Appendix 10.3 LCA Extracts

arc21 Residual Waste Treatment Project: Hightown Quarry Appendix 10.3: Landscape Character

Landscape Character – National – ‘Landscape’ extracts from Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Landscape Character Assessment

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development Belfast/Lisburn  Belfast and Lisburn lie within the The Belfast/Lisburn LCA encompasses the Belfast The quality of the environment within  Management of land and field  Development sites which Landscape (97) lowland basin of the River Lagan and Lisburn urban areas, together with their broader the urban districts is increasingly boundaries near the urban edge define the inner green belt which is enclosed by steep landscape setting. It is defined by the steep ridges degraded by traffic congestion, will ensure its rural character boundary should be required to ridges and escarpments. and escarpments which enclose the Lagan Valley at pollution, waste management and robust landscape pattern is comply with demanding  Docks at head of Belfast Lough; the head of Belfast Lough. Belfast is mostly problems and a lack of accessible maintained and will promote a development briefs which seek principal industrial areas along contained within the valley, although urban public open spaces. Belfast also has high quality landscape setting for to achieve an attractive, firm the Lagan and new Laganside development has spread along the narrow coastal a relatively high proportion of derelict the city. urban edge which reinforces development focusing towards strips to the north and south of the Lough and land and there is much scope for  Increasing public access to the the surrounding landscape the river. inland along the Lagan and Enler Valleys. The town continued regeneration. Within the surrounding hills would improve character and maximises  Long red brick terraces and large of Lisburn is also sited on the River Lagan but is wider context, the landscape setting the quality of life for city opportunities for public access. red brick warehouses and further upstream and enclosed by slightly lower of the city is increasingly marred by dwellers.  Urban regeneration is industrial buildings are slopes. There are long views over both urban areas the scattered development of preferable to urban expansion characteristic. from the surrounding upland landscapes. Belfast's buildings and infrastructure, the scars and the green belt boundary  Formal parks such as Ormeau principal industrial areas are concentrated along the of industrial sites and quarries, and should be considered an Park, the Botanic Gardens, banks of the Lagan and the docks are prominent at the neglect or under-management of absolute limit to development Victoria Park and Wallace Park. the head of Belfast Lough. farming. Public access to the in order to conserve Belfast's  Informal open space such as the surrounding hills and coastline is also natural containment within the Lagan Valley Regional Park and The older residential areas are characterised by red relatively poor, particularly to the lowland basin. the linear Connswater Park brick buildings, which add a warm colour to the north and west of the city. The most  Scope for new building on reach into the urban centre. urban landscape and contrast with the surrounding sensitive parts of Belfast/Lisburn are derelict sites, with scope for  Elevated views over urban areas green hills. The dense terraces are sometimes the historic centres, the riverside and innovative designs which may from the surrounding escarpment overshadowed by vast red-brick industrial buildings, the urban edges which have create new focal points and slopes. many of which are derelict. The steep escarpments expanded onto the higher ridges landmarks. and ridges on the margins of the city provide a enclosing Belfast. Development on series of landmarks. The Belfast Basalt Escarpment the lower slopes of the basalt to the north has a rugged, untamed character; escarpment is perhaps in the most Carmoney Hill, an outlier to the north west of the sensitive location in the city. Belfast basalt escarpment, dominates the landscape setting and Lisburn are overlooked by hills in of Newtownabbey; the Craigantlet Escarpment on all directions and the siting and the fringes of the Holywood Hills encloses East design of all major developments Belfast and the slopes of the Castlereagh should be carefully considered in Escarpment provide a continuous backdrop to the relation to these wider views. urban districts of South Belfast and Castlereagh. Belfast's formal parks, such as Ormeau Park, the Botanic Gardens and Victoria Park and Lisburn's Wallace Park, provide welcome breathing space for the city centre but are relatively small in relation to the city as a whole. The Lagan Valley Regional Park

