magherafelt draft area plan 2015 - technical supplement… · 2018-08-30 · magherafelt area plan...

COUNTRYSIDE ASSESSMENT

MAGHERAFELT AREA PLAN 2015 – DRAFT PLAN – TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT



Section 5 Contents 5.0 SETTLEMENT APPRAISAL 5.1 INTRODUCTION 5.2 MAGHERAFELT 5.2.1. Locational and Historical Context 5.2.2 Character 5.2.3 Facilities 5.2.4 Areas of Conservation Interest 5.2.5 Assets and Constraints 5.2.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 5.3 MAGHERA 5.3.1 Locational and Historical Context 5.3.2 Character 5.3.3 Facilities 5.3.4 Areas of Conservation Interest 5.3.5 Assets and Constraints 5.3.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 5.4 BELLAGHY 5.4.1 Locational and Historical Context 5.4.2 Character 5.4.3 Facilities 5.4.4 Areas of Conservation Interest 5.4.5 Assets and Constraints 5.4.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 5.5 CASTLEDAWSON 5.5.1 Locational and Historical Context 5.5.2 Character 5.5.3 Facilities 5.5.4 Areas of Conservation Interest 5.5.5 Assets and Constraints 5.5.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 5.6 DRAPERSTOWN 5.6.1 Locational and Historical Context 5.6.2 Character 5.6.3 Facilities 5.6.4 Areas of Conservation Interest 5.6.5 Assets and Constraints 5.6.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 5.7 TOBERMORE 5.7.1 Locational and Historical Context



5.7.2 Character 5.7.3 Facilities 5.7.4 Areas of Conservation Interest 5.7.5 Assets and Constraints 5.7.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit



5.1 INTRODUCTION

The following appraisals of the towns, villages and small settlements within the District have provided the basis for identifying settlement development limits and land use zonings. They identify features worthy of protection and retention, and contribute to local design requirements for individual sites. Each appraisal is structured into, where applicable, a short description of the locational and historical context of the settlement, assessment of character, available facilities, areas of conservation interest, assets and constraints on future development and a justification of the identified settlement development limit.



5.2 MAGHERAFELT 5.2.1 Locational and Historical Context

Magherafelt Town is the largest settlement in Magherafelt District with an estimated population in 2001 of 8289. It is situated on rising land to the west of Lough Neagh. The surrounding landscape is dominated by shallow drumlins and ridges, with occasional distinctive small conical drumlins and sharp breaks of slope. The A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road (a key transport corridor) and the A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road (a link corridor) are in close proximity.

The Salters’ Company established the settlement with a castle and bawn. Magherafelt’s Plantation legacy is still evident in its wide Broad Street with the Market Square at the top (site of a castle and bawn c.1614), and the ruins of the Planters’ Church (1664) at the lower end.

Magherafelt originally consisted of 4 principal streets; Broad Street, Charity [Rainey] Street, The Pass [Queen Street] and Meeting [Market] Street, which meet at the extremities of the Diamond in the centre of the town. The town remained fairly static throughout the latter half of the 19th Century and first half of the 20th Century. Later development has lead to a substantial expansion of the town on and between the roads radiating out from the town centre.

As the main town within the District, Magherafelt has a multi-functional role. It is a local service centre providing retail, health, educational and community facilities for the town’s population and rural hinterland. It has a strong residential component and provides a range of employment opportunities.

5.2.2 Character

The street layout and building plots within Magherafelt town centre can be traced back to the original Planters’ settlement and subsequent 18th/19th Century development, which contributes to the overall character of the settlement. 1st Magherafelt Presbyterian, St. Swithin’s, and Our Lady of the Assumption Churches are key landmark buildings. Their three spires are visible well beyond the town, from several approaches. The traditional built form within the town centre consists of terraces of buildings having a variation of finishes including facing-stone, smooth render and brick. Buildings are generally 2 or 3 storey in height with dark slated roofs rising upwards and away from the street, and simple gable ends. Elevational treatment is of vertical proportion with a high solid to void ratio. Modern development has introduced facades which incorporate large areas of glass, horizontal proportions, modern materials and finishes, and other design elements.



Whilst there are a number of notable buildings within the town centre, its character derives more from the grouping of the buildings and their overall scale and proportion in relation to the long established street pattern. Retail and office uses predominate on the ground floors of properties within the town centre. Most premises require on-street servicing which at times results in vehicle / pedestrian conflict. This conflict can be compounded by on-street parking. There are a number of important areas of mature trees around the town centre including: to the rear of the Bridewell including the Glebe, old Church and rectory lands; Queen Street / Aughrim Road including the Parochial House and Presbyterian Manse sites; on the Castledawson Road at the Royal British Legion Sheltered Housing site. Elsewhere within the town small stands of mature trees and hedges along roads and around properties help soften the built environment and integrate it into the landscape. Housing developments fan out from the town centre, introducing a more suburban form to these parts of the town. The housing areas are of varying sizes and densities. A description of the various residential character areas is contained in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

5.2.3 Facilities

Within the town centre there is a diversity of uses including residential areas, shops, offices, community facilities, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The range of shops includes: • Banks, building societies and estate agents; • Beauticians and hairdressers; • Bakers, butchers and grocers; • Chemists; • Off-licenses • Newsagents and confectioners; • Clothing and shoes; • Hardware, electrical goods; • Fabric and textiles; • Furniture; • Florists; • Jewellers; • Cards and books; • Sports shops; and • Charity shops. The above list is not intended to be exhaustive but serves to give an indication of uses available. Broad Street, Rainey Street and The Diamond have a high proportion of predominately independent retailers providing a range of convenience and



comparison goods shops whilst Meadowlane Shopping Centre contains some of the national multiple retailers. The Table below identifies the total number of retail units in the Town Centre.

Category No of Units Food 11 Other Convenience 13 Bulky Durable 13 Other Durable 58 Large / Mixed 4 Retail Service 81 Vacant 22 Total 202 Source: VALCOM Survey Note: Updated information from VALCOM survey 2004 is contained in the Commerce Technical Supplement.

There are 11 schools in Magherafelt: • Magherafelt Nursery School, Meeting Street; • Magherafelt Primary School, Queens Avenue; • Holy Family Primary School, Castledawson Road; • Rainey Endowed School, Rainey Street; • St. Pius X High School, Moneymore Road; • Magherafelt High School, Moneymore Road; • St. Mary’s Grammar School, Castledawson Road; • Kilronan School, Ballyronan Road; • Integrated School, Moneymore Road; • Integrated School, Pound Road; • North Eastern Institute, Moneymore Road.

Playing Fields and Open Space Areas: • Playing fields associated with Rainey Endowed School, Rainey Street; • Playing fields associated with St. Mary’s Grammar School, Castledawson Road; • Playing fields associated with Holy Family Primary School; • Playing fields at Desertmartin Road; • Playing fields at St. Pius X High School, Moneymore Road; • Open Space associated with Greenvale Leisure Centre, Queen’s Avenue; • Playing field and open space at Princess Terrace / Sperrin Drive; • Playing fields situated between greenvale Park and Parkmore, Killyfaddy Road; • Playing fields and changing facilities at Meadowbank Park, Ballyronan Road; • Open space at Highfield Road; • Open space at Killowen Drive, Ballyronan Road; • Open spaces at Leckagh Drive; • Glebe Ward, Church Well Lane, Church Street; • Gaelic Football Ground, Castledawson Road;



• Ronan Valley Golf Club, Ballyronan Road.

Churches: • Magherafelt Independent Methodist Church, Tobermore Road; • Union Road Presbyterian Church, Union Road; • First Magherafelt Presbyterian Church, Meeting Street; • Our Lady of the Assumption Church (RC), King Street; • Magherafelt Methodist Church, Church Street; • St. Swithin’s Church (CofI), Church Street; • Magherafelt Baptist Church, Ballyronan Road; • St. John’s Church (RC), Castledawson road; • Magherafelt Free Presbyterian Church, Mullaghboy Hill Road.

Other facilities include: • Mid-Ulster Hospital, Hospital Road; • Court House, Hospital road; • Greenvale Leisure Centre, Queens Avenue; • Police Station, Meeting Street; • Magherafelt District Council Office, Ballyronan Road; • Polepatrick Cemetry, Castledawson road. Magherafelt has a number of existing industrial sites – Fairhill Industrial estate, businesses include: • Tyre Depot; • Exhaust/Brake Centre; • Farrell Products.

Aughrim Road Industrial Estate, businesses include: • Oakleaf Contracts; • KBB Doors; • Genesis Bakery; • Centile Tiles. Station Road Industrial Estate, businesses include: • An office equipment centre; • Door Gallery; • Uform; • Station Road Carpets; • Electronic Outlets; • Forbes Furniture Group; • ABC NI Ltd (furniture); • Traditional Cabinet Company;



• Building Chemicals Direct; • Hancock Fuels; • Magherafelt Furnishings.

Outside of formal industrial estates there is a concrete works and timber yard on the Ballyronan Road, Quarry on the Tobermore Road and an industrial site on the Moneymore Road.

Magherafelt has direct Ulsterbus connections to the following places: • Ballymena; • Belfast; • Bellaghy; • Castledawson; • Cookstown; • Draperstown; • Dublin; • Portrush; • Tobermore.

This list is not exhaustive and does not include indirect connections through the wider Translink network; it serves to give an indication of public transport links available.

5.2.4 Areas of Conservation Interest

Listed Buildings There are 24 listed buildings and other structures in Magherafelt. All are located within the old town area. Details of each listing are given in Appendix 2b. Historic Monuments There are a number of historic monuments within the town including the Planters’ Old Church and grave yard, situated to the rear of the Bridewell. Details are listed in Appendix 2a. Local Landscape Policy Areas Mullaghboy Hill Slopes An LLPA has been identified and designated at Mullaghboy Hill Slopes in recognition of its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA 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.

Glebe Lands An LLPA has been identified and designated at the Glebe Lands in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

King Street An LLPA has been identified and designated at North and West Castledawson in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

Brennen Court An LLPA has been identified and designated at Brennen Court in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

North and East Magherafelt.

An LLPA has been identified and designated at North and East Magherafelt in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. 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 planned landscape of the planted parkland and country houses. It is a distinctive area and makes a major contribution to the setting of the town, particularly evident from the approach from the main A6 Road. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below:

• 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;

• Visually significant 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;

• Mature trees and other significant vegetation within Polepatrick Cemetery and park-lands 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;

• 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.

Area of Townscape Character An Area of Townscape Character has been identified and designated on the Tobermore/Desertmartin Road on the basis of its historic built form, layout and landscape value. Key features of the Area include: • Mostly large, 2 storey and detached, residential properties; • Properties in large mature gardens, set-back from the road with long front

garden areas; • Range of house types varying from traditional to modern design; • Mullaghboy House, a large 2-storey Victorian property set within a substantial

curtilage, 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 (large detached houses on large sites) and variety of mature planting, which have been deliberately combined to create a tranquil suburb. 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. The present arrangement of buildings and spaces need to be taken into account to safeguard the amenity of neighbouring properties, and the distinctive character and layout of the Area. A sensitive approach respecting these considerations and the overall pattern and low density housing in the Area will therefore be required. 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.



