41.55

BM 41.07

BM 49.86

Foot Bridge

Filter Bed

Plygnd

Tank

Sinks

PH

Weir

Issues

Iss

49.64

Hall

BM

Sl

BM 49.10

Alts

Bridge

Works

Culnady

Sewage

Oakvale

Place

Curragh Burn

h

Culnady

Primary School

Oakvale Terrace

Coronation Villas

l a g

R i v e r

G r i l

Culnady

I L C U R R

B A L L Y

M A C

C U L N A D Y R O A D

S T R E E T

R O A D

M A I N







Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 15 - Culnady


172

• Bivallate Rath on hill summit north of the A6, is a local landmark. The hill is a distinctive element in the setting of the settlement;

• Hills rising gently from the settlement north-east and south serve to contain it, and contribute to an attractive setting;

• River and stream corridors, and associated flood plain and flood embankments, characterise the setting to the north, north-west and south west and provide nature conservation interest;

• The old mill pond represents local industrial heritage;

• Listed bridge over the Moyola River, including its setting and views, is a feature of the northern approach to the settlement.


Curran

Designation CU 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 16 - Curran.

The settlement development limit is designated to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside, and excluding surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value.

Interim sewage disposal measures or development phasing may be necessary for future development proposals until such time as the required upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Works for Curran is complete and fully operational.

Designation CU 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 16 - Curran.


173

0 50 100 Metres

CU 02

89

4

87

37

30

20

51

17

21

46b

48

52

13

46

40

22

85

39

41

38

78

58

44

3

54

77

81

49

11

47

45

73

7

61

50

56

1

63

83

75

15

10

8

32

25

46c

6

42

COURT

Well

53.8

38.8

43.5

44.3

44.8

45.2

42.0

36.6

37.0

46.9

47.5

49.2

37.1

50.1

42.1

38.0

50.8

39.9

40.4

54.4

41.6

Pond

BM 40.59

Picnic Area

(covd)

Sewage Works

CLOONEY

Filter Bed

Tank

Sinks

Issues

Sks

Curran Bridge

Iss

37.16

55.60

Hall

Line

BM

39.0

45.4

Pipe

TCB

e r Terrace

Moyola

G r a n g e W a t e r

W a t

G r a n g e

Rath

Curran

Presb Ch

Curran Bridge

S t o n e ' s Q u a r t e r

M o y o l a R i v e r

Curran

R O A D

A

GO

A G O O S E R O A D

T O B E R H E A D

CLOONEY ROAD

L U R G A N A G O O S E R O A D

L U R G A N

OSE

G L E N M A Q U I L L

ROAD

LURGANC L O O N E Y

G L E N S H A N E R O A D




Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 16 - Curran





174

• Listed St. Comgalls (C of I) Church is a visually and historically significant building and a local landmark. It occupies the site of a medieval Church;

• Loughinsholin (Island of the O’Lynn’s) is a royal site of significant historical and archaeological importance. It includes low lying wetland with natural regeneration and significant tree cover, which is of nature conservation value;

• St. Mary’s (RC) Church and adjacent Parochial House are landmark buildings. The surrounding mature trees are an important visual feature in the countryside and make a good entrance feature to the settlement from the north-west;

• Area of wetland and regenerating vegetation to the east of St. Mary’s Church, an important landscape feature with wildlife value;

• Industrial heritage value associated with the old mill and mill race on the Ballygowan Road;

• Industrial heritage value associated with the old corn mill, mill race and site of mill pond on the Longfield Road;

• Archaeological interest in site of medieval parish church, possibly on earlier site, located beside the Grange Water to the rear of Main Street;

Desertmartin

Designation DE 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 17 - Desertmartin.

The settlement development limit is designated to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value.

Interim sewage disposal measures or development phasing may be necessary for future development proposals until such time as the required upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Works for Desertmartin is complete and fully operational.

Designation DE 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 17 - Desertmartin.


175

• Land to the east of the Grange Water is part of the wider setting of the settlement, affording good views to the settlement and Slieve Gallion beyond. An area of wetland within is an important landscape feature with wildlife value;

• Localised hills to the south and west of the settlement contribute to its character and setting;

• Grange Water, Keenaght Water and several stream corridors traverse the area providing an important local landscape feature, often with visually significant treed banks, and act as wildlife corridors;

• Attractive vistas of Slieve Gallion from the Tobermore Road, south of the Parochial House.


DE 02DE 02

4

24

25

33

51a

51b

45

13

31

15

1

28

57

3

2

17

10

11a

6

11

19

20

48

46

8

7

30

33

16

6a

55

22

21

58

23

2925

50

26

4

7a

9

14

18

51

56

53

12

5

76

41

24

Tank

LB

Tks

TCB

PO

52.1

52.5

53.4

56.4

56.8

57.3

51.4

66.7

65.0

58.0

60.0

64.0

67.4

67.1

66.9

64.6

66.4

66.0

65.8

Playground

14

Grave Yard

PH

(covd)

Sewage Works

Sinks

Issues

Sks

Parochial House

Filling

Station

Iss

Pipeline

Hall

Lay-by

2

Fs

of the

Church

Knocknagin

St. Mary's

Union Hall

Hillside

Desertmartin

Nazarene

Loughinsholin Primary School

RC Church

Desertmartin Bridge

(C of I)

Ballynagown Hill


Keenaght Water

K e e n a g h t W a t e r

Church

Pr Sch

Coolcalm House

Desertmartin

St Comgall's

AD

R O

S T A T I O N R O A D

LONGFIELD ROAD

T O B E R M O R E R O A D

CHERRYDALE AVENUE

K N O C K N A G I N R O A D

D R O M O R E R O A D

M A I N S T R E E T

BALLYNAGOWAN

L O N G F I E L D R O A D


0 75 150 Metres



Protected Route Local Landscape Policy Area

Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 17 - Desertmartin


Area of Archaeological Potential Archaeological Site and Monument (Scheduled) Archaeological Site and Monument (Unscheduled)