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development is on a completely different scale. This and the other smaller river corridor parks, such as the Connswater, Lagmore and Collin Glen linear parks, have a more natural character and provide a valuable link between the urban areas and their wider landscape setting. The Laganside walkways now extend the footpath links along the Lagan right through to the city centre. Carrickfergus  Undulating landscape of low The landscape reaches an elevation of 200-250m. This relatively remote landscape has  Further afforestation may be  Existing new houses may be Upland ridges and shallow valleys. The area is underlain by basalt, but the shallow not been subjected to the same level accommodated with careful sheltered and integrated within Pastures (98)  Small fields of pasture enclosed soils, rocky exposures and wet climate create less of residential development siting and design. the landscape by blocks of by gappy hedges, earth banks productive farmland than elsewhere. Shallow ridges experienced by the low-lying areas  The repair and management of woodland. and neglected stone walls; extend from the basalt escarpment to the south to close to the coast. However, the few hedges, walls and shelterbelts  The design of housing is beech and conifer shelterbelts create an undulating plateau. The land use is recent examples of new housing are should be encouraged to especially sensitive in an along roads. predominantly pastoral with small, regular fields often sited in exposed locations, conserve the landscape upland landscape; ad hoc  Small, wind-blown trees on enclosed by gappy hedges, as well as by earth detracting from the more traditional structure. housing development in the exposed upland pastures. banks and stone walls. These are often neglected settlement pattern of stone buildings  Careful visual analysis should countryside with disparate and  Extensive tracts of plantation and have been reinforced with post and wire sheltered by trees. Plantation forests accompany any plans to site new incongruous styles should be forest, often enclosing loughs fencing. There is a large scale pattern of plantation have been introduced along the ridge windfarms or pylons in this avoided. and reservoirs. forests and exposed pasture on the uplands, with tops, but generally conform with the upland landscape.  Visitor facilities such as  Some fields encroached by scrub dramatic contrasts in colour and scale. A number of landform. This type of upland pastoral  Provision of public access to the parking places and picnic and heather; rushy bogs in small loughs are also found within this character area, landscape is not rare in Northern reservoirs and provision of picnic spots should be designed to hollows. including the dammed South and North Woodburn Ireland and landscape sensitivity may facilities and viewpoints will reflect the rural setting, using  Pylons and transmission lines reservoirs and Lough Mourne with its thin enclosing be described as moderate. Although ensure maximum use is made of natural materials and avoiding along the skyline. ring of coniferous forest. The visual influence of this is an upland area, views are this rural area for a large number unnecessary clutter. This will  New houses and bungalows in these waters on the landscape is limited owing to restricted by landform and tree of people from the nearby help to retain the contrast exposed locations. the forest screen, but they are significant local enclosure. settlements. between surrounding lowland features. urban areas and the countryside. The wind-blown profile of small hedgerow trees and shelterbelts, emphasises the exposed feel of this landscape. The uplands seem relatively remote in comparison to nearby, low-lying areas, although transmission lines from the Kilroot Power Station extend up from the coast and, with a telecommunications mast, exert a strong presence along the skyline. Settlement is scarce but new houses, often in exposed locations, contrast with the sheltered locations and unassuming styles of stone farm buildings. The landscape is of a moderate scale; views within the area are restricted by the enclosure of landform and woods. However, due to its elevated position, some longer views are

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development possible from the edges of this area. Bangor  Undulating shoreline topography. The Bangor Coastline forms a linear shoreline strip The landscape of the Bangor  The provision and upkeep of  Further built development Coastline (103)  Well wooded and densely settled extending from the edge of Belfast, at the head of Coastline is generally in good visitor facilities will help to should not spread into areas of coastal edge to the south of Belfast Lough, to Groomsport at its mouth. It is a condition in both urban and rural reduce erosion and pressure on rural character between Belfast Lough. strip of land with a gently undulating topography contexts. The presence of country the more sensitive parts of the settlements, which form an  Wild, rocky shoreline with gorse which supports a patchwork of pasture, mature parks ensures that visitor pressure landscape, such as the scenic invaluable recreational scrub, stands of Scots pine and deciduous woodland and dense urban development, and potential erosion is controlled glens, woodlands and open resource and important green steep, narrow glens. including several large houses and hotels. The and that countryside management shores. break between individual  Estates with mixed woodlands presence of many estates has created a local plays an important role. The many  Potential viewing opportunities at settlements. overlooking the sea. landscape of large fields, stone walls and woodland, large houses, hotels and estates the Lough shore may be  Coalescence of developments  Large houses and hotels set in with a sequence of landmarks glimpsed in views (including the Ulster Folk and maximised by the provision of along the coast is a significant ornamental grounds. along the coastal roads. A series of narrow, wooded Transport Museum) have well- parking spaces and viewpoints. pressure, encouraged by the  Good infrastructure linking glens wind down the steeper slopes towards the maintained grounds, parkland and  Woodlands, parks and stone strong linear communication settlements with many Lough shore; a notable example is Crawfordsburn estate woodlands. walls may be retained through pattern; there is a need to recreational facilities. Glen, which lies within a Country Park. The landscape is extensively settled continued management and recognise buffer zones, which  Views restricted by extent of Views are generally short due to the well wooded and has almost fulfilled its conservation of these important separate settlements and help woodland. character of the coast, but the exposed coast line development potential. Further elements. to conserve their individual has an open rocky edge and patches of low growing change may lead to loss of important landscape setting. gorse and scrub; it provides opportunities for long rural areas and valuable recreational panoramas across the Lough. The urban centres of resources. However, the well wooded Holywood, Helen's Bay and Bangor are linked by a character and robust landscape good communication network comprising the main pattern of the area allows A2 dual carriageway and the Belfast to Bangor development to be well integrated railway line as well as many minor roads and the into the fabric. Views from the North Down Coastal Path. The provision of northern shore of Belfast Lough footpaths, parking places and picnic sites provides restrict changes to the Lough edge. recreational opportunities along the coast.

