Bangor Coastline Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Undulating shoreline topography.
• Well wooded and densely settled coastal edge to the south of Belfast Lough.
• Wild, rocky shoreline with gorse scrub, stands of Scots pine and steep, narrow glens.
• Estates with mixed woodlands overlooking the sea.
• Large houses and hotels set in ornamental grounds.
• Good infrastructure linking settlements with many recreational facilities.
• Views restricted by extent of woodland.

Landscape Description

The Bangor Coastline forms a linear shoreline strip extending from the edge of Belfast, at the head of Belfast Lough, to Groomsport at its mouth. It is a strip of land with a gently undulating topography which supports a patchwork of pasture, mature deciduous woodland and dense urban development, including several large houses and hotels. The presence of many estates has created a local landscape of large fields, stone walls and woodland, with a sequence of landmarks glimpsed in views along the coastal roads. A series of narrow, wooded glens wind down the steeper slopes towards the Lough shore; a notable example is Crawfordsburn Glen, which lies within a Country Park.

Views are generally short due to the well wooded character of the coast, but the exposed coast line has an open rocky edge and patches of low growing gorse and scrub; it provides opportunities for long panoramas across the Lough. The urban centres of Holywood, Helen's Bay and Bangor are linked by a good communication network comprising the main A2 dual carriageway and the Belfast to Bangor railway line as well as many minor roads and the North Down Coastal Path. The provision of footpaths, parking places and picnic sites provides recreational opportunities along the coast.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

The landscape of the Bangor Coastline is generally in good condition in both urban and rural contexts. The presence of country parks ensures that visitor pressure and potential erosion is controlled and that countryside management plays an important role. The many large houses, hotels and estates (including the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum) have well-maintained grounds, parkland and estate woodlands.

The landscape is extensively settled and has almost fulfilled its development potential. Further change may lead to loss of important rural areas and valuable recreational resources. However, the well wooded character and robust landscape pattern of the area allows development to be well integrated into the fabric. Views from the northern shore of Belfast Lough restrict changes to the Lough edge.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The provision and upkeep of visitor facilities will help to reduce erosion and pressure on the more sensitive parts of the landscape, such as the scenic glens, woodlands and open shores.
• Potential viewing opportunities at the Lough shore may be maximised by the provision of parking spaces and viewpoints.
• Woodlands, parks and stone walls may be retained through continued management and conservation of these important elements.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Further built development should not spread into areas of rural character between settlements, which form an invaluable recreational resource and important green break between individual settlements.
• Coalescence of developments along the coast is a significant pressure, encouraged by the strong linear communication pattern; there is a need to recognise buffer zones, which separate settlements and help to conserve their individual landscape setting.