Areas of Archaeological Potential An Area of Archaeological Potential (AOP) has been identified within the town to reflect the area of post medieval settlement associated with the medieval and later church. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2d.

5.2.5 Assets and Constraints

The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • The potential for further development within the existing urban area; • Location close to the A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road, and on the A29

Coleraine to Cookstown Road, a link corridor, as identified in the RDS; • The A6 and A29 are protected main traffic routes; • Range of local services and facilities; • Variety of industrial uses. • Location within a Green Belt; • Listed Buildings and Monuments, and their settings; • Areas subject to flooding; • Programmed improvements to the road transport network in the area; • Level of town centre traffic congestion; • Quality of townscape character; • Quality of landscape setting; • Public transport - local and express bus services • Proximity to the Sperrins AONB and Lough Neagh.

5.2.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit

The settlement development limit has been drawn to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing and sites that have not yet been approved but which are at a stage in the planning application process where there is a reasonable expectation that planning approval will be granted. It also takes account of areas of conservation interest to be protected, the assets and constraints identified and the facilities the settlement has to offer. The role of the town as District Town and as a local hub, its character, identity and scale were also given consideration within the context of the Regional Development Strategy and the evaluation framework to assist housing allocations within the District. The settlement development limit takes account of the housing allocated to the town as detailed in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement. Specifically, the settlement development limit has been drawn to : • Exclude elevated land to the north and west ; • Exclude the quality landscape setting at Mullaghboy Hill Slopes and North and

East Magherafelt (as described in section 5.2.4) ; • Prevent urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside ; • Utilise the Magherafelt bypass as a defensible limit to development to the south

and east which will help to curtail urban sprawl into the countryside ; • Prevent coalescence with Castledawson and surrounding smaller settlements ;



• Exclude land to the south and east which is liable to flooding ; • Protect the existing open spaces of Polepatrick Park off Castledawson Road

and the golf course off Ballyronan Road which now lie within the proposed Green Belt ;

• Maximise the use of existing urban land ; • Provide additional land for industrial development off Ballyronan Road and

Moneymore Road, which also takes account of established industrial development ;

• Provide additional land for housing off Tobermore Road and Coolshinney Road. • To take account of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land.



5.3 MAGHERA 5.3.1 Locational and Historical Context

Maghera is the second town in Magherafelt District, with an estimated population in 2001 of 3648. It is located 10 km. north of Magherafelt town. The A29 Coleraine to Cookstown road bisects the town north-south and joins with the A6 Belfast to Londonderry road on its southern edge. Maghera means ‘the town above the plain’. It is situated in an elevated position above lower lying wetland, on the edge of the Moyola floodplain to the south and the lowland drumlin landscape of the Garvagh Farmland to the north. Human settlement in Maghera dates back to early Christian times. In the 19th Century, Maghera was a market and post town of 1154 inhabitants and consisted of Main Street, Hall Street, Bank Square, the northern end of Meeting House Avenue, and the southern end of Station Road. Modern development has taken place on and between the roads radiating out from the town centre. Maghera is a local service and employment centre, and is particularly important for the northern sector of the District. It is an important educational centre.

5.3.2 Character

When approaching the town from the south east, the grouping of St.Lurach’s CofI Church, the mature treed glebe lands, rectory and Old Maghera Church/Cathedral site gives a flavour of the town’s important ecclesiastical past. Other key buildings within the town include Maghera Presbyterian Church on Meetinghouse Avenue and the Ulster Bank on Main Street. Approaches from the A6 to the south are dominated by high quality mature landscape on rising slopes. The historic integrity of the 19th Century town remains largely intact, contributing to the overall character of the settlement.

The town core is characterised by its long terraces which form an almost continuous frontage on Main Street, where there is a sense of enclosure. Frontages, where punctuated by gaps, afford views to often significant uses at the back of the street. Buildings are two or three storey. Traditionally, they have smooth rendered or roughcast finished walls, and natural slate pitched roofs which rise upwards and away from the street from traditional corbel eaves. Some striking contrasts in building heights add to an interesting roofscape. There is a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a strong bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. Decoration to facades is restrained. This traditional building form is an important component of the town’s built heritage and character. Modern development has introduced facades which incorporate large areas of glass, horizontal proportions, modern materials and finishes, and other design elements. Buildings follow a strong building line and characteristically open onto the back edge of the footpath.



Within the town centre retail and office uses predominate on the ground floors of properties. Most premises require on-street servicing which at times results in vehicle/pedestrian conflict. This conflict can be compounded by on street parking.

Housing areas of vairying size and density fan out from the centre, introducing a more suburban form to these parts of the town. A detailed description of the various residential character areas is contained in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement. There is no significant vegetation within the town centre. Low lying wet lands with streams and associated vegetation skirt the south of the town, to the A6. The mature treed glebe lands dominate the area around the Rectory and Old Church. These combine to make an important visual contribution to the character and setting of the town.

5.3.3 Facilities

Within the town centre area of Maghera, there is a range of uses including shops, offices, community facilities, pubs, restaurants, cafes and a hotel. The range of shops includes:

• Banks, building societies and estate agents; • Beauticians and hairdressers; • Bakers, butchers and grocers; • Chemists; • Off-licenses; • Newsagents and confectioners; • Clothing and shoes; • Hardware, electrical goods; • Fabric and textiles; • Furniture; • Florists; • Jewellers; • Cards and books; • Sports shops; and • Charity shops.

There is one national multiple trading in the Town Centre; Super Valu.



The Table below identifies the total number of retail units in the Town Centre.

Category No of Units Food 4 Other Convenience 7 Bulky Durable 14 Other Durable 19 Large / Mixed 6 Retail Service 48 Vacant 8 Total 106 Source: VALCOM Survey. Note: Updated information from VALCOM survey 2004 is contained in the Commerce Technical Supplement.

There are 5 schools in Maghera: • Maghera Primary School; • Glenview Primary School; • Bunscoill Lurach; • Maghera High School; • St. Patrick’s College. Playing Fields and Open Space Areas: • Playing fields associated with St. Patrick’s College (Coleraine Road and Glen

Road); • Playing fields associated with Maghera High School; • Playing fields associated with Maghera Primary School; • Playing fields associated with Glenview Primary School; • Playing fields at Brown Drive; • Playing fields and open space at Sunnyside Drive and Tamney Crescent; • Playground at Crawfordsburn; • Open space at Glen View; • Open space at Meetinghouse Avenue; • Open space at Mullagh Lane; • Gaelic football ground at Glenshane Road. Churches: • St. Mary’s Church (RC); • St. Lurach’s Church (CofI); • Maghera Presbyterian Church; • Elim Pentecostal Church.

Other facilities include: • Maghera Recreation Centre;



• Librtary; • Health Centre; • Maghera Day Centre; • Police Station; • Fire Station; • Gaelic Athletic Social Club; • Garden Centre.

Maghera has a number of existing industrial sites - Maghera Business Park (14 units) on Station Road, businesses include: • APG Doors/Tiles; • MD Mouldings; • SENAKO; • Maghera Clothing Co. Ltd; • DADS; • Car Power. Glenshane Industrial Park on the Tobermore Road, businesses include: • Cunningham Covers Ltd. (Tarpaulins); • Metso Minerals; • Beggs & Partners (Plumbing). Outside of the formal industrial estates there is a joinery works and bakery on the Coleraine Road, kitchen manufacturer and workshop on the Glen Road, food factory at Fair Hill, and timber frame home works and builders services on the Craigadick Road. Maghera has direct Ulsterbus connections to the following places: • Belfast; • Castledawson; • Coleraine; • Draperstown; • Londonderry; • Limavady; • Monaghan; • Portrush; • Tobermore.




5.3.4 Areas of Conservation Interest Listed Buildings There are 10 listed buildings in Maghera. All are located within the old town area. Details of each listing are given in Appendix 2b. Historic Monuments

There is 1 monument (in State Care) within the town - Maghera Old Church/Cathedral. Details are given in Appendix 2a.

Local Landscape Policy Areas Craigadick Road An LLPA has been identified and designated at Craigadick Road in recognition of the local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA 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. South of Maghera An LLPA has been identified and designated south of Maghera in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA 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 CofI 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;



• 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 treelined 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.

Area of Townscape Character

An Area of Townscape Character has been identified and designated on the Glen Road on the basis of its historic built form, layout and landscape value. Key features of the Area include: • 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 Area’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.

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 Area, which is enhanced by the low density of development. The present arrangement of buildings and sites 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. A sensitive approach respecting these considerations and the overall pattern of low density housing in the area will therefore be required. 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.



5.3.4 Areas of Archaeological Potential An Area of Architectural Potential (AOP) has been identified within the town to reflect the area of medieval and later settlement associated with this major ecclesiastical site. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2d.


The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • The potential for further development within the existing urban area; • Located adjacent to the main A6 Belfast/Londonderry Road, a key transport

corridor, and on the A29 Coleraine/Cookstown Road, a link corridor road, as identified in the RDS;

• Range of local services and facilities; • Existing industrial uses; • The proximity of Magherafelt town; • The A6 and A29 Roads are protected main traffic routes; • Located within a Green Belt; • Monument in State Care; St.Lurach’s Church/Cathedral and its setting; • A number of listed buildings and their settings; • Potential for coalescence with Glen to the west; • Areas subject to flooding; • Quality of landscape setting; • Proximity to AONB; • Public transport – local and express bus services; • Quality of townscape character.

5.3.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The settlement development limit has been drawn to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing and sites that have not yet been approved but which are at a stage in the planning application process where there is a reasonable expectation that planning permission will be granted. It also takes account of areas of conservation interest to be protected, the assets and constraints identified and the facilities the settlement has to offer. The role of the town as a local service and employment centre, its character, identity and scale were also given consideration within the context of the Regional Development Strategy and the evaluation framework to assist housing allocations within the District. The settlement development limit takes account of the housing allocated to the town as detailed in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement. Specifically, the settlement development limit has been drawn to : • Exclude elevated land to the north-west ; • Exclude slopes to the south and east where development would be out of

character ; • Exclude the quality landscape setting to the south of Maghera (as described in

section 5.3.4) ;



• Prevent urban sprawl into the surrounding countryside ; • Utilise the A6 (key transport corridor) as a defensible limit to development to the

south which will help to curtail urban sprawl into the countryside ; • Prevent coalescence with the small settlement of Glen ; • Prevent ribboning along Glen Road, Moneysharvan Road, Mullagh Road and

Carricknakielt Road ; • Exclude land to the south which is liable to flooding ; • Maximise the use of existing urban land ; • Provide additional land for industrial development off Moneysharvan Road and

Tobermore / Craigadick Road. • To take account of BMV agricultural land.



5.4 BELLAGHY 5.4.1 Locational and Historical Context

The village of Bellaghy had an estimated population of 1071 in 2001. 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 originally a Plantation settlement founded in 1619 by the Vintners Company. From an account of Bellaghy in the year 1622 it would appear that it then consisted of a bawn, a church, a corn mill and 12 houses. The bawn, now a Historic Monument in State Care, includes significant remains of the original complex and a later house with permanent Seamus Heaney exhibits.