Upper  Rolling farmland landscape, with A rolling, relatively prosperous farmland landscape The farmland is generally in good  The management and  Linear development along Ballinderry numerous hedgerow trees and on the southern and western fringes of condition, particularly in areas which progressive replanting of roads is not characteristic of Plateau copses. Derrykillultagh which extends to the edge of Lurgan. are under the ownership of large important avenues and stands of the area. Landscape  Relatively large farmsteads and The area has a different landownership pattern to estates. However, there are patches specimen trees will conserve  Large scale structure planting (109) many estates. the upper plateau, with fewer larger farmsteads and of degradation, particularly on the these important features. The of deciduous native species  Steeper escarpment slope on the many estates. There are consequently fewer roads northern fringes of Maghaberry, work should be undertaken in close to new agricultural southern margin of the plateau, and the built development has a more clustered where the massive prison and poultry conjunction with research into buildings would help to overlooking the Broad Lagan character, with houses concentrated into nuclear farm developments have destroyed the history of the many designed integrate them within the Valley. villages, often with grand avenues of beech trees the farmed pattern of the landscape. landscapes in the area. surrounding landscape and to  Scattered pattern of farms and and prominent churches. Views are generally short The fields on the fringes of these  The restoration of hedgerows restore a more sheltered houses, with nuclear villages and or contained on the horizon lines of the many developments are mostly derelict, and field access points in the landscape character. relatively little linear hollows by avenue, roadside or hedgerow planting. with discontinuous hedgerows and farmland around the major  Clustered settlements are development. derelict farm buildings. The slightly prisons will help to restore the characteristic of the area, with  Beech avenues and dense The field pattern is quite small scale over much of undulating nature of the land allows landscape structure. There is views to church spires and stands of mature trees, the area but opens out towards the urban edge of single buildings to have relatively scope to plant the land with avenues of trees. It is