176

DE 02DE 02

4

24

25

33

51a

51b

45

13

31

15

1

28

57

3

2

17

10

11a

6

11

19

20

48

46

8

7

30

33

16

6a

55

22

21

58

23

2925

50

26

4

7a

9

14

18

51

56

53

12

5

76

41

24

Tank

LB

Tks

TCB

PO

52.1

52.5

53.4

56.4

56.8

57.3

51.4

66.7

65.0

58.0

60.0

64.0

67.4

67.1

66.9

64.6

66.4

66.0

65.8

Playground

14

Grave Yard

PH

(covd)

Sewage Works

Sinks

Issues

Sks

Parochial House

Filling

Station

Iss

Pipeline

Hall

Lay-by

2

Fs

of the

Church

Knocknagin

St. Mary's

Union Hall

Hillside

Desertmartin

Nazarene

Loughinsholin Primary School

RC Church

Desertmartin Bridge

(C of I)

Ballynagown Hill


Keenaght Water

K e e n a g h t W a t e r

Church

Pr Sch

Coolcalm House

Desertmartin

St Comgall's

AD

R O

S T A T I O N R O A D

LONGFIELD ROAD


CHERRYDALE AVENUE

K N O C K N A G I N R O A D

D R O M O R E R O A D

M A I N S T R E E T

BALLYNAGOWAN



0 75 150 Metres



Protected Route Local Landscape Policy Area

Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 17 - Desertmartin


Area of Archaeological Potential Archaeological Site and Monument (Scheduled) Archaeological Site and Monument (Unscheduled)

177


178

• St. Patrick’s (RC) Church, a Listed Building (and graveyard) is a locally significant building. Views of the church from within the settlement are particularly important;

• The Presbytery on Glen Road is an important local landmark building. A stand of mature trees on its western boundary contributes to the setting of the house. The site contributes to the character and setting of the settlement;

• Milltown Burn and weir, and their environs provide important local landscape features and acts as a wildlife corridor.


Glen

Designation GN 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 18 - Glen.

The settlement development limit is designated to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of this linear settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside, and excluding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the Milltown Burn. The settlement development limit is also drawn to protect the landscape and visual amenity of this gateway to the Glenshane Pass and Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Designation GN 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 18 - Glen.


179

0 50 100 Metres

GN 02

2

159

175

167

165

1

6

137

14

7

172

157

146

156

155a

21

173

149

141

142

161

162

9

15

170

166

1719

151

155

144

4

10

174

138

168

22

20

13

171

12

147

159a

8

Centre

FB

TCB

61.4

60.7

62.4

66.6

69.5

71.3

68.8

67.1

67.8

58.9

Grave

Yard

Grave Yard

BM 63.48

Pastoral

Sinks

Weir

Issues

Sks

Iss

Presbytery

Glen

Rest Home

RC Church

Burn

Fallagloon

Fallagloon Burn

Bridge

Glenburn Country

Primary School

GalwillySt Patrick's

G l e n

F a l l a g l o o n B u r n

ST LURACH'S TERR

FIVE MILE STRAIGHT

ST LURACH'S GARDENS

G L E N R O A D

B A L L Y K N O C K R O A D





Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 18 - Glen


180

• Knockanhead is a significant localised landform which forms a good backdrop to the settlement, is visible in the wider landscape and contributes to the setting of the settlement;

• Visually important stand of mature trees on Knockanhead;

• Archaeological interest of the area between Knockanhead and the River Bann and historic crossing point.

Designation GE 03 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 19 - Glenone.


• Listed bridge over the River Bann, including its setting and views;

• River Bann and associated vegetation is an important landscape feature and acts as a wildlife corridor;

• Visually important stands of mature trees.


Glenone Glenone is closely associated with the larger Portglenone village (in Ballymena Borough Council area) from which it is physically separated by the River Bann.

Designation GE 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 19 - Glenone.

The settlement development limit is designated to include existing development commitments and retain its compact settlement form, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It excludes land of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the River Bann.

Designation GE 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 19 - Glenone.


• River Bann and Clady River corridors and associated vegetation are important landscape features, and acts as wildlife corridors;

181

0 100 200 Metres

GE 02

GE 03

BALLYMENABOROUGH

53

7

7a

4

16

1

68

20

47

7

12

36

48

26

2

54

18

23a

39

9

21

27

6

1528

14

3835

31

22

24

3

49

93

25

34

32

5

8

30

9 7

10

11

23

41

19

71

13

46

29

37

70

21a

17

43

91

59

15.5

15.8

16.1

16.2

16.5

17.5

18.0

18.2

18.3

15.4

18.6

19.2

19.4

21.5

21.6

15.2

15.1

14.6

18.4

Quay

Pond

Garage

Works Playground

Landing

Lodge

Stage

BM 19.54

BM 24.67

PH

Foot Bridge

Slipway

Sewage Works

Community

Car Park

Playing Field

Sinks

SewageManse

Tanks

Issues

Portglenone

Green

Iss

Marina

Bowling

16.38

ESS

Hall

Playing

Centre

Field

Car

Park

BANN VIEW TERRACE

BM

Bann

B a n n

Bridge

Bann Court

Portnakim

Playing Field

Presbyterian

R i v

Fold

Knocknabrock

First Presb Ch

Portglenone

Bethel

Third

Gortgole

Church

Temple

e r

Abbey

R i v e r B a n n

Our Lady of Bethlehem

Rath

Knockanhead

Rough Islands

C l a d y R i v e r

R i v e r B a n n

RIVERDALE PARK

PARK

C L A D Y R O A D

A D

GLEN

MA

ORCHARD DRIVE

R I V E R S I D E

MANOR

ASHLEA

PORT

SPERRIN VIEW

G L E N O N E V I L L A S

G O R T G O L E R O

ORCHARD BANK

ROAD

BALLY

ORCHARD CLOSE

BRACKEN VIEW

COMBS

GORTORCHARD WAY

GOLE

S

C

O

B

A

R

Y

M

AD

L

BALLYMACOMBS ROAD

C L A D Y R O A D


Protected Route


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Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 19 - Glenone


Plan Area Boundary

Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance



182

Designation GD 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 20 - Gracefield.


