CONTENTS PAGE Page 1 Introduction Page 1-10 Environmental Assets Appraisal Page 10-19 Strategic Settlement Evaluation Pages 21-32 Development Pressure Analysis APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: NATIONAL HERITAGE LEGISLATION APPENDIX 2: FODC LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN (LBAP) AUDIT APPENDIX 3: PROPOSED AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST APPENDIX 4: STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4A: Natural Heritage APPENDIX 4B: Built Heritage APPENDIX 4C: Other Designations APPENDIX 5: MAPS Map 5A: Sites of International Nature Conservation Interest Map 5B: Sites of National Nature Conservation Interest Map 5C: Historic Sites & Monuments Map 5D: Global GeoPark Map 5E: NIEA Landscape Character Areas APPENDIX 6: PROPOSED SPECIAL COUNTRYSIDE AREA REPORT APPENDIX 7: SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY CLASSIFICATION APPENDIX 8: EXISTING SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY FOR FERMANAGH AND OMAGH AS CONTAINED IN EXISTING AREA PLANS APPENDIX 9: SETTLEMENT APPRAISALS APPENDIX 10: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL SMALL SETTLEMENTS APPENDIX 11: PRESSURE ANALYSIS APPENDIX 12: PRESSURE ANALYSIS HOT SPOTS APPENDIX 13: PRESSURE ANALYSIS ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY APPENDIX 14: PRESSURE ANALYSIS WIND ENERGY APPENDIX 15: PRESSURE ANALYSIS IN LCA 1.0 Introduction 1.1 This background paper has been prepared to draw together the evidence base that has been used to inform the preparation of the Fermanagh and Omagh Local Development Plan (LDP) 2030. It is one of a suite of topic-based background papers that should be read alongside the LDP to understand the rational and justification for the policies proposed within the draft Plan Strategy. 1.2 It updates the Position Papers previously prepared and published as the baseline evidence for the Preferred Options Paper (POP) in October 2016 and which identified the key issues that need to be addressed by the LDP. The Countryside Assessment includes the following four related strands: an Environmental Assets Appraisal; a Landscape Character Assessment; a Strategic Settlement Evaluation; and a Development Pressure Analysis. A Landscape Character Review was undertaken by consultants on behalf of the Council and this document is available to view on the Council’s website. The review included the identification of proposed landscape designations – Areas of High Scenic Value - and these have been taken forward into the Draft Plan Strategy. 1.3 The Regional Policy Context for each of the strands of the Countryside Assessment is provided by the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035 and regional planning policy statements. A summary of these documents as they pertain to plan making and the built heritage, natural heritage and landscape protection is provided within each of the strands below. 2.0 Environmental Assets Appraisal Context 2.1 An environmental assets appraisal provides an overview of the built, natural and landscape heritage in our Council area. In Fermanagh and Omagh, the evidence of our past can be seen in archaeological and historic features such as tombs and forts, castles and churches, townhouses and farmhouses, grand architecture and vernacular buildings, industrial features and planned parklands. These physical survivals of our past are to be valued and protected and provide an important link to our understanding of both the present and the past. They are also important economic assets providing revenue to the economy through environmental activities, tourism and recreation. 2.2 The richness of our natural and built heritage, both in terms of landscape, natural environments and biodiversity is recognised in the significant number of international and regionally designated important sites. As custodians of our district, it is our responsibility to protect them for future generations. At many levels, development can potentially adversely impact on our environment and it is therefore important that all those involved in the planning process ensure that any potential environmental impacts, whatever the scale, are identified to enable the effects to be considered, avoided or mitigated for. Regional Planning Context 2.3 The Regional Policy Context is provided by the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035 and regional planning policy statements. A summary of these documents as they pertain to plan making and the built heritage, natural heritage and landscape protection is provided. Regional Development Strategy 2.4 The RDS 2035 aims to protect and enhance the environment for current and future generations. It recognises that Northern Ireland’s environment is one of its greatest assets which has benefits in terms of the economy and quality of life. Regional Guidance seeks to conserve, protect, and where possible, enhance our built heritage and our natural environment (RG11). The built heritage of the Region is viewed as a key tourism and recreational asset as well as contributing to our sense of place and history as well as the economy and it is important to:- Identify, protect and conserve the built heritage, including archaeological sites and monuments and historic buildings; Identify, protect and conserve the character and built heritage assets within cities, towns and villages; Maintain the integrity of built heritage assets, including historic landscapes. 2.5 The natural environment directly supports all life and is an asset to society and in promoting sustainable development and well-being. It is therefore important to: Sustain and enhance biodiversity; Identify, establish, protect and manage ecological networks; Protect and encourage green and blue infrastructure within urban areas; Protect and manage important geological and geomorphological features; Protect and enhance and manage the coast; Protect, enhance and restore the quality of inland water bodies; 2 Recognise and promote the conservation of local identity and distinctive landscape character; Conserve, protect and where possible enhance areas recognised for their landscape quality; Protect designated areas of countryside from inappropriate development (either directly or indirectly) and continue to assess areas of designation; and Consider the establishment of one or more National Parks. Regional Planning Policy Statements 2.6 The SPPS, published in September 2015, which provides the policy basis, alongside PPS 2 and PPS6 and associated addendum for considering planning proposals until such times that the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has an adopted its own Plan Strategy. PPS 21 Sustainable Development in the Countryside and the Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland contain current regional policies in relation to the environment including protection of rural landscapes and the coast. Archaeology and Built Heritage 2.7 The regional strategic objectives for archaeology and built heritage within the SPPS are to: secure the protection, conservation and, where possible, the enhancement of our built and archaeological heritage; promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship with regard to our built and archaeological heritage; and deliver economic and community benefit through conservation that facilitates productive use of built heritage assets and opportunities for investment, whilst safeguarding their historic or architectural integrity. 2.8 In preparing LDPs, councils should take into account the implications of local policies and proposals on all features of the archaeological and built heritage and their settings, and the implications of proposed land use zonings, locations for development and settlement limits on natural heritage features within or adjoining the plan area. Additionally, LDPs should identify the range of built and archaeological heritage features within the plan area and bring forward policies or proposals for their protection and conservation and enhancement. These include the following:- Archaeological Sites and Monuments Areas of Special Archaeological Interest Areas of Archaeological Potential 3 Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes Conservation Areas (CAs) Areas of Townscape or Village Character Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) Listed Buildings Historic Buildings of Local Importance 2.9 A development proposal that is contrary to established planning policy and in its own right would not be permitted, is known as ‘enabling development.’ Such a proposal may however be allowed where it will secure the long-term future of a significant place and will not materially harm its heritage value or setting. Natural Heritage 2.10 The regional strategic objectives within the SPPS for natural heritage are to: seek to further the conservation, enhancement and restoration of the abundance, quality, diversity and distinctiveness of the region’s natural heritage; further sustainable development by ensuring that biological and geological diversity are conserved and enhanced as an integral part of social, economic and environmental development; assist in meeting international (including European), national and local responsibilities and obligations in the protection and enhancement of the natural heritage; contribute to rural renewal and urban regeneration by ensuring developments take account of the role and value of biodiversity in supporting economic diversification and contributing to a high quality environment; protect and enhance biodiversity, geo-diversity and the environment; and take actions to reduce our carbon footprint and facilitate adaptation to climate change. 2.11 LDPs should seek to protect and integrate certain features of the natural heritage when zoning sites for development through