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development particularly in estate landscapes. Lurgan, where several factories have been built. little visual impact. mass woodland, screening views important to ensure that new  Large-scale developments - a There are numerous hedgerow trees and a to the developments, while development is carefully sited prison and poultry farm - are consistent patchwork of fields and hedgerows. The The areas which are most sensitive to maintaining the required open to maintain the nuclear prominent on flatter land to the field pattern varies; fields are always geometric in change are on the southern margins area of defensible land character of the settlements north of Maghaberry. shape and are generally medium to large in size but of the plateau, particularly on the immediately surrounding the and to conserve the there are also pockets of small-scale farmland and steep slopes of Friar's Glen and on prison. relationship between the built paddocks, particularly on the fringes of settlements. the slopes to the south of  The prominent derelict farm form of the village and Avenues and stands of beech trees, church spires Maghaberry, which overlook the buildings to the south of the neighbouring designed and the glimpsed views of large farmsteads and Lagan Valley. However, many of the poultry farm in the Maghaberry landscapes. country houses are important local landmarks. clustered villages have an attractive area are eyesores which should character and the landscape setting be a priority for demolition. There is a steep escarpment along the southern of each of these is sensitive to margins of the landscape, overlooking the Lagan change. valley; Friars Glen, between the village of Aghalee and Soldierstown, also has a fairly steep, wooded character. Derrykillulttagh  Rolling, slightly acidic farmland Rolling, relatively elevated farmland landscape on Some parts of the landscape have  Minor road improvements often  Ribbon development already (110) on the margins of the Basalt the margins of the Antrim basalt plateau. The area many derelict buildings and patches result in the loss of hedgerows at forms a continuous line of Summits. is characterised by rounded hills and shallow of waste ground, while others have a widened junctions; replanting of buildings along some local  Rounded hills, with fairly shallow slopes, although there are some gullies and the prosperous character. The latter are hedgerows and hedgerow trees roads, blocking views from the slopes, but with a steeper southern boundary of the landscape character area usually on the lower slopes, where at junctions of roads and at the roads and introducing a escarpment to the south. is marked by a steeper escarpment slope. Many the farms are generally larger, while entrances to farmsteads will suburban character to  Varied farmland pattern, with slopes are divided by straight, narrow glens which the condition of the farmland ensure that the landscape extensive areas of countryside. small paddocks on valley sides form a ladder pattern in views from below. The generally worsens towards the east pattern is strengthened at these Additional linear development and a more open character on plateau descends gently to the west, where there is where the plateau becomes key focal points. will have a detrimental effect. summits. a gradual transition to the claylands on the edge of increasingly more elevated and the  The conservation of existing  Special landscape features  Patches of gorse, scrub and Lough Neagh. The farmland landscape often has a soils are of poorer quality. There is hedgerows and encouragement such as the valleys at Lagmore marsh on areas of waste or relatively untidy character, with patches of gorse evidence of hedgerow removal, which of hedgerow tree regeneration and Duncan's Park, merit marginal farmland. and scrub and a rather disconnected hedgerow has resulted in unusually large fields throughout the landscape will careful protection and are  Straight roads and tracks with network. and a disconnected field pattern. conserve the characteristic unsuitable for new numerous scattered houses, landscape pattern, which is development. small-holdings and farms; The shallow valleys often contain areas of marsh The landscape is more sensitive in prominent over wide areas.  Numerous hedgerow trees and and many fields are partially infested with rushes. the more open, elevated parts of the  Tree planting along roads, farm lines of trees along roads and Gorse and holly are typical hedgerow species and plateau, and on the steeper slopes to tracks and beside farmsteads tracks. often mark the transition to marginal farmland. the south, where small-scale would provide shelter and  Conical gate posts. There are typically small farms and small-holdings landscape features, such as the deep attractive landscape features which are surrounded by paddocks and scattered wooded valley at Lagmore and the which are in keeping with barns, although there is a gradual transition to a small valley by Duncan's Park, form traditional landscape patterns in landscape of larger fields, hedgerow trees and more part of the wider landscape setting for this area. prosperous farmsteads on the western margins of Lisburn. However, pressures of new  There are opportunities to plant the plateau. Most farmsteads consist of small, white built development on the fringes of small woodlands and copses on rendered buildings sited on the mid-slopes or local linear villages have a detrimental areas of marginal farmland and ridges and connected to roads by straight, right- effect on landscape character in waste.