• Former Moravian Church, now Gracefield C of I Church, is of particular historical interest, and is a landmark building; including its setting and views;

• Moravian Burial Ground, its historical interest, setting and views;

• Visually significant band of trees around the Moravian Burial Ground and its contribution to the setting of the settlement;

• Industrial heritage value associated with the spade mill site, mill dams and millrace on Gracefield Road;

• Several stream corridors traverse the area, providing an important local landscape feature and act as wildlife corridors.

Gracefield

Designation GD 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 20 - Gracefield.

The settlement development limit is designated to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value, and historically important features of the man-made landscape.

Gracefield is not served by a public sewage system. Developers will be required to make arrangements for new development proposals which will satisfy consent to discharge, issued under the Water (NI) Order 1999.

183

The Department has included part of a field to the east of the Gracefield Road within Designation GD 02. Residential Development proposals on this site shall be in accordance with the following site development requirements:

Site Development Requirements

• Dwellings shall be either 1 or 1½ storey, or a combination of both;

• Dwellings shall be of a modest scale with single storey dwellings having a maximum floor area of 120 square metres, and 1½ storey dwellings having a maximum floor area of 160 square metres;

• Dwellings shall be of vernacular design and proportions, including a vertical emphasis to fenestration with a bias in favour of the solid to void ratio, with roofs pitched and ridged and rising away from the road;

• Dwellings shall face the public road;

• Dwellings shall open directly onto the back edge of the public footpath / road or be set back with short front gardens;

• Dwellings shall be a mixture of detached, semi-detached or short terraces of 3, irregularly spaced and with gaps affording views from the Gracefield Road to the Ballymaguigan Road and beyond;


184

• Outbuildings shall be sited to the rear of the dwellings;

• There shall be a maximum of 8 dwelling units on the site; in depth development is not appropriate within the context of Gracefield.


185

0 50 100 Metres

GD 02

13

12a

2

41

3

12

37

36

39

1

30

44

4

18

17

24

6

28

11

2a

32

26

22

9

RIVERSIDE

LB

Ground

Burial

Hall

TCB

ley

(C of I)

bun

B u r n b u n l e y

Burn

Burnbunley

Gracefield

Gracefield Church

G R A C E F I E L D

W A T E R F O O T R O A D

R O A D



Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 20 - Gracefield



186

Gulladuff

Designation GF 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 21 - Gulladuff.

The settlement development limit is designated to consolidate existing development, include existing commitments, and prevent ribboning and urban sprawl encroaching into the surrounding countryside.

Interim sewage disposal measures or development phasing may be necessary for future development proposals until such time as the required upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Works for Gulladuff is complete and fully operational.

187

0 50 100 Metres

5

10

61

8a

69

16

68b

32a

68a

63a

75b

24a

64a

4

39

8

62

9

11

65

3

1

76

55

12

15

10

16

14

69

49

5

7

64

20

13

26

50

36

2

33

19

38

27

89

83

66

53

24

77

28

68

23

2117

82

32

71

63

70

44

37

30

18

51

34

80

52

88

66a

46

61

22

40

78

85

6

14a

House

Tank

FB

LB

PO

Well

TCB

71.1

53.9

63.9

71.2

54.7

64.3

64.4

64.5

65.3

56.0

65.6

56.6

58.1

62.2

63.0

75.2

74.9

71.3

65.7

63.1

70.4

69.5

69.2

67.7

67.5

66.7

66.2

Grave

Yard

Playground

Filter

BM 57.78

PH

(covd)

Sewage Works

Parochial

Sinks

Tank

Issues

Sks

Iss

Bed

Terraces

58.14

Hall

BM

Lay-by

Playing Field

Park

St Mary's

C a r r o w

New

Playing Field

Gulladuff

Lavey

St Brigid's

L o w e r T o w n

Hugh's

RC Church

Kearney's

Priests Town

U p p e r T o w n

Carn

View

Ne-Vele

Pr Sch

Villas

Rath

Mound

G u l l a d u f f M i d d l e

AS

L

R O A D

VIL

H A L L L A N E

COURT

CLARKES AVENUE

M O Y A G A L L R O A D

G U L L A D U F F H I L L

MEADOW

PRIESTOWN LANE

G U L L A D U F F

QUARRY ROAD

GULLADUFF ROAD

JACKSON DRIVE

MCGURK'S VILLAS

OAKLAND CRESCENT

CLARKES DRIVE

S C H O O L L A N E

ROAD

CRESCENT

CLARKES SQUARE


Protected Route




Archaeological Site and Monument (Scheduled) Archaeological Site and Monument (Unscheduled)

Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 21 - Gulladuff


188

Inishrush

Designation IH 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 22 - Inishrush.

The settlement development limit is designated to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of this compact settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It excludes lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value, and historically important features of the man-made landscape along the Clady River and its environs.

Designation IH 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A local landscape policy area is designated as identified on map no. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 22 - Inishrush.

Those Features Or Combination Of Features That Contribute To The Environmental Quality, Integrity Or Character Of This Area Are Listed Below:

• St. Nossonus C Of I Church, A Listed Building, With Graveyard And Trees, Is A Landmark Building Situated On A Hill To The East Of The Settlement And Visible Over A Wider Area, Including Clady And The Mayogall Road.

• The Old Flax Mill, Mill Race And Weir On Ford Road Represent Local Industrial Heritage;

• Clady River Corridor And Associated Vegetation Acts As A Wildlife Corridor And Provides Attractive Distant Views Of The Settlement, Including Clady And The Mayogall Road;

• Rising Land To The East Of The Settlement, Visible In The Wider Landscape, Provides A Backdrop And Contributes To The Setting Of The Settlement.