The village originally developed along Castle Street and Mullaghboy Road, and later at right angles along Main Street and William Street. Modern development has resulted in expansion of the village to the north-west and north-east.

5.4.2 Character

Bellaghy is primarily a residential settlement, with a small retail core.

The village’s historic cruciform plan form remains intact, contributing to the overall character of the settlement. Main Street is characterised by short two storey terraces forming an almost continuous street frontage. This, combined with a narrow, winding and undulating street contributes to a sense of enclosure and intimacy. Outbuildings to the rear are visible only where there are occasional gaps in the terraced frontage. Traditionally, buildings have either wet dashed or smooth rendered walls, and natural slate pitched roofs which rise upwards and away from the street. There is a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a strong bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. Street frontage buildings characteristically open onto the back edge of the footpath. This traditional building form is an important component of the built heritage in Main Street, contributing to its overall character. Castle Street is flanked by two storey detached, semi-detached and short terraced properties. Frontage gaps are frequent. The street is less intimate than Main Street, splaying out to the south as it approaches the Bawn. Building characteristics, including design, materials and finishes are similar to Main Street. After a short length, Mullaghboy Road becomes suburban in nature.

William Street introduces long terraces of two storey dwellings which incorporate traditional form, proportion and finishes. Many have front bay windows and porches, and short front gardens which are bounded by low walls.



Within the village core retail uses predominate. Parking and servicing are on-street which at times results in vehicle / pedestrian conflict.

Modern housing developments are located on the periphery of the village, on the Mullaghboy Road and William Street, and are of varying sizes and densities. Houses are single or two storey, detached, semi-detached or in short terraces. There are three significant areas of open space associated with the village. These include land around the Bawn, playing fields to the west of William Street and south of Hunter Park and the Wolfe Tones GAC playing fields. A stream corridor bisects the village in a north-south direction across the bottom of William Street.

There are two significant treed areas within the village. A stand of mature trees at the Rectory on the Ballynease Road provides an attractive entrance feature to the village and enhances the setting of this listed building. At Bellaghy Bawn, mature trees along adjacent field boundaries frame this landmark buildings from the two southern approaches to the village.

5.4.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include: • 5 churches; • 10 shops; • 2 petrol filling stations; • 2 cafés/carry outs; • library; • 3 public houses; • snooker club; • health centre; • Bellaghy Primary School; • St Mary’s Primary School; • Post Office; • Credit Union; • garage; • commercial vehicle sales; • bookmakers; • car breakers; • Police Station; • Open space areas. The village has a small industrial area on the Deerpark Road. This contains: • fuel depot; • gate and railing manufacturer; • flooring supplier; • express courier. There are 6 small workshop units to the rear of the Library and Credit Union in Castle Street, and an engineering works on Main Street.



Bellaghy has direct Ulsterbus connections to the following places: • Ballymena; • Ballymoney; • Belfast; • Bellaghy; • Castledawson; • Cookstown; • Magherafelt.



Listed Buildings There are 5 listed buildings in Bellaghy. Details of each listing are given in Appendix 2b.

Historic Monuments There is one monument (in State Care) in Bellaghy - Bellaghy Bawn. Details are given in Appendix 2a.

Local Landscape Policy Areas Bellaghy Bawn and Cavehill An LLPA has been identified and designated at Bellaghy Bawn and Cavehill in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of these areas and their local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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 contributes to the setting of the Bawn, Church and the village. They create an attractive entrance from the southern approaches to the village;

• Land to the west of the Gulladuff Road is, historically, strategically linked 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;



• Wetland area south-west of Cavehill and stream corridor bisecting the LLPA both provide local nature conservation interest.

Ballynease Road An LLPA has been identified and designated at Ballynease Road in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • Listed RC Chapel, a landmark building, with its setting and views; • Listed Rectory, in designed grounds, with its settings and views; • Visually significant landscape with mature trees around the Rectory contributes

to the setting of the Rectory and the village.

Areas of Archaeological Potential An Area of Architectural Potential (AOP) has been identified within the village to reflect the area of post medieval settlement. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2d.


The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • The potential for further development within the existing settlement; • Range of local services and facilities; • Modern sewage treatment works; • The tourist potential of Bellaghy Bawn; • A number of listed buildings and their settings; • Proximity to the Lower Bann and Lough Beg; • Public transport - local bus service provision; • Quality landscape setting.


The settlement development limit has been drawn to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing and sites that have not yet been approved but which are at a stage in the planning application process where there is a reasonable expectation that planning approval will be granted. It also takes account of areas of conservation interest to be protected, the assets and constraints identified and the facilities the settlement has to offer. The role of the village as a rural service centre, its character, identity and scale were also given consideration within the context of the Regional Development Strategy and the evaluation framework to assist housing allocations within the District. The settlement development limit also takes account of the housing allocated to the village as detailed in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.



Specifically, the settlement development limit has been drawn to : • Exclude elevated land to the north-west ; • Exclude the quality landscape setting at Bellaghy Bawn / Cave Hill and at

Ballynease Road (as described in section 5.4.4) ; • To promote a compact village form and prevent encroachment into the

countryside ; • To prevent ribboning along Oldtown Road ; • Protect existing open space at Wolfe Tones GAC, off Ballyscullion Road ; • To take account of BMV agricultural land.



5.5 CASTLEDAWSON 5.5.1 Locational and Historical Context

Castledawson is the largest village in the District with an estimated population of 2085 in 2001. It is located immediately to the north of the A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road approximately 4km north-east of Magherafelt town. It is set within a landscape of low rolling hills and flat meadowlands, south of the Moyola River and the mature woodland and parkland of the Moyola Estate.

The village, formerly called Dawson Bridge appears to have assumed its present form and name in the year 1710. To the north of the settlement is the Moyola Park demesne and country house, seat of the Dawson family. In 1796, the Dawson family erected a stone single-arch bridge over the Moyola River, on which the settlement stands. The village originally consisted of a single ‘crooked’ street, aligned in an east-west direction, and flanked by Moyola Park to the north. More recent development has resulted in expansion of the village to the south with housing development extending over the old railway embankment and along the Annaghmore and Bells Hill Roads, to the A6, which contains the village to the south.

5.5.2 Character

The historic integrity of the linear ‘old village’ remains largely intact, and contributes to the overall character of the settlement. The village centre is characterised by long two storey terraces forming an almost continuous street frontage. Outbuildings to the rear are visible only where there are occasional gaps in the terraced frontage. Traditionally, buildings have either wet dashed, smooth rendered or pebble dashed walls, and natural slate pitched roofs which rise upwards and away from the street. With some exceptions, there is a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a strong bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. Street frontage buildings characteristically open onto the back edge of the footpath. This traditional building form is an important component of the built heritage within the village core, contributing positively to its overall character.

Along Main Street, retail and residential uses predominate on the ground floors. Parking and servicing are on-street which at times results in vehicle / pedestrian conflict.

Housing developments spread out from the village centre introducing a more suburban form. These developments are of varying sizes, densities, layout and house type. There are three significant areas of open space in the village; the Memorial Park on Main Street, open space within the Park View housing estate and the playing fields associated with Castledawson Primary School.



There is little significant vegetation within the village. Beyond the settlement development limit, Moyola Park contains mature broadleaf plantations which dominate views to the north and east of the village, and contribute significantly to the village character and setting. The Moyola River skirts the east and north of the village, and its banks to the north of the railway bridge are heavily covered with small trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. The river corridor makes an important visual contribution to the character and setting of the village.

5.5.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include: 5 churches; 6 halls; 19 shops; Post Office; funeral directors; nursing home; monumental sculptor; 4 public houses; plant hire; a garage; credit union; nursing home; 2 bakeries; 4 carry out/cafes; Castledawson Primary School; New Row Primary School; golf course; open space areas.

Industry within the village is located off the Moyola Road to the east of the river, on Curran Road and Bells Hill Road. Industrial assets within the village include: engineering works; shirt factory joinery works; timber suppliers; window frame manufacturer; mattress manufacturer; furniture manufacturer; bakery. Castledawson has direct Ulsterbus connections to the following places: • Belfast; • Ballymena; • Bellaghy; • Coleraine;



• Cookstown; • Draperstown; • Londonderry; • Maghera; • Magherafelt; • Omagh; • Tobermore.



Listed Buildings

There are 23 listed buildings and other structures in Castledawson, the majority of which are concentrated within the village centre. These include two churches, a number of houses, the 1796 Dawson Bridge, and a water pump. Details of each listing are given in Appendix 2b. Historic Monuments There are three historic monuments in or adjacent to the village: a tree covered rath off the Tamnadeese Road, to the west of the village; Christ Church (a plantation church and graveyard) off Bridge Street; and the site of a post-medieval castle adjacent to Christ Church. Details of Historic Monuments are listed in Appendix 2a. Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes Moyola Park is included within the Department’s Register of Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes. Details of historic parks, gardens and demesnes are given in Appendix 2d. Local Landscape Policy Areas North and West of Castledawson An LLPA has been identified and designated at North and West Castledawson in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below.

• 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;

• 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.

Station Road

An LLPA has been identified and designated at Station Road in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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. Brough Road An LLPA has been identified and designated at Brough Road in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA 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.

Moyola Road An LLPA has been identified and designated at Moyola Road in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

Areas of Archaeological Potential An Area of Architectural Potential (AOP) has been identified within the village to reflect the area of post-medieval settlement. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2d.


The following assets and constraints to development have been identified:

• The potential for further development within the settlement; • Located adjacent to the main A6 Belfast / Londonderry Road, a key transport

corridor; • The A6 road is a protected main traffic route; • Range of local services and facilities; • Variety of industrial uses; • The proximity of Magherafelt town; • Location within a Green Belt; • Moyola River and corridor; • Moyola Estate and golf course; • A number of sites of archaeological interest and their settings; • A number of listed buildings and their settings; • Area of flooding, to the south of the disused railway embankment and west of

the Moyola River; • Potential for coalescence with Hillhead to the north-east and Brough to the

south-east; • Public transport – good provision of local bus services; • Quality of landscape setting.



Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit has been drawn to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing and sites that have not yet been approved but which are at a stage in the planning application process where there is a reasonable expectation that planning approval will be granted. It also takes account of areas of conservation interest to be protected, the assets and constraints identified and the facilities the settlement has to offer. The role of the village as a rural service and local employment centre, its character, identity and scale were also given consideration within the context of the Regional Development Strategy and the evaluation framework to assist housing allocations within the District. The settlement development limit takes account of the housing allocated to the village as detailed in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement. Specifically, the settlement development limit has been drawn to : • Exclude elevated land to the west of Annaghmore Road; • Exclude the quality landscape setting at North and West Castledawson, Brough

Road and Moyola Road; • To promote a compact village form and prevent encroachment into the

countryside; • Utilise the A6 as a defensible limit to development to the south which will help to

curtail encroachment of development into the countryside; • Utilise the Moyola river as a defensible limit to development to the north and

east which will help to curtail encroachment of development into the countryside;

• Prevent coalescence with Magherafelt; • Exclude land along the Moyola river corridor which is liable to flooding; • Protect existing open space at Moyola Park and golf course to the north of the

village which now lie within the proposed Green Belt; • To take account of BMV agricultural land.