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development angled tracks. There are numerous small houses many parts of the plateau. along the roads, although the majority of traditional dwellings are derelict or replaced by modern bungalows, which generally have an abrupt relationship with the surrounding landscape. The older farmsteads are often focal points in the landscape, particularly where they are associated with lines and stands of mature trees. A network of straight roads follow the ridges and connect linear villages; most junctions are staggered cross-roads. Divis Summits  Broad, rounded summits on the The Antrim basalt plateau ends in a series of broad, The landscape of the Divis Summits  The restoration of abandoned  There is little scope for new (111) edge of the Antrim basalt plateau rounded summits overlooking Lisburn and Belfast. is generally in poor condition, quarry sites will improve views to built development in this area, with a distinctive and dramatic The principal summits of Black Mountain, Squires particularly on the summits and in this landscape; priority should be with the possible exception of escarpment overlooking Belfast. Hill and Cave Hill reach up to 400m, with Divis areas where there has been a history given to those in the most existing derelict sites, where  Open, windswept marginal standing at 478m. They generally have gentle of mineral extraction. There is much prominent positions on the there may be opportunities for farmland, with expanses of moss slopes, with some gullies and abrupt, steep slopes evidence of hedgerow removal and escarpment slopes and those restoration. on flat, waterlogged plateau. in places. However, the summits along the edge of the character of the roads, which which are in the vicinity of  Angular, straight field boundaries the basalt escarpment have much steeper slopes were fringed with hedgerows on the important archaeological sites. and narrow roads. which plummet towards Belfast. Between the lower slopes of the plateau, has been  The character of the minor roads  Pockets of small-scale farmland summits, the upper plateau has extensive areas of eroded by a combination of neglect may be reinforced by conserving and paddocks on some edges of shallow, partially waterlogged moss which is and ongoing minor road existing hedgerows and planting the moss. surrounded by areas of marginal farmland. improvements, largely to new hedges and lines of trees on  Occasional groups of trees accommodate the mineral lorries. the lower slopes. shelter isolated farmsteads. The landscape is relatively open, with extensive Much of the farmland is in a partially  The control of fly-tipping and the  Dense lines of hedgerow beech areas of windswept moss and rough farmland. abandoned condition and there is removal of existing tips and trees along some roads and farm However, the valley slopes have a more farmed much evidence of fly-tipping and scattered dumping on derelict tracks at lower elevations. character, with straight, overgrown hedgerows, derelict farmsteads. The basalt sites, would improve landscape  Derelict buildings. belts of mature trees and farmsteads. Many of the summits and steep escarpment condition.  Quarries, both active and farmsteads are sheltered by stands of mature trees slopes are particularly sensitive to  The landscape on the edges of abandoned. and are reached by straight tracks, some of them change, as they form the backdrop to active quarry sites should be raised on embankments as they cross the moss. the urban areas of Lisburn and restored, particularly at There are important archaeological remains, Belfast and because they are entrances and the permanent particularly on the summits of Cave Hill. Radio relatively exposed. The quarry sites boundaries, where there are masts are situated on the highest summits where are often in extremely prominent often steep, odd-shaped bunds they are prominent in views from surrounding areas. locations and their restoration should and abandoned plant. be considered a priority. Hazelwood  Limiting routes for mineral lorries The landscape has a rather irregular, patchy Area of Scientific Interest (ASI) will help conserve narrow roads pattern, with areas of scrub and wasteland which occurs within this character area, and remaining hedgerow trees are often associated with abandoned mineral forming a particularly sensitive part of from further erosion by heavy workings, derelict farmsteads and areas of the landscape. vehicles. waterlogged or unfarmed land.  New hedgerow tree planting and the encouragement of natural regeneration, particularly near

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development farmsteads, mineral sites and along roads on the lower slopes of the plateau will screen development and reinforce the landscape structure.  If new planting is restricted to the lower slopes, the gradual transition to an open, uncluttered skyline on the rounded summits may be conserved.