189

0 25 50 Metres

IH 02

1

4

3

7

30

17

47

18

12

25

11

38

22

9

52

6

51

10

34

4

5

36

49

20

13

59

55

1

37

29

32

41

60

8

27

28

Tank (covd)

FB

LB

Playground

Sewage Works

Issues

Gar

Hall

Ford

Tank

Inishrush House

C l a d y R i v e r

Inishrush

Inishrush

THE

COACH

F O R D R O A D

R O A D

K I L L Y C O N

MILL PARK

FORD ROAD

MILLERS HILL




Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 22 - Inishrush


190

Kilross

Designation KS 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 23 - Kilross.

The settlement development limit is designated to consolidate development and to prevent ribboning of development along the Duntibryan/Rectory Road and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside.

Designation KS 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 23 - Kilross.


• Church (in ruins) and graveyard, including mature Yew trees, contributes to the setting and character of the settlement. There are good views of the church from the southern approach to the settlement;

• Kilcronaghan Rectory in mature planted grounds. The Rectory and the mature trees make a significant contribution to the setting and character of the settlement, and complement the views of the old church;

• Spring Grove House is a locally important building beside a substantial rath, both surrounded by mature trees. It is a distinctive local feature beside the southern approach to the settlement and contributes to the character and setting of the settlement;

• Tullyroan House on visually significant raised localised landform with associated vegetation; contribute to the setting and character of the settlement;

• A stream corridor west of Tullyroan House traverses the area north south. It is an important local landscape feature and wildlife corridor.


191

KS 02

15

11

35

37

19

16

8

1

10

13

3

23

16

17

18

LB

Fs

Tk

Plygnd

Lay-by

Sewage

Works

Pipeline

(ruins of)

Pr Sch

Villas

Kilross

Rectory

Kilross

Kilcronaghan

Church

Grave Yard

WO

OD

RO

AD

KILCRONAGHAN ROAD

W O

O D

R

O A

D

D U N T I B R Y A N R O A D

0 25 50 Metres


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Archaeological Site and Monument (Scheduled)


Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 23 - Kilross



192

Knockcloghrim

Designation KM 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No.24 - Knockcloghrim.

The settlement development limit is designated to retain the settlements compact form while including existing development commitments, to protect the settings of a number of listed and landmark buildings and Knockcloghrim Windmill (an historic monument), and to exclude lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value surrounding the settlement.

Interim sewage disposal measures or development phasing may be necessary for future development proposals until such time as the required upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Works for Knockcloghrim is complete and fully operational.

Designation KM 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 24 - Knockcloghrim.


• Rising landforms and extensive tree cover add to and form the landscape character of the settlement;

• Listed Knock House and associated mature vegetation, including setting and views;

• Trees around the quarry, to the west of the Quarry Road, are an important landscape feature;

• Rising landform from the west along the Hillhead Road and east of the Carricknakielt Road contains and defines the settlement. The avenue of trees along the Hillhead Road enhances the approach from the west;

• Rising landform from the south and trees along the Lurganagoose Road form an important landscape feature, and provide a fine approach to the settlement;

• Landforms on the edge of the settlement on the Hillhead Road are important entrance/exit features.


194

Designation KM 03 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 24 - Knockcloghrim.


• Listed St. Conlus’s (C of I) Church and its environs, including its setting and views. The church is a focus within the settlement;

• Landform and mature vegetation at St. Conlus’s Church are a significant landscape feature;

• Chimney and Windmill south of Hillhead Road represent the local industrial heritage and are important local landmark features.


195

0 50 100 Metres

KM 03KM 02

KM 02

KM 02

106

6

2

10

3

15

337

115

1

322

350 348

19

336

59

5

100

9

309

108

335

343

350b 327

306

11

12

8a

58

13

104

14

325

8b

310

8

4

47

35

320

Pp

LB

PO

TCB

75.5

46.4

47.9

49.9

52.4

53.1

54.2

70.7

55.5

80.3

56.8

58.8

60.7

70.8

61.6

62.7

72.1

63.5

64.8

65.4

67.0

67.4

69.0

83.9

82.8

81.9

81.7

71.2

80.1

79.3

78.1

77.5

76.5

75.9

69.6

75.4

75.2

74.3

73.9

73.6

72.5

72.2

Pond

Garage

Ponds

Playground

BM 74.24

BM 70.40

BM 73.82

BM 58.22

Swmg

PH

(covd)

Sewage Works

Tennis

Playing Field

Tanks (covd)

Court

Tank

Sinks

Issues

Tanks

Iss

ESS

Hall

Car

Park

Chy

Pool

Knock

Rose Cottage

House

Church (C of I)

Quarry

Methodist Ch

Cairn

Knockloughrim

Primary School

St Conlus's

Knockcloghrim

A

L A N E

R O A D

COLM

H I L L

R

C K T O W N

VILLAS

M L

R O

TE

A N A G H D E R G

PORT

L U R G A N A G O O S E

L U R G A

Q U A R R Y

ROCK VILLAS

H E A D

Q U A R R Y R O A D

H I L L H E A D

N A G O O S E

MONEENY ROAD

GARDENS

C A R R I C K N A K I E L T





Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 24 - Knockcloghrim




196

Longfield

Designation LD 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 25 - Longfield.

The settlement development limit is designated around two existing clusters of development to facilitate a compact form while allowing for sufficient development opportunities commensurate with the scale, character and role of the settlement.

Interim sewage disposal measures or development phasing may be necessary for future development proposals until such time as the required upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Works for Longfield is complete and fully operational.

Designation LD 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 25 - Longfield.

Those features or combination of features that contribute to the environmental quality or character of this area are listed below:

• A stream corridor links the settlement’s two nodes. It is an important local landscape feature and wildlife corridor.


197

0 50 100 Metres

LD 02

4

71

69

65

76

78

79a

77a

61b

77b

7

27

19

3

6

2

13

10

60

5a

68

50

75

5

77

23

66

70

67

62

73

4

12

64

18

79

61

22

1

5b

Well

El P

TCB

Pond

Playground

Sewage Works

Playing Field

119.4

118.5

Sinks

Issues

Sks

Iss

127.7

123.1

124.4

121.6

121.1

120.3

120.2

120.0

124.8

125.1

122.4

127.4

128.2

125.7

126.3

126.9

Hall

112.5

Boveagh House

St Columb's

Primary School

St Patrick's RC Church

CULLION ROAD

I N I S C A R N R O A D

MOORSIDE VILLAS


L O N G F I E L D L A N E

For Information Only Settlement Development Limit



Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 25 - Longfield

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty


198

• The Altalacky and Douglas River corridors traverse the area, providing important local landscape features, often with significant treed banks and steep slopes. They act as wildlife corridors and provide a setting for the fort;

• Listed St. Eugenes (RC) Church and its environs, with mature trees along the Moneyneany Road frontage, including its setting and views.