5.6 DRAPERSTOWN 5.6.1 Locational and Historical Context

The village of Draperstown had an estimated population of 1626 in 2001. It is located 12 km. north west of Magherafelt town. It is set within flat/gently undulating farmland in the Upper Moyola Valley, at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains. The Sperrins lie to the west and south and provide an impressive backdrop to the village. In the late 18th century an informal market was held at a public house beside the crossroads, and a small settlement grew up. The original location was known as Cross of Ballinascreen. In 1818 its name was changed to Draperstown because it was on Drapers Company land. The village was refounded with a major new building programme by the Drapers Company in 1838-9. The ‘new’ Draperstown consisted of a large triangular space flanked by terraces of stone and slate buildings in the classical form of architecture. All were faced with dressed sandstone blocks. Early village expansion 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.

5.6.2 Character

Draperstown is a traditional crossroads type settlement based around the junction known as the Old Cross. The buildings are located in accordance with a clearly defined and well established building line. The triangular feature known as The Shambles (village green) together with the wide crossroads creates a distinctive village form.

The characteristic form of development of Draperstown consists of terraces of houses having stone walls and dark slated roofs with gable ends. Elevational treatment particularly with regard to fenestration is of classical proportions. The buildings are mostly two storey in height – a notable exception being the ‘Gothic Cottages’ located on the Magherafelt Road. Other key buildings within the village include St.Columba’s Church on Tobermore Road, the Courthouse on 20 High Street, and the Presbyterian Meeting House on High Street. These three ‘listed’ buildings help frame the village green/cross area from St.Patrick’s Street and Sixtowns Road in the south west. The attraction of the village derives not so much from the individual buildings but more from the grouping of the buildings and their overall scale and proportion in relation to the long established street pattern.



Within the village core is a mixture of residential, retail and commercial uses. Parking and servicing are on-street which leads at times to pedestrian/vehicular conflict. Housing developments spread out from the village centre, introducing a more suburban form. These developments are of vairying size, density, layout and house type. There are two significant areas of open space associated with the village; the linear park to the north of the village centre and GAA playing fields off Cahore Road to the south of the village. St.Patrick’s Street and the area surrounding the Old Cross and Fair Green exhibit a sense of spaciousness which is enhanced by impressive views of the Sperrin Mountains. There is a lack of significant areas of vegetation within Draperstown, however, stands of mature trees and hedges along roads, and around properties, help soften the built environment and integrate it into the landscape. The exception is the linear park which is treed and links to the wooded Moyola River valley just to the north of the village.

5.6.3 Facilities

Local services and facilities include: 3 Churches; 26 shops; 17 retail services; 9 offices; 2 Banks; 7 public houses; library; visitors centre; livestock market; doctors surgery; dentists surgery; St.Mary’s Primary School; St.Colum’s Secondary school; The Rural College on the Derrynoyd Road - a campus of Queens University; Gaelic Football Ground on the Cahore Road, just outside the village; Linear Park. Draperstown has a strong industrial base. There are three industrial sites; Cahore Road (including Sperrin Metals, Heron Joinery and Yard Master), Magherafelt Road (including Agrifab, Sperrin Galvanisers and an agricultural machinery supplier), and Tobermore Road (a 46 unit Workspace Business Centre). The Workspace Centre includes the following businesses: Homeseal; Diamond Meats; JC Stewart;



Sperrin Bakery; Deansford Leisureware; N McGillan & Co; Draperstown Manufacturing; Carefree uPVC; Aidan Bradley; Radelle Exclusive Radiators; Eddie Molloy; Estudie Home Office Furniture; Ashdown Building Managers; Michael Brunton; Sperrin Valley Forge. Draperstown has direct Ulsterbus connections to the following places: • Castledawson; • Magherafelt; • Omagh; • Tobermore.



Listed Buildings

There are 18 listed buildings in Draperstown. Details of each listing are given in appendix 2b. Conservation Area

A Conservation Area was declared on 26 October 1979 in recognition of the village’s architectural and historic character. The Conservation Area contains the old village core, including the Old Cross, St. Patrick’s Street to Glenelly Villas and High Street to St. Colm’s Secondary School. The Department updated its Conservation Area Design Guidance in 1996. Local Landscape Policy Areas Moyola River Corridor An LLPA has been identified and designated on the Moyola River Corridor in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

Lands including and to rear of Presbyterian Meeting House An LLPA has been identified and designated on lands including and to the rear of the Presbyterian Meeting House in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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. 5.6.5 Assets and Constraints

The following physical assets and constraints to development have been identified including:

• The potential for further development within the settlement; • Range of local services and facilities; • Strong industrial base; • Moyola River and corridor; • A number of listed buildings and their settings; • Key views into and out of the village; • Quality of landscape setting; • Proximity to the Sperrins AONB; • Public transport – limited local bus service provision; • Conservation Area.


The settlement development limit has been drawn to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing and sites that have not yet been approved but which are at a stage in the planning application process where there is a



reasonable expectation that planning approval will be granted. It also takes account of areas of conservation interest to be protected, the assets and constraints identified and the facilities the settlement has to offer. The role of the village as a rural service and local employment centre, its character, identity and scale were also given consideration within the context of the Regional Development Strategy and the evaluation framework to assist housing allocations within the District. The settlement development limit takes account of the housing allocated to the village as detailed in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement. Specifically, the settlement development limit has been drawn to : • Exclude the quality landscape setting along the Moyola river corridor and

associated lands linking with the settlement and also lands to the south of the Presbyterian Meeting House on High Street ;

• To promote a compact village form and prevent encroachment into the countryside ;

• To prevent ribboning along Derrynoyd and Sixtowns Road ; • Protect the existing open space provided by the linear park which links the

village centre with the Moyola river corridor to the north ; • To take account of BMV agricultural land.



5.7 TOBERMORE 5.7.1 Locational and Historical Context

The village of Tobermore had an estimated population of 576 in 2001. It is located on the A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road, 10km north-west of Magherafelt town. It is set in a natural hollow, at the base of Calmore Hill and Castle Hill. It lies just above the flood plain of the Moyola River. An early Christian Rath (Fortwilliam) sits on top of a drumlin which overlooks the village to the south and Moyola River to the north, and the Parish Church (Kilcronaghan) is an ancient church. In 1727 the settlement consisted of a house and a few huts of mud. By 1836 it contained 146 houses. The modern village is a linear settlement which developed at the junctions of the Maghera, Clooney, Magherafelt, Desertmartin and Lisnamuck Roads. As the village grew it extended westwards towards the Kilcronaghan Parish Church, and then along main roads to the north and south.

5.7.2 Character The linear form of the old village remains intact and contributes to its overall character. Main Street exhibits a variety in its lay-out, form and associated irregular spaces, with consequent informality to the street frontage. There are single and two storey detached, semi-detached and short terraced properties of both traditional and modern design, with a wide range of finishes and materials. This variety results in a somewhat discordant street frontage, which is emphasised by the lack of a strong building line. Numerous gaps on the street frontage afford views to developments at its rear. The older street buildings generally have either wet dashed, smooth rendered or pebble dashed walls, and natural slate pitched roofs which rise upwards and away from the street. Some have retained a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. The street is punctuated by several small modern housing developments. The area around the junctions of the A29 and Main Street has a more cohesive form than elsewhere. Here the buildings retain much of their traditional form and design features, and have a stronger building line. Main Street is a particularly wide street and creates a sense of spaciousness, which is enhanced by a small area of formal open space at the junction of Main Street and Lisnamuck Road, and by green areas fronting several housing estates and front gardens. Within the village there is a mixture of residential, retail and commercial uses. Parking and servicing are generally on-street. The village contains a number of small housing developments. The older developments either punctuate or nestle behind the Main Street. Housing estates in



Tobermore are small and discrete with typically one and two storey semi-detached houses or short terraces.

There is no significant vegetation within the village, however, the approach from Draperstown is dominated by a natural avenue of mature trees. Fortwilliam Rath with its mature tree cover helps frame the approach to the village from Maghera.

Kilcronaghan Parish Church is on an elevated site and presents a strong terminal view at the western end Main Street. The concrete product works on Lisnamuck Road and haulage depot at the western end of Main Street dominate views of the village and its setting from several approaches.

5.7.3 Facilities

Tobermore functions as a local service centre, and incorporates a variety of small retail enterprises. The village incorporates a large concrete product works and haulage depot. Local services and facilities include: 3 Churches; 4 halls; 2 supermarkets; a tyre depot; haulage depot; concrete product manufacturer; funeral parlour; 2 public houses; café and 2 take aways; 2 hairdressers; garage/petrol station; tyre depot; Tobermore Primary School; Recreation Ground. Tobermore United Football Club grounds and Golf Driving Range are located on the Maghera Road just outside the village. In addition, a Community Economic Regeneration Scheme has facilitated the building of a group of 14 small work units on the Desertmartin Road. This includes: lighting shop; computer sales/repairs; kitchen/bedroom products; shotblasting business; Scott Foldings/Contracts; Hilltop Aerials.



Tobermore has direct Ulsterbus connections to the following places: • Castledawson; • Draperstown; • Dungiven; • Maghera; • Magherafelt; • Omagh.



Listed Buildings

There are 3 listed structures in Tobermore; Kilcronaghan Parish Church, the village pump on Main Street, and Fort William house. Details of each listing are given in Appendix 2b. Historic Monuments

There is 1 scheduled historic monument; Fortwilliam Rath. Details are given in Appendix 2a. Local Landscape Policy Areas

Draperstown Road / Wood Road

An LLPA has been identified and designated at Draperstown Road/Wood Road in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below:

• Listed Kilcronaghan Parish Church and graveyard on rising landform on 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.



Lisnamuck Road / Clooney Road.

An LLPA has been identified and designated at Lisnamuck Road / Clooney Road in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below:

• 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, an 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. Views of the rath from the Lisnamuck Road to the west and Magherafelt Road to the south are particularly impressive. 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, a modest designed setting, contributing to the character and setting of the village.

Areas of Archaeological Potential An Area of Architectural Potential (AOP) has been identified within the village to reflect the area of post medieval settlement. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2d.


The following assets and constraints to development have been identified including: • The potential for further development within the settlement; • Located on the A29 Coleraine / Dungannon Road; • The A29 is a protected main traffic route; • Range of local services and facilities; • Existing industrial base; • The proximity of Maghera; • Fortwilliam Rath and its setting; • Kilcronaghan Church and Fort William house, and their settings; • Quality landscape setting; • Public transport – limited local bus service provision; • Areas liable to flooding to the north and east of the village.



5.7.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit has been drawn to take account of land with extant planning permission for housing and sites that have not yet been approved but which are at a stage in the planning application process where there is a reasonable expectation that planning approval will be granted. It also takes account of areas of conservation interest to be protected, the assets and constraints identified and the facilities the settlement has to offer. The role of the village as a rural service and local employment centre, its character, identity and scale were also given consideration within the context of the Regional Development Strategy and the evaluation framework to assist housing allocations within the District. The settlement development limit also takes account of the housing allocated to the village as detailed in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement. Specifically, the settlement development limit has been drawn to : • Exclude elevated land to the south-west and to the north around Fort William ; • Exclude the quality landscape setting at Draperstown Road / Wood Road and

Lisnamuck Road / Clooney Road (as described in section 5.7.4) ; • To promote a compact village form and prevent encroachment into the

countryside, especially along Clooney Road and Magherafelt Road ; • To prevent ribboning along Desertmartin Road ; • Exclude land liable to flooding between Maghera Road and Clooney Road ; • Protect existing open space in use as outdoor playing space to the south of the

village ; • To take account of existing industry on Lisnamuck Road ; • To take account of BMV agricultural land.


