Local Designations
In Northern Ireland, regional designations are mainly defined through primary legislation while local designations are mainly defined by Planning Policy. Most of these have evolved through the requirements of the Area Plan process and are identified and managed by Planning Service. Our architects and archaeologists are often closely involved in these decisions. They will support Planning Service by providing direct information from their recording activities or provide expert comment on the proposals made. The wide number of designations reflects the variable management requirements of the historic environment. More information on most of these designations can be found in Planning Policy Statement 6
. The following is a summary with links to further information on Planning Service's website where appropriate.
This database compiled by us contains records on almost 30,000 archaeological sites across the region. Under policy BH2 of Planning Policy Statement 6 the impact of development upon these sites can be regarded as a material concern. The SMR contains information on archaeological sites, maritime archaeology, and industrial archaeology. See .
Areas of Townscape or Village Character (ATC):
This is a local area based heritage designation which is defined by Planning Policy Statement 6. ATC's are designated as part of an Area Plan for a district and have similar controls to that of Conservation Areas. Planning Permission is required to demolish a building within an ATC.
Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs):
This is another local area based heritage control defined by Planning Policy Statement 6. Areas of landscape interest on the edge of settlements may be designated because of a natural or historic feature which is found on the site. This could be a non listed building which is of local interest. We work closely with Planning Service in the designation of LLPAs.
Areas of Significant Archaeological Interest:
Areas of Significant Archaeological Interest identify particularly distinctive areas of the historic landscape in Northern Ireland. They are likely to include a number of individual and related sites and monuments, and may also be distinguished by their landscape, character and topography.
Heritage Designations on Area Plans:
Sometimes area plans will identify heritage features which are worthy of identification and protection. Ballyarnet Racecourse in Londonderry which is not otherwise protected is a good example of this.
Local Listing:
This is a local heritage designation which is not currently defined by policy in Northern Ireland but was previously known as the supplementary list of historic buildings. Local lists are lists of buildings which are of architectural and historical interest but which do not possess the 'special interest' required to merit statutory listing. The recent Reform of Public Administration has proposed that district councils be given the power to compile such lists when planning controls transfer in 2012.