Moneyneany

Designation MY 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 26 - Moneyneany.

The settlement development limit is designated to include existing development commitments and provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It excludes a fort (an historic monument) and lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the Douglas and Altalacky Rivers and their environs.

Designation MY 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area has been designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 26 - Moneyneany.


• The fort, an historic monument, is an important feature in the local landscape;

199

MY 02

MY 02

59

7

64

17

32

6

24

4

60

2

5

19

43

30

40

38

28

1

10

25

3

71

27

34

39

49

11

29

37

62

13

16

65

TCB

87.9

88.9

90.1

90.3

91.6

92.3

92.7

97.9

93.1

94.5

98.9

98.5

95.3

97.2

96.3

96.1

Playground

Works

Graveyard

BM 87.08

BM 97.42

Sinks

Sewage

ESS

102.0

PH

Ford

Bridge

Bridge

Cottages

Bellanaboy

St Eugene's

Moneyneany

Douglas

Drumderg

Altalacky

RC Church

A l t a l a c k y R i v e r

D o u g l a s R i v e r

A l t a l a c k y

Rath

ELMWOOD CLOSE

M U L I N D E R G

M O N E Y N E A N Y R O A D

G O R T N A R I

FORT VIEW

M U L N A V O O R O A D

FIVE MILE STRAIGHT

0 50 100 Metres




Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 26 - Moneyneany


Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty




200

Straw

Designation SW 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 27 - Straw.

The settlement development limit is designated to include existing development commitments and provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of this compact settlement, while preventing ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It excludes lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value to the east of the settlement, and along the White Water River and its environs.

Designation SW 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 27 - Straw.


• St Columbkille’s (RC) Church is a locally significant building and a local landmark within the settlement. Attractive views of the church are seen across the countryside and local fields, on the southern approach, where the hill-slopes also form a backdrop to the settlement;

• Several river and stream corridors cross the area. Trees and scrub along these watercourses make them wildlife corridors, and together with some strong hedgerows, and a network of farm lanes, characterise a traditional rural landscape;

• A series of flax, corn and sawmills, millraces and ponds were powered by water taken from the White Water to the Moyola River. These are a good example of the extent to which a small area with a dispersed rural community could support several industries, in the past. The mill buildings, some of them still in use, reflect a historic settlement pattern that is often much less obvious elsewhere;

• To the north-west of the settlement a rath, a historic monument, occupies a prominent site on a river cliff on the northern bank of the River Moyola.


201

0 50 100 Metres

SW 02

SW 02

3

4

2

1

44

40

24

14

34

8

80

81

20

83

1

10

12

4

39

7

62

58

3

46

5

22

51

67

75

2

79

82

76

6

74

45

21

13

50

93

60

77

52

57

33

36

55

23

73

47

9

31

54

18

64

65

37

49

2 to 12

50 to 56

45 to 51

25 to 35

11 & 15 to 23

Shingle

LB

88.5

Posts

Works

Stand BM 88.63

BM 89.18

Pavilion

PH

(covd)

Spring

Sewage

Sinks

Tank

(Gaelic Sports Ground)

Weir

Issues

Tanks

Slpg Mry

St Columba's

Dean McGlinchey Park

St Columbkille's

RC Church

White Water Bridge

Pr Sch

W h i t e W a t e r

PARK

SHANMULLAGH

RIVER COURT

C O R I C K R O A D

S I X T O W N S R O A D

THE ORCHARD

RIVER ROAD

R I V E R R O A D

WHITEWATER COURT

DROMDALLAGAN

THE ORCHARD



Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 27 - Straw

Local Landscape Policy Area Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty



202

Swatragh

Designation SH 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map 28 - Swatragh.

The settlement development limit is designated to include existing development commitments and provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement and to prevent ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It includes the historic Killelagh Church and its environs and also recognises the importance to the settlement of the recreational and amenity value of the public park and associated open space, but excludes other lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value.

Interim sewage disposal measures or development phasing may be necessary for future development proposals until such time as the required upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Works for Swatragh is complete and fully operational.

Designation SH 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 28 - Swatragh.


• Several stream corridors traverse the area, are important local landscape features, often with visually significant treed banks, and act as wildlife corridors;

• Recreational and amenity value of the public park and its contribution to the historic relationship between Ringsend and Swatragh;

• Listed Killelagh (C of I) Church on a low hill overlooking the river, road and bridge, and sheltered by a mixed stand of mature trees, an important visual and wildlife feature. The trees and Church contribute to the setting and character of the settlement;

• Raised landform to the north of Main Street defines the north-west limit of the settlement. It incorporates a traditional field pattern within which the old mill and mill pond represent the industrial heritage;

• Long back gardens on Main Street reflect the original built form of the settlement and contribute to the setting and character of the street frontage development and form a strong visual backdrop.