5.8 BALLYMAGUIGAN 5.8.1 Location Ballymaguigan is located on a minor road near the shore of Lough Neagh, 5 km east of Magherafelt town. The landscape is relatively flat, with agricultural land enclosed by hedges and hedgerow trees. 5.8.2 Character This is a tri-nodal settlement. To the north, the largest of the three clusters is a very loose collection of individual houses, farms, businesses and agricultural fields, set around a Gaelic Football Club ground. To its south, a second cluster incorporates a road frontage primary school site, with a laneway striking off at right angles to the road. This laneway has a number of individual houses fronting onto it. The third cluster, some 1 km further south, is focused on the O’Neill Park housing development. The landscape is fairly flat with development traditionally on the few high points, or islands. It has over the years extended into more low lying areas.

5.8.3 Facilities Facilities include: • a primary school; • tile/bathroom showroom; • boat repairers; • furniture showroom; • a garden centre; • GAA pitch and clubhouse 5.8.4 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • On public transport route; • Proximity to Lough Neagh; • Limited range of local services and facilities

5.8.5 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit has been drawn around the three clusters of development to facilitate a compact form while allowing for sufficient development opportunities commensurate with the scale, character and role of the settlement.



5.9 BALLYNEASE 5.9.1 Location The settlement is located on a minor road, west of the River Bann and some 3 km south of Clady. The gently undulating landscape contains small fields bounded by hedges and hedgerow trees. 5.9.2 Character This is a tri-nodal settlement with its nodes located on high points or islands, a traditional pattern in this part of the Lough Neagh basin. The two northern nodes contain a loose collection of modern bungalows. The southern node is focused on the Primary School, and also contains a loose collection of modern bungalows. Development is road frontage. 5.9.3 Facilities Existing facilities include: • Primary School; • Community Hall; • Nursery school.

5.9.4 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • The potential for further limited development within the settlement; • Primary School and Community Hall; • Lack of services • Proximity to River Bann 5.9.5 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 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.



5.10 CARNTOGHER

5.10.1 Location

Carntogher DRC is located west of the main A29 road between Maghera and Swatragh, in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. It includes parts of the townlands of Carrowmenagh, Halfgayne and Tirkane. 5.10.2 Character The undulating landscape incorporates a number of prominent hills and ridges, and an irregular pattern of small fields which are enclosed by either hedges or dry stone walls, both incorporating trees. The area is interspersed with pockets of regenerated woodland. There are good views of Tullykeeran Mountain and Crockmore to the west, and the Grillagh River corridor traverses the DRC west to east. The built environment within Carntogher has developed over time. Development is not nucleated in form, however, there are several small informal clusters of dwellings and outbuildings including a traditional claghan at Mullans Town. Development is concentrated along the three main roads in the area with offshoots along the many lanes, and consists of a mixture of long established farm complexes and more modern houses and bungalows. Older dwellings are traditional in form being; single or two storey, of modest scale, simple design and of traditional proportions. Modern dwellings exhibit a variety of designs. 5.10.3 Facilities Facilities within the DRC include:

• A Gaelic Football Ground; • A Post Office; • A grouping of development comprising: an enterprise centre, nursery school,

primary school ( just outside the DRC on the Tirkane Road ) 5.10.4 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified:

• The potential for further limited development; • Proximity to the Sperrins AONB; • Proximity to Maghera; • Proximity to the A29 main traffic route; • Proximity to the nursery and primary schools on the Tirkane Road;



• Proximity to the enterprise centre; • Open space facilities.

5.10.5 Proposed Dispersed Rural Community Development Limit The proposed DRC development limit has been drawn having regard to criteria contained in Policies SP 5 and HOU 7 in the Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland. It excludes land within the AONB.



5.11 CLADY 5.11.1 Locational and Historical Context Clady is located on the A42 Portglenone to Maghera Road, 2km west of Portglenone. The Clady River and its wooded banks bound the settlement to the north and make an attractive backdrop. The area is characterised by a flat, expansive landscape with good distant views. Clady originally developed as a small claghan close to Glenburn Mill and Glenburn House. The Mill supplied the settlement with electricity long before it was a common occurrence across the country. The opening of a shirt factory in 1932 led to considerable growth in local employment. The factory closed in 1982. 5.11.2 Character Clady is a linear settlement straddling the A42 road. It has a small retail/commercial core focused at the crossroads of the A42 and the Glenone / Old Tyanee Roads. Small housing developments on the A42 are interspersed with large houses, set in mature gardens. A Secondary School, GAA playing fields and RC Church are at the western end of the settlement. The approach along Portglenone road, in the east of the settlement, is treelined. The area around Glenburn House to the north is particularly attractive with its mature vegetation, historic built form and riverside setting. 5.11.3 Facilities Facilities include: • a church; • community hall; • Gaelic Athletic Club grounds & pavilion; • St. Mary’s College; • post office; • 3 shops; • public house; • St. Mary’s Primary School lies just beyond the settlement limit. • Sewage works • a timber yard / builders suppliers; • plumbing supplies; • scrap metal yard; • light industrial unit.



5.11.4 Proposed Conservation Designations Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated to the north of Clady in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of these areas and their local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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;

• 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. 5.11.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Local services and facilities; • Proximity to Portglenone; • Clady River and millrace; • A42 protected main traffic route; • Flooding along the Clady River, to the north and north east of the settlement; • On public transport route; • Quality landscape setting. 5.11.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit has been drawn 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 to the north of the settlement, and historically and archaeologically important features of the man-made landscape along the Clady River and its environs.



5.12 THE CREAGH 5.12.1 Locational and Historical Context The Creagh is located on the main A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road, 2½ km west of Toomebridge and 5 km east of Magherafelt. It lies within the Lower Bann valley, on a flat expansive landscape where the Moyola River enters Lough Neagh. The settlement falls within a wider area known as The Creagh and includes a dispersed building pattern along the local road network. The legacy of the wartime airfield with abandoned runways and buildings which contain industrial uses, has changed the area’s character and use. 5.12.2 Character The Creagh is a linear settlement which has developed on the Blackpark Road between the A6 and Creagh Road. To the south and west of this settlement are a number of large industrial complexes mainly based around the construction industry. 5.12.3 Facilities

Facilities include: • 2 public houses ( outside the limit ) • a petrol filling station, shop and car sales; • a primary school (outside the limit, north of the main A6 Road); • GAA pitch and clubhouse.

Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at the Creagh in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA 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;

• 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.

5.12.4 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: MAGHERAFELT AREA PLAN 2015 – DRAFT PLAN – TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT


• Location close to the A6 road, a key transport corridor; • Proximity of industrial uses; • Tourism potential of Lough Neagh. • The A6 road is a protected main traffic route; • Flooding has been recorded adjacent to the Moyola River in the vicinity of Creagh

and Aughrim Roads; • Convenient to public transport route; • Existing services and facilities convenient to the settlement 5.12.5 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of this linear settlement, while preventing encroachment into the surrounding countryside, excluding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the Moyola River, and maintaining a physical separation from the A6.



5.13 CULNADY 5.13.1 Locational and Historical Context Culnady is located on a minor road some 3½ km north east of Maghera. It is set in a gently undulating landscape, with fields enclosed by hedgerows and numerous hedgerow trees. The original settlement was focused on a number of claghans on either side of the Grillagh River. Two flax mills were established in the settlement, harnessing the power of the river. This mill legacy is still evident in the form of old mill buildings and a mill race. A Presbyterian Meeting House was built in 1864 and an Orange Hall in 1907. 5.13.2 Character The settlement is linear in form. Most of the older buildings are located close to the Grillagh River, where the original focus of the settlement is still evident. More recent development has taken place to the west along Main Street and south along Culnady Road and contains a variety of building form, design and materials. 5.13.3 Facilities

Facilities include: • a Presbyterian Meeting House and hall; • Orange hall; • Combined shop, post office and petrol station; • Primary school; • Public house. 5.13.4 Areas of Conservation Interest Local Landscape Policy Areas Culnady Presbyterian Church (and graveyard) An LLPA has been identified and designated at Culnady Presbyterian Church in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • Culnady Presbyterian Meeting House (and graveyard), a visually and historically

important building contributing to the character of the settlement; • Visually important tree group at the primary school, beside the Presbyterian Meeting

House; a good entrance/exit feature from the west.



Grillagh River corridor, derelict mill and associated features An LLPA has been identified and designated at the Grillagh River corridor in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

Area of Archaeological Potential An Area of Architectural Potential (AOP) has been identified within the settlement. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2C. 5.13.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Potential for further limited development within the settlement; • Local services and facilities. • Proximity to Maghera; • Land to the east of the settlement is subject to flooding from the Grillagh River; • Visually prominent land to the west and north; • Quality landscape setting

5.13.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 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 encroachment into the surrounding countryside. It excludes lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the Grillagh River, land liable to flooding and visually prominent land.



5.14 CURRAN Locational and Historical Context

Curran is located 4 kilometres north of Magherafelt, just south of the main A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road. It is set on raised land above surrounding bogland, within the Moyola Floodplain. The settlement is framed to the west and north by the Grange Water and Moyola Rivers and to the north-east and south by rising lands. Originally Curran was a claghan.

5.14.1 Character The original mill-settlement is represented by a number of simple, period buildings on or close to the Clooney Road, between the Grange Water bridge and Lurganagoose Road junction including the Masonic Hall , Masonic School (now derelict), Presbyterian Meeting House and Orange Hall. Modern redevelopment of the settlement is comprised mainly of residential development. The settlement core is centred on the road junction and more modern development has taken place to the notth and east. Within the settlement the built form is somewhat eclectic. There is a mix of single and two storey detached, semi-detached and short terraced buildings; having either wet dashed, smooth rendered or pebble dashed walls, and natural slate gable-pitched roofs which rise upward and away from the street. There is a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a strong bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. Traditionally, buildings either directly abutt the road or have short front gardens. Buildings on the south of Cloney Road (west) are backed by long plots containing a secondary layer of agricultural buildings or gardens. The traditional built form is an important component of the built heritage, contributing positively to the settlement’s overall character. 5.14.2 Facilities Facilities include: • Church • Hall • Public house (vacant ) 5.14.3 Proposed Conservation Designations

Local Landscape Policy Area

An LLPA has been identified and designated at Curran in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below:

• Listed St. Comgalls (Cof 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;

• 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.

Area of Archaeological Potential An Area of Archaeological Potential (AOP) has been identified within the settlement. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2C.


