Island Magee Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Farmed ridges enclosing a lough with tidal mudflats.
• Distinct, regular field pattern on hills, established by prominent hedges.
• Rocky eastern shore to Island Magee, with enclosed harbour villages and caravan parks above.
• Principal settlements (Larne and Whitehead) to north and south of the Lough.
• Pylons prevalent along valley and across skyline; power station with three stacks and steam plume provides strong visual focus.
• Steep roads descend ridges to lough edge.
• Prominent white houses dotted on ridge sides.
• Many nature conservation designations.

Landscape Description

This character area includes three different types of landscape which together form a single area with its own distinct identity. At its centre is Larne Lough, which stretches between its sea outlet at Larne, and the wide valley that extends southwards to Whitehead. The flat expanse of the lough and its valley is set between long basalt ridges to its west and east. Island Magee, to the east of the Lough, itself comprises a series of ridges which run north-south, culminating at sheer basalt cliffs along the eastern coastline. To the west are farmed valley slopes. The lough and valley are open with a flood-plain of rough grassland extending from the lough sides to the base of the ridges which enclose them. Numerous pylons along the valley stand out from the flat terrain and interrupt the smooth skyline.

Larne lies at the mouth of the lough and Whitehead lies on the southern coast, contained between basalt headlands. A power station at Ballylumford on the opposite shore to Larne is a prominent vertical feature amidst the flat expanse, and its three stacks and steam plume form a strong focus. The numerous transmission lines converging on the power station reinforce this emphasis. The ridges on either side of the valley support pastoral farmland which is found in most of the lowland areas to the north and east of Belfast. It has a distinctive structure of regular fields bound by prominent hedges which create a grid-like pattern up the hillside. Large areas of woodland on the slopes add tone and texture. Scattered white houses stand out on the green slopes, while small villages, such as Millbay and Gransha, shelter at the foot of the ridges. The east side of Island Magee is more remote; villages such as Portmuck and Port Narrow have an enclosed harbour setting, while caravan parks on the cliff tops have views out to sea.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape has a diverse landcover, strong field pattern, elevated views and well sited and designed houses; Island Magee is defined as an `Area of Scenic Quality'. Any development should be undertaken with respect and consideration for these elements, which are key to the landscape's character. In addition, there are several nature conservation designations which are based around the Lough and coastline. Larne Lough carries Larne Lough ASSI, SPA and Ramsar Site designations as its mudflats support a wealth of wildlife.

The lough head carries an ASI designation at Ballycarry and Swan Island is designated as a Nature Reserve. The eastern coast of the peninsula is also designated as an ASI. Landscape sensitivity is high due to the area's high scenic quality, landscape and nature conservation designations. In addition, the remote character of the peninsula and the openness of the valley bottom will render any development within it highly visible. Pylons are detrimental to some views presenting a confusing array of vertical structures within the flat valley.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The provision of new elevated viewpoints over the lough and sea will create opportunities to view the landscape.
• The continued maintenance of hedgerows will ensure they remain strong elements in views of the valley slopes.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• The important rural and remote character of this area may be retained by avoiding linear settlement along the lough edge and along roads; new housing development should be sited and designed in accordance with the existing small-scale settlement pattern of the area.
• Natural landform may create opportunities for accommodating development nodes such as Brown's Bay; this should be undertaken with respect for the scale of the existing waterfront and beach.
• The sensitive siting of caravan parks and campsites will minimise their impact on the tranquil landscape character, particularly on remote areas of Island Magee.