203

SH 03SH 02

1

4

5

15

21

26

34

2

23

1011a

142

87

6

29

12

17

37

20

14

7

40

107

24

118

18

11

8

16

81

30

131

45

78

89

3

32

13

110

26a

2a

22

35

47

120

38

88

19

90

8684

121

9

31

27

116

123

120a

Works

Tank

PO

99.7

98.2

98.1

96.2

95.9

94.8

94.7

94.4

94.2

89.2

89.4

91.3

91.6

91.9

92.2

94.0

93.1

92.7

92.9

Depot

Factory

Engineering

BM 97.29

BM 92.89

BM 87.89

BM 92.87

(covd)

PH

Foot Bridge

(remains of)

Sewage Works

Stepping Stones

Tank

Sinks

110.2

110.3

Tel Ex

Weir

Issues

Sks

Parochial House

Iss

104.5

106.8

107.2

109.0

101.7

101.1

120.1

96.36

ESS

BM 97.11

Hall

Market

Cattle

Car

Park

BM

Wb

Garage

ChurchPresby

River

Park

Bridge

St John's

Culnagrew

St John the Baptist's

Primary School

RC Church

(C of I)

Ringsend

Tirhugh

Lower

Killelagh

Church

Friel's Terrace

K n o c k o n e i l l R i v e r

Knockoneill

Rath

Swatragh

V I E W

PARK

GRANAGHAN

D R U M B A N E R O A D

RINGSEND CLOSE

L I S M O Y L E R O A D

U P P E R L A N D S

STONEY PARK

G A R V A G H R O A D

M A I N

KILLYLAGH PARK

L I S M O Y L E

C A R N

R O A D

S T R E E T

K I L R E A R O A D

G A R V A G H R O A D

M O N E Y S H A R V A N R O A D

K I L L Y G U L L I B R O A D

UPPERLANDS ROAD

0 75 150 Metres




Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 28 - Swatragh


Protected Route Archaeological Site and Monument (Unscheduled)


204

Gaps in the street frontage afford glimpsed views of the rising sub-divided landform. Historically, the backlands contained buildings and accommodated uses which were secondary to and related to those on the street frontage.

Designation SH 03 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 28 - Swatragh.


• Distinctive glacial hillocks are significant landscape features in this part of Swatragh, and on the approach to the settlement from the east;

• A stream corridor traverses the area. It provides an important local landscape feature and acts as a wildlife corridor.


206


Tamlaght

Designation TT 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 29 - Tamlaght.

The settlement development limit is designated to separate the compact settlement form from the sprawl of farm buildings to its south on the Tamlaght Road; to include committed development and provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement; and to prevent ribboning and urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside. It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value.

Designation TT 02 Local landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside Map and No. 29 - Tamlaght.


• Rising landform on which the settlement sits, and associated vegetation.

• Listed Tamlaght (C of I) Church and adjacent ruins of earlier Parish Church (an historic monument), on medieval and possibly earlier site, visible in the wider landscape;

• Tamlaght Presbyterian Church is a locally significant building and local landmark. It contributes to the character and setting of the settlement, especially as seen from the east;

• Holy well, an historic monument adjacent to Church Park, probably associated with the early church here;

• The Tamlaght Road to the north west of the settlement offers impressive views westwards to the Sperrin Mountains;

• Mature trees on each side of the Tamlaght Road form a good entrance / exit feature from the north west;

• Listed Tamlaght Cottage and its environs, including its setting and views;

• A stream corridor and associated wetland defines the western slopes of the ridge and settlement. It provides an important local landscape feature and acts as a wildlife corridor.


207

0 50 100 Metres

TT 02

TT 02

8

6

1

13

12

14

72

27

8

2

75

2123

18

17

4

1

58

80

301

5

28

6

25

316

300

297

306

312

9

81

70

11

73

76

313

64

19

BM

Tank

FS

PO

TCB

58.9

42.2

48.4

50.0

52.1

56.3

53.6

52.6

(C of I)

Works

(covd)

(ruins of)

Sinks

Sewage

Issues

Filling

Station

ESS

45.14

Hall

BM 54.69

School

Church

O'Crilly

(Upper) Church

Tamlaght

Presbyterian

Tamlaght Cottage

Tamlaght O'Crilly

Drumard Primary

Church

PARK

CHURCHFIELD

TAMLAGHT ROAD

DRUMLANE ROAD

D R U M L A N E R O A D

MAIN STREET

T A M L A G H T R O A D

DRUMARD




Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 29 - Tamlaght



208


Upperlands

Designation US 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 30 - Upperlands.

The settlement development limit has been designated to include committed development, prevent urban sprawl and ribbon development into the surrounding countryside, and provide limited small-scale development opportunities reflecting the settlements existing scale and role. The limit will also protect visually and historically important local landscapes and contain the settlement’s historic form.

Designation US 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 30 - Upperlands.

Those features or combination of features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of the area are listed below:

• Mature vegetation, including substantial areas of designed landscape, along the Knockoneill/Clady River, defines the character of the settlement and enhances its setting, and is also valuable for nature conservation;

• Several streams, with associated mature trees and scrub, contribute to the landscape character and natural heritage of the area;

• Extensive industrial complex, Clark’s Mill, with associated dams, races, and buildings (including a listed 1736 thatched beetling mill and water wheel) in a designed landscape which complements those of associated large houses;

• A series of substantial residences in designed inter-related landscape settings are associated with the owners and managers of the local industry. Ampertaine House (listed building) adjoins the main mill building complex. It with its gate-lodge (listed building), within a designed landscape setting which includes the river corridor, dominates the Kilrea road through the settlement. This landscape combines with a series of locally significant buildings - Ardtara (listed building), Rockwood, Gorteade, Carnbane and Upperlands Houses, and their designed settings, to define the north-eastern approaches to the settlement. The mature woodland contributes to the distinctive character of the settlement and its setting;

209

• The extensive landscaped grounds of Benbragagh House, a locally significant building, define the south-eastern limits of the settlement and enhance the approach from Culnady;

• Boyne Row (listed buildings), and its riverside setting, represents workers housing, provided by the mill-owners;

• The extensive woodland, including estate planting and parkland, which is such an impressive part of the landscape is also of value for nature conservation.


Designation US 03 Area of Townscape Character

An Area of Townscape Character (ATC) is designated as identified on Map No. 30 - Upperlands.