The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Location close to the main A6 Belfast / Londonderry Road, a key transport corridor; • Waste Water Treatment Works; • Area of flooding adjacent to the Grange Water; • Area of flooding adjacent to the Moyola River; • Distinctive localised landform which contains the settlement to the north-east and south; • Lack of services and facilities; • Quality landscape setting to north west 5.14.5 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit has been drawn to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement, while preventing ribbon development and encroachment into the surrounding countryside. It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value, land liable to flooding and the localised landform to the north east and south.



5.14 DESERTMARTIN 5.14.1 Locational and Historical Context Desertmartin is located 4 kilometers north-west of Magherafelt on the main A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road. It is set within a lowland drumlin landscape in the shadow of Slieve Gallion.

The settlement dates back to the early Christian period in Ireland. The Old Church, located at the east of the settlement beside the Grange Water River, possibly dates back to the Middle Ages. It was demolished in 1820 but its walled graveyard still exists.

5.14.2 Character

The historic linear form of settlement is still evident with frontage buildings backed by long garden plots. The settlement core is focused on Main Street which is flanked on both sides by single and two storey buildings; either detached, semi-detached or in short terraces. The frequent gaps in the frontages afford views to outbuildings and back-gardens. Traditionally, buildings have either wet dashed, smooth rendered or pebble dashed walls, and natural slate gable-pitched roofs which rise upward and away from the street. There is a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a strong bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. Street frontage buildings open onto the back edge of the footpath, or have short front spaces, reflecting the historic component of the built heritage, and contribute positively to its overall character. The settlement core is primarily residential, with a small number of retail uses. Parking and servicing are on-street, with ‘lay-by’ facilities and there is some vehicle / pedestrian conflict.Settlement expansion has been mainly in the form of a number of small housing developments on the edge of the settlement core which have introduced a more suburban form to the settlement.

There are no significant areas of vegetation within the settlement, however, mature trees at St. Mary’s Church form a strong entrance feature on the approach from the north. There are panoramic views of Slieve Gallion from the north west of the settlement.

5.14.3 Facilities

Local services and facilities include: • 2 churchs: • Primary school; • 2 halls; • Petrol filling station (currently vacant);



• Supermarket • Public house. • A Community Economic Regeneration Scheme consisting of 6 small

work units (including a hairdressers and hot food carry out). 5.14.4 Areas of Conservation Interest

There are several sites of antiquity within and adjacent to the settlement, including the ‘Old Church’ site. Details of built heritage assets are given in Appendix 2. Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated around the settlement in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and their its amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • Listed St. Comgalls (Cof 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;

• 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.



Areas of Archaeological Potential An Area of Architectural Potential (AOP) has been identified within the settlement to reflect the area of medieval and later settlement in the vicinity of the ecclesiastical site. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2C.


The following assets and constraints to development have been identified:

• On a public transport route; • Location on the main A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road, a link corridor road; • Range of settlement services and facilities; • CERS industrial and retail units; • The historical and archaeological significance of the settlement. • The A29 is a protected main traffic route; • Key views from the north of the settlement; • Elevated land to the south-west of the settlement; • Quality landscape setting; • AONB; • Open space 5.14.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 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 encroachment into the surrounding countryside. It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value and historic features.



5.16 GLEN 5.16.1 Locational and Historical Context Glen is located on a minor road just off the main A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road, 1 km west of Maghera. It is set in a rolling landscape with fields enclosed by hedgerows and numerous hedgerow trees. The modern settlement has developed around the local RC Church. 5.16.2 Character Glen is a linear settlement stretching ½ km along the Tullyheran and Glen Roads. Development mainly consists of detached properties fronting the road with an exception being a small housing development at the settlement’s eastern edge. The settlement’s focal point is at the school/church. The valley of the Milltown Burn and rising land to its north give a pleasant backdrop to the settlement. 5.15.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include; • a Church; • Primary School; • Nursing Home; • Car showroom; • An AOH hall; • A petrol filling station with attendant shop and restaurant ( just outside the settlement

on the main A6 route). 5.16.4 Areas of Conservation Interest There is one listed building in Glen; St. Patrick’s RC Church. Details of listed buildings are given in Appendix 2B. Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Glen in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

5.16.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • AONB; • Proximity of Maghera; • Proximity of the A6 main traffic route; • Listed Church and its setting; • Milltown Burn; • A6 main traffic route; • Potential coalescence with Maghera; • On public transport route; 5.16.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of this linear settlement, while preventing ribboning and encroachment into the surrounding countryside. It excludes lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the Milltown Burn and protects the landscape and visual amenity of this gateway to the Glenshane Pass and Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.



5.17 GLENONE 5.17.1 Locational and Historical Context Glenone is separated from Portglenone village by the River Bann. It is situated 16km from Magherafelt to the south west on the A54 road. The landscape is generally level and has an open aspect with good field boundaries and some excellent stands of trees, especially along the riverbank. Glenone has developed as a natural expansion of Portglenone. 5.17.2 Character Glenone is a small compact settlement straddling the A42 Clady Road. Its core is focused at the bridge over the River Bann, taking the form of a number of residential roadside and river frontage properties. The remainder of the settlement is mainly in the form of modern housing developments located along the Clady Road to the west and Ballymacombs Road to the south. The approach from Portglenone is across the Bann Bridge where a backdrop of mature trees along the riverbanks to the north and south enhance its attractiveness. The significant treed earthworks at Knockanhead dominates the settlement to the west. The western approach is across very flat land allowing for attractive long distance views of the settlement and beyond. 5.17.3 Facilities Facilities include: • Restaurant / hot food takeaway; • Petrol station with shop; • Vehicle repair garage; • Glenone also has convenient access to the wide variety of facilities and services

available in nearby Portglenone. 5.17.4 Areas of Conservation Interest There are a number of sites of archaeological interest close to the settlement. These include the site of a river ford and a battle site. Details of built-conservation assets are given in Appendix 2. Local Landscape Policy Areas Bann River corridor and Knockanhead An LLPA has been identified and designated at the Bann River corridor and Knockanhead in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that MAGHERAFELT AREA PLAN 2015 – DRAFT PLAN – TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT


contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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; • River Bann and Clady River corridors and associated vegetation are important

landscape features, and acts as wildlife corridors; • Archaeological interest of the area between Knockanhead and the River Bann and

historic crossing point. Bann River corridor and lands off Ballymacomb Road An LLPA has been identified and designated at the Bann River corridor and lands off Ballymacomb Road in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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. 5.17.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Potential for limited development within the settlement; • Access to wide range of local services available in nearby Portglenone; • Tourist potential of the River Bann; • A42 road is a protected main traffic route; • Quality landscape setting; • On public transport route; • Historic fords; • Open space; • Lack of local services and facilities. 5.17.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to include existing development commitments and retain its compact settlement form, while preventing ribboning and encroachment into the surrounding countryside. It excludes land of high environmental quality and wildlife value along the River Bann.



5.18 GRACEFIELD 5.18.1 Locational and Historical Context Gracefield is located on a minor road some 3 km east of Magherafelt town and 2 km west of Lough Neagh. The landscape is gently undulating with agricultural land enclosed by hedges and hedgerow trees. The settlement was established in 1749 to accommodate a local congregation of the Moravian Church. It originally consisted of two small streets containing the church, associated graveyard and a number of dwellings. 5.18.2 Character Gracefield comprises of two short ribbons of development fronting minor roads which are at right angles to each other, reflecting the original settlement pattern. These road frontage properties, mostly houses, are a mix of old and new. 5.18.3 Facilities • Nearby church and graveyard; • Mission Hall. 5.18.4 Areas of Conservation Interest Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Gracefield in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • Former Moravian Church, now Gracefield Cof 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 their

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. 5.18.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • On public transport route; • Proximity of Magherafelt;



• Proximity to Lough Neagh; • Historic Moravian settlement; • Quality landscape setting; • Lack of services 5.18.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement, while preventing ribboning and encroachment into the surrounding countryside.It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value, and historically important features of the man-made landscape.



5.19 GULLADUFF 5.19.1 Locational and Historical Context Gulladuff is located 4km east of Maghera on the A42 road between Maghera and Portglenone. It is set within an open and gently undulating landscape with fields enclosed by hedgerows and numerous hedgerow trees. Gulladuff originally consisted of a small number of claghans; Gulladuff, Upper Town, Lower Town and Carrow, which in more recent times have merged along the Moyagall Road ( A42 ). 5.19.2 Character Gulladuff is a linear settlement stretching some 1 km along the Moyagall Road to its junction with the Gulladuff (Maghera) Road. Some in depth development has occurred along the lanes to the original claghans. 5.19.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include: • Church; • Primary school; • Hall; • Two public houses; • Post office with shop; • Gaelic Football Pitch (just outside the settlement). 5.19.4 Areas of Conservation Interest Area of Archaeological Potential An Area of Archaeological Potential (AOP) has been identified to reflect 18th/19th Century settlement pattern. The extent of the AOP is shown in Appendix 2C. 5.19.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • On public transport route; • Proximity to Maghera; • A42 is a protected main traffic route; • Range of local services and facilities



5.19.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to consolidate existing development, including existing commitments, and prevent ribboning and encroachment into the surrounding countryside.



5.20 INISHRUSH 5.20.1 Locational Context The settlement is located north of the main A42 Portglenone to Maghera Road, and some 3 km west of Portglenone. The Clady River bounds the settlement to the south east. The landscape is gently undulating agricultural land enclosed by hedges and hedgerow trees. 5.20.2 Character Inishrush is a compact settlement focused around the junction of the Inishrush and Ford Roads. A mix of old and new terraced housing fronts this triangular area giving a strong sense of enclosure. Buildings are generally set on the road frontage, with the exception of one small ‘in depth’ housing estate. 5.20.3 Facilities

Local services and facilities include; • Orange Hall; • Parish Hall; • Car sales; • Public house; • Inishrush ( C of I ) Parish Church ( just outside the settlement). 5.20.4 Areas of Conservation Interest Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Inishrush in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • St. Nossonus (Cof 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 Fort 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.

5.20.5 Assets and Constraints MAGHERAFELT AREA PLAN 2015 – DRAFT PLAN – TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT


The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Proximity to Portglenone; • Clady River; • Flooding along the Clady River; • Quality landscape setting 5.20.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit 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 encroachment into the surrounding countryside. It excludes lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value, historically important features of the man-made landscape along the Clady River and its environs and areas liable to flooding.



5.21 KILROSS 5.21.1 Locational Context The settlement is located on a minor road between Tobermore and Draperstown, within a landscape of low rolling hills which incorporates small fields enclosed by hedgerows and hedgerow trees. 5.21.2 Character The settlement is linear in form. On the western side of the road to the north-west is a small housing development of bungalows. To the south-east is the former Rectory set in extensive mature treed grounds separated by agricultural land. On the eastern side is a small primary school, several detached dwellings, and a farm grouping. There are good distant views of the Sperrins. 5.21.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include: • a Primary School; • an Activity/Conference Centre; • a Mission Hall ( located just outside the settlement). 5.21.4 Areas of Conservation Interest Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Kilross in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

5.21.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Limited local services and facilities; • Quality landscape setting; • Proximity to Tobermore; • On a public transport route 5.21.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is designated to consolidate development and to prevent ribboning of development along the Duntibryan / Rectory Road and encroachment into the surrounding countryside.



