An area designated as an AONB or WHS

The Development Management Team provides advice on large-scale development proposals that may have a significant impact on the landscape character of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). AONBs are designated under the Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965 and the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985. They are landscapes with a distinctive character and are designated for the quality of their landscape, heritage and wildlife. They also have an important amenity value for recreation. Planning policies for development proposals within AONBs are set out in the Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland 1993.

World Heritage Sites (WHS)are internationally designated sites. NIEA provides advice on significant development proposals near the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site.