Key Features of the area which will be taken into account when assessing development proposals are as follows:

• The late Victorian/early Edwardian Boyne Row - red brick and black stone built terraces with pitched slate roofs, which retain their original form and proportions, and much original detailing;

• The visually prominent setting of Boyne Row on high ground overlooking the river and the surrounding area of the settlement;

• The long front gardens to Boyne Row emphasise and enhance the form of the terrace, and their physical and visual link to the industrial complex on the Kilrea Road;

• Boyne Row has an historical and physical relationship with the Knockoneill River, Kilrea Road beetling mill buildings, Ampertaine House Gate Lodge and the former railway yard;

• The designed open space between Boyne Row and the river is critical for maintaining the elements of industrial heritage and townscape;

• Mature trees and woodland along the Knockoneill River, the line of the former railway, and Kilrea Road;

• The beetling mill building on the Kilrea Road, a solid Victorian stone-built industrial building, and the adjacent mill race and weir represent the history of industrial use;

• Ampertaine House Gate Lodge on the Kilrea Road, a late 18th Century single storey hipped roof building with canted bay windows, and the entrance to the Clark’s estate and Ampertaine House; walls, gates, pillars and surrounding vegetation;

210

• Built form is everywhere part of a designed planted landscape/townscape.

Part of the character of the ATC is its sense of place, which is enhanced by the integration of built form within the mature and man-made landscape.

The settlement owes its existence to the linen industry, and specifically to the Clark family who established the first linen mill there in 1736. Subsequent development of the linen industry and of substantial residences and small groups of workers homes, shaped the form and character of what is today Upperlands.

The ATC encompasses the core of the settlement with its terraces of workers houses and mill buildings, which represent the legacy of the linen industry and its patrons.

Within the area a sense of completeness pervades and minimal potential exists for new development. Where new development is considered appropriate, it should be in keeping with the overall historic built form of the settlement in terms of layout, scale, massing and materials. The protection of the landscape both within and adjacent to the designated area is of paramount importance.

The sense of place that is Upperlands can only be protected by conserving the close relationship between the built and natural environment, which is the essence of its character and appearance.



0 50 100 Metres

US 02

US 03

US 02

US 02

3

6

2

1

5

1a

55

1b

13

2

3

1

3a

6

4

5

14

45

9

15

43

21

75

48

8

76

7

32

34

12

20

3b

81

18

93

17

39

19

37

11

55

31

50

73

46

77

84

28

40

57

89

36

54

59

63

33

10

53

83

22

41a

69

41

26

49

24

65

60

88

51

16

25

67

Plygnd

FB

LB

Mill

Well

TCB

59.5

59.8

64.1

58.3

63.5

60.1

63.1

60.4

62.0

61.2

60.6

Pond

Posts

Ponds

BM 64.99

BM 62.73

Pavilion

Sluice

Tennis

Playing Field

Court

Tank

Beetling

Weir

Issues

Tanks

Sks

Iss

63.68

Pumping

Hall

61.54

Mason

ry

BM

Fs

Sl

Sewage

Station

PO

Mill Race

Foot Bridge

58.9

Clady

Bridge

Railway

Terrace

New

Row

Ampertain

Sewage Works

River

Upperlands

Riverdale

House

Riverview View

Carson

Villas

Boyne Row

Knockoneill River

Bridge

Benbradagh

Beresfords

Irish Tirgarvil

Country House


RIVERSIDE

MEWS

P A

A L

E R

A N

D

THE

HES

E X

BEEC

ANTRIM

R K

VIEW

GORTEADE WOOD

T I R G A R V I L

G O R T E A D E

K I L R E A R O A D

ROAD

GLENVILLE TERRACE

CARSONVILLE DRIVE

C U L N A D Y

R O A D

P A R K

G R

R I V E R V I E W

E E N

M A C K N A G H R O A D

T H E

C U L N A D Y R O A D

TIRGARVIL

GORTEADE PARK

GREEN




Area of Townscape Character


Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 30 - Upperlands

Historic Park, Garden and Demesne


211


212

The Woods

Designation WS 01 Settlement Development Limit

A settlement development limit is designated as identified on Map No. 31 - The Woods.

The settlement development limit is designated to facilitate a compact form while allowing limited development opportunities appropriate to the form, scale and character of the settlement, while protecting views and the setting of St. Johns (C of I) Church. It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value.

Interim sewage disposal measures or development phasing may be necessary for future development proposals until such time as the required upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Works for Ballymaguigan is complete and fully operational.

Designation WS 02 Local Landscape Policy Area

A Local Landscape Policy Area is designated as identified on Map No. 1 - Countryside and Map No. 31 - The Woods.


• St. John’s (Listed) (C of I) Church and graveyard, rectory and associated trees, are important as a group, and as the focal point of the settlement, and distinctive in the rural local landscape;

• The settlement is on a slight terrace between two streams: substantial scrub vegetation, an area of reeds and woodland plantation along the stream to the north-east, beyond which rising land provides a backdrop to the settlement. The land slopes steeply to the stream at the south-west, which also has substantial scrub vegetation. Together, these stream corridors provide a distinctive setting for the settlement;

• The rising lands beyond the stream at the south-west are important for views within the settlement;

• The lands to the south of the Ballyronan Road are undeveloped, except for the small Orange Hall. This relationship of the settlement to the rural landscape along the main road is the key to its visual and historic character.


213

WS 0218

138

140

16

14

130

142

62

1

4

132b

134

132a

132

130a

144

Tank

LB

El P

52.2

52.1

50.8

43.2

43.7

44.3

51.6

52.8

45.9

BM 49.33

(covd)

Rectory

Sinks

Issues

Iss

Hall

(C of I)

Laurel Cottage

St John's Church

Ben Vale

The Woods

B A L L Y R O N A N R O A D

MULDERG ROAD

R O C K B R O O K R O A D

CARRALOAN ROAD

0 50 100 Metres




Magherafelt Area Plan 2015Map No. 31 - The Woods



215

| Appendices |

| Appendices |

216

Appendix 1

Policy Context

• The Belfast Agreement - the outcome of the multi-party negotiations on the future of Northern Ireland, April 1998;

• The Northern Ireland Act 1998;

• The UK Government’s White Paper on Partnership for Equality, DFP March 1998 (leading to the development of New Targeting Social Need Policy);

• Policy Appraisal and the Environment DETR April 1998;