5.22 KNOCKCLOGHRIM 5.22.1 Locational and Historical Context Knockcloghrim is located just off the main A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road, between Castledawson and Maghera. It sits on high land in an undulating landscape, amidst significant stands of mature trees. Topography shields the settlement from the A6. 5.22.2 Character Trees make an important contribution to the settlement’s character. The approaches to Knockloghrim from the A6 (Hillhead Road), from the Lurganagoose Road to the south and Hillhead Road from the east are all tree lined. Views within the centre are influenced by trees around St. Conlus’s Church of Ireland Church, Knock House, on the quarry hill, and by individual mature trees. The open space area to the front of the public house defines the settlement’s centre and makes an important contribution to the settlement’s character. This space is edged on two other sides by small modern housing developments, and on the remaining side by the old mill site which falls away steeply from the centre. 19th Century buildings, of traditional form and proportions, are dispersed throughout the settlement. A chimney and windmill beside the Methodist Church are local landmarks. 5.22.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include: • 2 churches; • a primary school; • a garage; • a public house; • a shop with post office; • playing field and play area; • operational quarries on the northern edge of the settlement ( including a concrete

works). 5.22.4 Areas of Conservation Interest There are 6 listed buildings within the settlement: Knock House, St. Conlus’s Church, and 4 cottages at 325-333 Hillhead Road. Details of listed buildings are given in Appendix 2B. The windmill is a Scheduled Historic Monument. Details are given in Appendix 2A.



Local Landscape Policy Areas Knock House, localised landforms and associated vegetation around settlement An LLPA has been identified and designated around Knockcloghrim in recognition of the historical / archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.

St. Conlus Church (C of I) and surroundings An LLPA has been identified and designated around St. Conlus Church in recognition of the historical / archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • Listed St. Conlus’s (Cof 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. 5.22.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Setting of the settlement; • The potential for further limited development within the settlement; • Existing local services and facilities; • Proximity to the A6 Belfast to Londonderry Road; • Proximity to Magherafelt and Maghera; • Listed buildings and their settings; MAGHERAFELT AREA PLAN 2015 – DRAFT PLAN – TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT


• Scheduled historic monument and its setting; • Elevated and prominent land; • Quarries to the north of the settlement; • Steep slopes around the settlement edge; • Quality landscape setting • On public transport route 5.22.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn 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.



5.23 LONGFIELD 5.23.1 Locational Context Longfield is located on a minor road, 1km west of Desertmartin and 4km south-west of Magherafelt town. It is set within a lowland drumlin landscape, in a tight field pattern with hedges with hedgerow trees. Slieve Gallion dominates views to the west. 5.23.2 Character Longfield takes the form of a bi-nodal settlement. To the east is a small housing development consisting of two storey buildings in short terraces in a compact plan form. To the west is a second node dominated by the RC Church which occupies an elevated location. There are also a few road frontage dwellings. 5.23.3 Facilities Local services and facilities within the settlement limits include: • An RC Church (St. Patrick’s); • Church Hall (St. Patrick’s); • Primary School (St. Columb’s); • Crèche; • Credit Union; • A GAC playing field (just outside the settlement limit). 5.23.4 Areas of Conservation interest Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Longfield in recognition of its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • A stream corridor links the settlement’s two nodes. It is an important local landscape

feature and wildlife corridor. 5.23.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • The potential for further limited development within the settlement; • Proximity of the A29 main traffic route (at Desertmartin); • Quality landscape setting; • Existing services and facilities; • On public transport route



5.23.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to maintain separation between the two existing clusters of development and to facilitate a compact form while allowing for sufficient development opportunities commensurate with the scale, character and role of the settlement.



5.24 MONEYNEANY 5.24.1 Locational and Historical Context Moneyneany is located 3½ km north west of Draperstown on the B40 Magherafelt to Plumbridge Road. It lies in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, between the Douglas and Altalackey Rivers. The landscape is generally open and undulating with strong hedge and tree field boundaries, and some good bands of trees along the banks of the two rivers. Early occupation of the settlement area is evidenced by an Early Christian Rath which sits at the edge of Moneyneany. Originally the settlement consisted of the Old Chapel (now the graveyard) and a few other buildings centred at the junction of the Moneyneany Road and Five Mile Straight. A corn mill with mill race and pond was established later on the Five Mile Straight. 5.24.2 Character Moneyneany sits on a ridge bounded by two small river valleys. The mountains to the north and west provide a strong sense of enclosure. The settlement’s original focus is still evident in the Church and other older buildings at the junction of the Five Mile Straight and Moneyneany Roads. The settlement has expanded south along the Moneyneany Road in the form of small housing developments and single dwellings. 5.24.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include: • St Eugene’s RC Church; • A shop and Post Office; • A public house. • A primary school ( just outside the settlement ); • A community centre ( just outside the settlement ) 5.24.4 Areas of Conservation Interest St. Eugine’s (RC) Church is a listed building, and a Fort (scheduled historic monument) sits on the western edge of the settlement. Details of built-conservation assets are given in Appendix 2. Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Moneyneany in recognition of the historical / archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature



conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • The fort, an historic monument, is an important feature in the local landscape; • 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.

5.24.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • The potential for further limited development within the settlement; • Proximity to Draperstown; • Tourism potential of the Sperrin Mountains, the Ulster Way and Hudy’s Way;. • Sperrin AONB; • Distinctive local landform; • Listed building and its setting; • Scheduled historic monument and its setting; • Douglas and Altalackey Rivers; • Convenience to public transport route • Quality landscape setting

5.24.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to include existing development commitments and provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement, while preventing ribboning and encroachment 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.



5.25 STRAW 5.25.1 Locational and Historical Context Straw is located approximately 1 km south west of Draperstown on the B47 Draperstown to Plumbridge Road. Most of the settlement lies within the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The White Water River skirts the settlement to the west. The settlement appears to have formed around the staggered junction close to St. Collumbkille’s RC Church, an early 19th Century black-stone building in the Gothic style. To its north is a dispersed 18th Century settlement pattern in the form of mills and claghans along the millrace. 5.25.2 Character This compact linear settlement straddles the Draperstown to Plumbridge Road. To the south is a small modern housing development, public house, church and school. Its north includes a second small modern estate and a string of individual houses, four of which appear contemporary with the Church. The White Water River and its environs enhance the setting of the settlement. The older development including the church and a short housing terrace is located close to the road junction with modern housing development at either end of the settlement There is a variety of building form, design and materials including single and two storey detached and semi-detached properties; having either wet dashed, smooth rendered, pebble dashed, or brick walls, and gable-pitched roofs. Half-dormer windows and hip roofs are evident in a number of properties. Traditionally, there is a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a strong bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. The traditional built form evident in the older buildings is an important component of the built heritage, contributing positively to the settlement’s overall character. 5.25.3 Facilities

Local services and facilities include: • a church; • primary school; • public house; • petrol filling station and shop; • garage; • Gaelic Athletic Sports Ground.


The settlement lies to the edge of and mostly within the Sperrins AONB.

Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Straw in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below:



• 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, an historic monument, occupies a prominent site on a river cliff on the northern bank of the River Moyola.

5.25.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Proximity to industrial archaeological heritage; • Proximity to Draperstown; • Range of existing services and facilities. • Distinctive localised landform which contains the settlement to the west; • Potential coalescence with Draperstown; • River corridor; • Millrace corridor. • On public transport route • Quality landscape setting • AONB 5.25.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn 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 encroachment 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.



5.26 SWATRAGH 5.26.1 Locational and Historical Context Swatragh is located 7 kilometers north of Maghera on the main A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road. It is set within a lowland drumlin landscape. A settlement at Swateragh is recorded in the early 17th century, and was known at that time as Greenaghan. In the 19th Century, ‘Lewis’s Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837)’ describes Swatteragh as a “settlement comprising 50 houses, which, with the exception of one, are small and indifferently built. The country around is barren and badly cultivated, being esteemed the worst part of the Mercers’ Company’s estate. In the settlement is a meeting-house for Presbyterians; also a large and handsome school-house.” Development goes back to the early 17th century and by the mid 19th century it consisted of two clusters of development; Swatragh aligning the main north-south road to the north of the Knockoneill River and Ringsend aligning the road to the south. Modern development has expanded the settlement to the east, along the Kilrea Road and to the west along Drumbane Road..

5.26.2 Character

The historic linear plan form with road frontage buildings backed by long garden plots remains intact. This plan form contributes significantly to the overall character of the settlement.

The settlement core is focused on Main Street. This street is flanked on both sides by two

storey buildings; either detached, semi-detached or in short terraces. The frequent gaps in the frontages afford views to a secondary street layer of outbuildings and gardens. The listed ‘Old Coach House’ terminates the view to the top of Main Street. Traditionally, buildings have either wet dashed, smooth rendered or pebble dashed walls, and natural slate gable-pitched roofs which rise upward and away from the street. There is a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a strong bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. Street frontage buildings characteristically open onto the back edge of the footpath. This traditional building form is an important component of the built heritage, contributing positively to its overall character.

Open space within the settlement is located to the south of the core; informal open space at Killelagh Church and its environs, and the Council recreation land and play space at Ringsend Park. Within the settlement core is a mixture of residential and retail uses. Parking and servicing are on-street, with ample ‘lay-by’ facilities. The main road introduces a significant element of vehicle / pedestrian conflict.



Settlement expansion has been primarily in the form of a small number of housing developments which have been built on the edge of the settlement core. Although relatively small in themselves, they have introduced a more suburban form. An industrial estate has extended the settlement northwards, on the Garvagh Road.

There are two significant areas of trees within the settlement. One is a stand of mature trees located within the area of Killelagh Church. The other is a stand of mature trees around St. John the Baptist Church on the Moneysharvan Road. 5.26.3 Facilities

Local services and facilities include:

• 3 Churches; • community centre; • supermarket/petrol station; • gift shop; • hot food carry out; • car sales; • vehicle repair garage; • 3 public houses; • primary school; • chemist; • Post Office; • general store; • fireplace showroom. • On public transport route • Open space • Nearby gaelic athletic club • Industrial / Commercial site includes an agricultural suppliers, auction mart, pottery

manufacturers and suppliers, and a screws manufacturer. It site also includes a café and 3 retail outlets,

• Quality landscape setting 5.26.4 Areas of Conservation Interest There are 3 listed buildings in Swatragh; 2 churches and a former coach-house. Details of listed buildings are given in Appendix 2B.

Local Landscape Policy Areas St. John the Baptist Church An LLPA has been identified and designated at St. John the Baptist Church in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance.



The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below:

• Listed St. John the Baptist (RC) Church, a landmark building. The mixed stand of mature trees surrounding the Chapel and adjacent house is an important visual feature in the countryside and makes a good entrance feature to the settlement from the south.

Killelagh Church and Swatragh West

An LLPA has been identified and designated at Killelagh Church and Swateragh West in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below:

• 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

separation between Ringsend and Swatragh; • Listed Killelagh (Cof 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:- These long back gardens reflect the original built form of the settlement, contribute to the setting and character of the street frontage development and form a strong visual backdrop. Gaps in the street frontage afford glimpsed views of the rising sub-divided landform. Historically, the backlands contained buildings and accommodate uses which were secondary to and related to those on the street frontage. It is considered that the character of these backlands should be retained and any development should respect and conform to the established development hierarchy. Swatragh East An LLPA has been identified and designated at Swatragh East in recognition of its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • 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.