• The UK Government’s White Paper on the future of Transport, “A New Deal for Transport : Better for Everyone”, DETR 1998;

• “Moving forward - the Northern Ireland Transport Policy Statement”, DOE 1998;

• The Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999;

• The Planning (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003;

• Strategy 2010 - A Report by the Economic Development Strategy Review Steering Group, March 1999;

• Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy, DOE 2005;

• “Creating Places - achieving quality in residential developments”, Design Guide published by DOE and DRD , May 2000;

• The Northern Ireland Programme for Government;

• River Conservation Strategy: An Environment and Heritage Service strategy to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built heritage values of rivers in Northern Ireland and facilitate their sustainable use, DOE 2001;

• “Shaping our Future - Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025”, September 2001;

• The Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland 2002-2012, July 2002;

• “Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy”, Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group, August 2002

• The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan, March 2005;

• “A Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland: Everyone’s Involved”, Northern Ireland Executive 2010;

• The Sub Regional Transport Plan 2015, June 2007;

• “Shaping our Future - Adjustments to the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) - 2025”, June 2008;

• ‘Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020, DETI’;

• Report of the Inter-Departmental Urban-Rural Definition Group - Statistical Classification and Delineation of Settlements (NISRA - February 2005);

• Business Land Need Study - Oxford Economics/Roger Tym & Partners (August 2008)

217

Appendix 2

Planning Policy Statements (PPSs)

• PPS 1 General Principles: March 1998

• PPS 2 Planning and Nature Conservation: June 1997

• PPS 3 Access, Movement and Parking: February 2005

• PPS 3 (Clarification) Access, Movement and Parking: October 2006

• PPS 4 Planning and Economic Development: November 2010

• PPS 4 (Clarification) Planning and Economic Development: September 2011

• PPS 5 Retailing and Town Centres: June 1996

• PPS 6 Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage: March 1999

• PPS 6 (Addendum): Areas of Townscape Character: August 2005

• PPS 7 Quality Residential Environments: June 2001

• PPS 7 (Addendum) Residential Extensions and Alterations: March 2008

• PPS 7 (Addendum) Safeguarding the Character or Established Residential Areas: August 2010

• PPS 8 Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation: February 2004

• PPS 9 The Enforcement of Planning Control: March 2000

• PPS 10 Telecommunications: April 2002

• PPS 11 Planning and Waste Management: December 2002

• PPS 12 Housing in Settlements: July 2005

• PPS 13 Transportation and Land Use: February 2005

• PPS 15 Planning and Flood Risk: June 2006

• PPS 17 Control of Outdoor Advertisements: March 2006

• PPS 18 Renewable Energy: August 2009

• PPS 21 Sustainable Development in the Countryside: June 2010

Issued for Public Consultation

• PPS 2 (Draft) (Revised) Natural Heritage; March 2011

• PPS 5 (Draft) Retailing, Town Centres and Commercial Leisure Developments; July 2006

• PPS 12 Policy HS 3 (Amended) Travellers Accommodation; September 2011

• PPS 16 (Draft) Tourism; November 2010

• PPS 23 (Draft) Enabling Development ; January 2011

| Appendices |

218

Appendix 3

Development Control Advice Notes

• DCAN 1 Amusement Centres

• DCAN 2 Multiple Occupancy

• DCAN 3 Bookmaking Offices

• DCAN 4 Restaurant, Cafes and Fast Food Outlets

• DCAN 5 Taxi Offices

• DCAN 7 Public Houses

• DCAN 8 Housing in Existing Urban Areas

• DCAN 9 Residential and Nursing Homes

• DCAN 10 Environmental Impact Assessment

• DCAN 11 Access for People with Disabilities

• DCAN 12 Planning Controls for Hazardous Substances

• DCAN 13 Creches, Day Nurseries and Pre-School Playgroups

• DCAN 14 Siting and Design of Radio Telecommunications Equipment

• DCAN 15 Vehicular Access Standards

Issued for Consultation

DCAN 11: Access for all - Designing for an Accessible Environment (Revised)

219

Appendix 4

Sewage Infrastructure - Waste Water Treatment Works

Town/Village/Small Settlement

Wastewater Treatment Facility

Comment

Category 1

Maghera Maghera WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Bellaghy Bellaghy WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Draperstown Draperstown WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Tobermore Tobermore WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Ballymaguigan (serving O’Neill Pk)

Ballymaguigan WWTW

Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Clady Portglenone WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

| Appendices |

220

Creagh Creagh WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Culnady Upperlands WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Glen Maghera WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Glenone Portglenone WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Inishrush Portglenone WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Kilross Kilross WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Moneyneany Moneyneany WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Straw Draperstown WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

221

Tamlaght Tamlaght WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Upperlands Upperlands WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Magherafelt Magherafelt WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Castledawson Magherafelt WWTW Satisfactory and capable of accommodating all development within its catchment that is proposed in the Plan through the Plan period.

Category 2



Comment

Longfield Longfield (Moorside Villas) WWTW

Upgraded works operational from March 2012.

Category 3



Comment

Curran Curran WWTW Upgrade programmed (2011 to 2013) subject to available funding

Gulladuff Gulladuff WWTW Upgrade programmed (2011 to 2013) subject to available funding

Swatragh Swatragh WWTW Upgrade programmed (2011 to 2013) subject to available funding

| Appendices |

222

Category 4



Comment

Ballymaguigan Waterfoot Road WWTW

No capacity during Magherafelt Area Plan period - up to 2015.

Desertmartin Desertmartin WWTW No capacity during Magherafelt Area Plan period - up to 2015.

Knockcloghrim Knockcloghrim WWTW

No capacity during Magherafelt Area Plan period - up to 2015.

The Woods Lisnamorrow WWTW No capacity during Magherafelt Area Plan period - up to 2015.

Category 5



Comment

Ballynease None Not served by a WWTW

Gracefield None Not served by a WWTW

This document may be made available in alternative formats, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Area Planning Office County Hall Drumragh Avenue Omagh BT79 7AF

Tel: 101 (NI Only) or (028) 9151 3101 Fax: (028) 8225 4009 email: [email protected]

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