5.26.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • The potential for further limited development within the existing settlement; • Location on the main A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road, a link corridor road; • A good range of services and facilities; • An industrial estate; • The A29 is a protected main traffic route; • Listed buildings and their settings; • Elevated land to the west and north of the settlement. • Quality landscape setting

5.26.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to include existing development commitments and provide development opportunities in line with the scale, character and role of the settlement; to maintain the identity of the two historic clusters of Ringsend and Swatragh; and to prevent ribboning and encroachment into the surrounding countryside. It excludes the historic Killelagh Church with its environs, and other lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value and elevated land.



5.27 TAMLAGHT 5.27.1 Locational Context Tamlaght O’Crilly is located on the edge of the Lower Bann Valley, 8 km to the north east of Maghera. It sits on a long ridge within an undulating landscape which incorporates fields enclosed by hedgerows and numerous hedgerow trees. 5.27.2 Character

The settlement contains three distinct areas. To the south are a number of farms / claghans. To the north is the 19th Century church (C of I ) and graveyard and associated terraced housing on Main Street. The land between these two groupings contains the settlement’s modern housing development.

On its northern side Main Street has two short terraces of single and two storey properties of traditional form and proportions which open directly onto the street. The terraces are separated by a modern bungalow which is set back from the street edge.

To the south side of Main Street there are some buildings in front of the church site including a vacant garage in poor condition which detracts from the quality of the settlement’s centre. There are impressive views of the Sperrin Mountains from the northern edge of the village. 5.27.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include: • Two churches; • A primary school; • Petrol filling station; • Shop.

5.27.4 Areas of Conservation Interest There is one listed building within the settlement - Tamlaght O’Crilly (Upper) Church (1816). The old Church of Ireland church and graveyard site is an unscheduled monument. The site of a holy well (unlocated) lies to the south west of the settlement.



Details of built-conservation assets are given in Appendix 2. Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Tamlaght O’Crilly in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • Listed Tamlaght O’Crilly (Cof 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;

• Rising landform on which the settlement sits, and associated vegetation. 5.27.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • The potential for further limited development within the settlement; • Existing local services and facilities; • C of I Church site, its setting and views; • Impressive views out of the village; • Quality landscape setting; • On public transport route; • Quality landscape setting 5.27.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn to maintain a compact settlement form separate from the farm buildings to the south on the Tamlaght Road. It includes committed development and provides development opportunities in line with the scale,



character and role of the settlement; and to prevent ribboning and encroachment into the surrounding countryside. It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value.



5.28 UPPERLANDS 5.28.1 Locational and Historical Context Upperlands is located 4 kilometres to the north-east of Maghera, and 1 kilometre from the main A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road. Upperlands has been described as the world’s oldest linen village. In 1736 Jackson Clark built a linen mill on the Knockoneill river, laying the foundation of the community now known as Upperlands. The modern settlement core is in the area around Boyne Row / amenity triangle / Linenhall Business Centre. 5.28.2 Character Central to the settlement’s character is its industrial archaeology which follows the Knockoneill / Clady River; including 19th Century mill buildings, dams, mill races and bleach greens; and its setting within a mature heavily treed landscape which also contains (Clark’s) Ampertain House with its mature gardens. The substantial mature vegetation absorbs the older built form, which is subservient to the surrounding landscape. This is an important component to the area’s character. Recent housing development to the north of the Kilrea Road and west of the Gorteade Road d Tirgarvil Road threatens to undermine this element of the settlement’s character. The core of the settlement is now around the Boyne Row, the amenity triangle and Business Centre. Within the settlement there are examples of architectural styles from Victorian to modern. There is a mixture of 1, 1 ½ and 2 storey detached, semi-detached and terraced buildings; having either wet dashed, smooth rendered, pebble dashed, black-stone or red brick walls, and natural slate gable-pitched roofs. Half-dormer windows and hip roofs are evident in a number of properties. Traditionally, there is a strong vertical emphasis to fenestration and a strong bias in favour of the solid to void ratio. 5.28.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include:

• linen factory complex (weaving & dyeing finishing); • Ampertaine Primary School ( just outside the settlement ); • a grocery shop; • an after-school club/youth club; • 2 halls.



• Community Economic Regeneration Scheme consisting of 12 small work units (the Linenhall Business and Community Centre). The Centre includes: a community centre; hot-food carry-out; post office; printers; security business; plumbing business.

5.28.4 Areas of Conservation Interest Built Conservation There are a number of listed buildings and sites of industrial archaeology within and adjacent to Upperlands. The grounds of Ampertaine House are included within the Department’s register of historic parks, gardens and demesnes. The royal site of Dunglady Fort lies just to the north of Upperlands. Details of built conservation assets are given in Appendix 2. Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at Upperlands in recognition of the historical/archaeological significance of the areas and its local amenity and nature conservation importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA 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, Gortreade, 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;

• 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.

Area of Townscape Character An Area of Townscape Character has been identified and designated in Upperlands on the basis of its historic built form, layout and landscape value.

• 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 prominant 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, Ampertain 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;

• Ampertain 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 Ampertain House; walls, gates, pillars and surrounding vegetation;

• 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. Conservation Area It is considered that the wider settlement including Clark’s industrial estate, Ampertain and Ardtara Houses, grounds, features and associated planting may be of sufficient architectural and historic merit to consider its designation as a Conservation Area. Origin and Historic development Upperlands is first mentioned in print in a Tenant’s Roll of the London Guild of the Mercers of 1768. However, the area’s earlier occupation is evident in a number of pre-historic sites. These include Dunglady Fort just to the east of Upperlands. This early Christian royal site is considered one of the finest earthworks in Northern Ireland. Just to the north of the village, close by a mill dam, is an early Christian Rath (known locally as Moors Fort). The settlement has its modern roots in the plantation of Ireland, and has been described as ‘the world’s oldest linen village’ (Upperlands, A History and Visitor’s Guide, W Clark). In 1680, John Clark from Warwickshire, a Vintner by trade, acquired lands near Maghera from the Mercers Company, including Upperlands. Soon after 1700 he began to bleach cloth produced by local weavers. Following his death in 1707 his son Jackson took over the business and in 1736 built a linen mill on the Knockoneill river, thus laying the foundation of the settlement now known as Upperlands. This original beetling mill building is restored and preserved in situ on the Clark estate. ‘The Londonderry Plantation 1609-1914, J S Curl’ records comments made in 1821 regarding the Clark estate “where many trees and hedges had been planted and the fine new buildings and mill were the subject of favourable comment. Alexander Clark registered 3,252 trees with the Mercer’s Company in 1824” “Upperlands developed in an unplanned fashion; no composite village was formed. Houses went up near each set of beetling engines, or where land was available. Those south of the main road faced sensibly enough away from it towards the sun. From this, Upperlands was nicknamed the place where all the houses have their backs to the road”. ‘Linen on the Green, an Irish Mill Village 1730-1982, W Clark’.



The settlement expanded significantly in the latter years of the 19th Century and early years of the 20th Century . Ardtara House was built by Harry Jackson Clark in 1896; Ampertaine House was built by William Clark in 1900; Boyne Row weavers houses were built between 1898 and 1908. Character and Distinctiveness Central to the settlement’s character is its industrial archaeology and mature treed landscape; 19th Century mill buildings, dams, mill races and bleach greens follow the meandering Knockoneill/Clady River; its (listed) terraces of red brick weavers houses (Boyne Row) on high ground overlooking and facing the river; and its mature heavily treed landscape which also contains Ampertain House, and Ardtara. The gardens of Ampertain House are included in Environment and Heritage Service’s Register of Historic Gardens, Parks and Demesnes. The core of the modern settlement is the area of Boyne Row / Linenhall Business Centre. Recent years have seen the settlement expanding north-east / south-west along the Kilrea Road, and also south along the Culnady and Tirgarvil Roads; often in the form of small suburban-type modern housing developments. On the Tirgarvil Road the village links with a claghan; Irish Tirgarvil (the site of a 19th Century gravel pit whose stone was used for road making and mixing with mortar for building). Mature vegetation absorbs the older built form; building’s intimacy with the natural environment is a very important component of the area’s character. The historically unplanned growth of the settlement has given rise to a varied assortment of building forms, designs and materials. Within the settlement are examples of various architectural styles from Victorian to modern. There is a mix of 1, 1½ and 2 storey detached, semi-detached and terraced buildings. Wall finishes are generally either smooth render, wet dashed or brick or black-stone. Roofs generally are gable pitched, with natural slates, however, half-dormer windows and hip roofs are evident in a number of properties. Buildings generally display strong vertical proportions and a high solid to void ratio. 5.28.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified:

• There is a good range of services and facilities; • CERS industrial and retail units; • Features of historical and archaeological significance; • Location close to the main A29 Coleraine to Cookstown Road; • The quality landscape setting of the settlement; • A number of listed and locally important buildings and their settings; • Historic Demesne; • Clarks factory complex • On public transport route



• Open space 5.28.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit has been drawn to include committed development, prevent encroachment 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.



5.29 THE WOODS 5.29.1 Locational and Historical Context The Woods is located on the B60 Ballyronan Road, 4 km south east of Magherafelt town. It is set amongst gently undulating pasture lands. The settlement developed around an 18th century church 5.29.2 Character This small settlement is focused around the junctions of the Ballyronan and Carraloan / Rockbrook Roads. It includes a ribbon of 6 dwellings and associated (mostly agricultural) buildings north west of the junction and a ribbon of 5 dwellings north of the junction. The Rectory and a bungalow lie south east of the church making a total of 13 dwellings. There are significant views of the church when approaching the settlement from the north west, south east and south. The church graveyard is bounded in part by a number of mature Beech and Scot’s Pines which help frame the church-lands. A small football pitch lies behind the new parish hall off the Carraloan Road. There is a new birch plantation in fields to the south east. 5.29.3 Facilities Local services and facilities include: • St. John’s Church (Cof I) and grave-yard; • Woods Parish Hall; • Lisnamorrow Orange Hall; • a football pitch; • Woods Primary School is located 1km. south east of the settlement. 5.29.4 Areas of Conservation Interest There is one listed building within the settlement - St. John’s Church. Details of listings are given in Appendix 2B. Local Landscape Policy Area An LLPA has been identified and designated at The Woods in recognition of the historical / archaeological significance of the area and its local amenity importance. The specific features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity and character of this LLPA are listed below: • St. John’s (Listed) (Cof 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.

5.29.5 Assets and Constraints The following assets and constraints to development have been identified: • Potential for limited development within the settlement; • Proximity to Magherafelt town; • Listed building and its setting; • Lack of local services and facilities; • On public transport route; • Open space; • Quality landscape setting 5.29.6 Proposed Settlement Development Limit The Settlement Development Limit is drawn 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 (Cof I) Church. It excludes surrounding lands of high environmental quality and wildlife value and open space.


magherafelt draft area plan 2015 - technical supplement… · 2018-08-30 · magherafelt area plan...

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