Belfast Basalt  Distinctive dark basalt cliffs with The edge of the Antrim basalt plateau is well Seen at close quarters, the landscape  Restoration of abandoned quarry  The characteristic slope profile Escarpment stepped profile and steep scarp defined by a steep scarp slope which wraps around of the Belfast Basalt Escarpment is workings will improve the visual may be preserved by retaining (112) slope which tower above the and contains the north west edge of Belfast. The generally in a rather degraded state, appearance and landscape an open, rural character and northern edge of Belfast. black basalt outcrops have a distinctive, sheer with neglect and loss of field condition of the escarpment. limiting the extent of  Small scale patchwork of profile which is broken by a series of steep, wooded boundaries giving the area an untidy Quarries in prominent positions development into the improved pasture with scrub glens. The Hills are pitted with quarries and have a character. Fly tipping is evident along are particularly important. prominent upper slopes. encroachment. rugged, almost brutal character. They provide a some of the local roads and in some  Management of degraded  Edges of urban settlement  Unkempt, gappy hedgerows. dramatic contrast to the dense urban areas below. derelict quarries. The scarp slope is a hedgerows and replanting along which are tightly contained  Open skyline; deciduous The dark basalt overlies a thin band of chalk, which prominent landmark of the area and post and wire boundaries will within field boundaries may be woodland covers lower slopes. forms a strong contrast in colour whenever it is its open character, distinct profile and strengthen landscape patterns integrated most easily with the  Transmission masts on summits visible. Belfast Castle, at the northern end of the high visibility render it particularly and enhance the condition of the scale of the landscape. and dominant pylon narrow strip, is set in a densely wooded designed sensitive to change. Despite the landscape. infrastructure. landscape which contrasts with the rugged, rural degraded condition of some areas, it  Management and replanting of  Prominent, abandoned quarries. character of the scarp edge. Further to the west, the creates a distinctive setting for the remaining deciduous steep wooded landscapes associated with Collin Belfast which merits conservation and woodland on the lower slopes of House lie derelict. The lower escarpment slopes are management. The entire area is the escarpment will ensure that a mixture of hummocky open pasture with gappy therefore classified as an `Area of these slopes remain wooded, hedgerows and stands of deciduous woodland on Scenic Quality'. creating recreational steeper slopes. opportunities for residents of Belfast and enhancing the There are extensive areas of regenerating scrub setting of the city. and gorse. Narrow roads provide steep links between the ridge-top road and Belfast, winding up the basalt edge. The slopes are pitted with quarries. Most are abandoned and have a rugged, untidy character and many are associated with fly tipping. The quarries are prominent and a strong influence on landscape character and quality. The basalt edge provides an opportunity for panoramic views over the city of Belfast. The northern edge of the city has a high density, well defined boundary which is contained within the geometric field pattern.

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development Expansive  Gently sloping farmland in the The Expansive Crumlin Farmland lies near the The agricultural landscape is in a  Neglect and lack of management  There are considerable Crumlin vicinity of Belfast International eastern shores of Lough Neagh, occupying a reasonable condition, although the has led to the gradual pressures from scattered built Farmland (113) Airport. relatively flat area underlain by rocks of the Upper over-mature trees and degraded degradation of the hedgerow development in the countryside  Large, open fields of pasture Basalt formation. The land slopes gently from the hedgerows are in need of network and the over-maturing of where it lies outside a bounded by overgrown lower slopes of the Belfast Hills (Derrykillultagh) to replacement or management. The hedgerow trees; restoration and greenbelt; the density of hedgerows and mature hedgerow the fringes of Lough Neagh to the west. Clady disused airfield has altered the scale management of hedgerows will development in the countryside trees. Water, Dunmore River and the Crumlin River flow and structure of the landscape and prevent the presence of leggy, should not be pushed beyond  Shelterbelts add to the effect of from the hills across the farmland but do not have a areas such as this require landscape neglected hedgerows which its limits. a well treed landscape. strong presence in the landscape. The valleys of enhancement and restoration to contribute to a degraded  Views to Lough Neagh from  Airfields occupy the flattest the Clady and Crumlin rivers are narrow and steep- return the landscape to its original character. the western fringes of the area areas. sided so the water channels are relatively character. The most sensitive areas  New trees may be replanted to may be retained by ensuring  A clear hierarchy of straight inconspicuous. The extensive network of overgrown to change are the scenic landscapes replace those which have that new development does not roads is evenly distributed, criss- hedgerows gives the area a well treed character, close to the shores of Lough Neagh become over-mature; these may intrude into, or obstruct, crossing the flat plain. although many are over-mature. and areas with a more undulating be used to accommodate and important views.  Housing development and The pastures are large and geometric in shape landform on the edges of the Six Mile shelter new development.  Airfields are a major feature of farmsteads are evenly scattered contributing to the ordered, simple landscape Water Valley and at the foot of the the area, causing an across the area. pattern. Scattered farms and small villages form the Belfast Hills. The small nucleated expansion of landscape scale main settlements; farms are typically sited at the villages are sensitive to expansion and loss of vegetation; end of straight tracks, at a distance from the road, and sprawl which would affect their restoration or redevelopment while more recent housing tends to be sited right character. of disused airport sites may alongside the road. The largest settlement in the result in enhancement of area is the compact town of Crumlin. The town is landscape character and divided by the steep wooded valley of the Crumlin restoration of landscape River, which is designated as the Crumlin Glen pattern. Woodland Park. The flat and open landscape  Conservation of the settings of character makes it ideal for the location of airfields the clustered settlements will and Belfast International Airport is one of the three prevent overspill of built airfields located in this area. The site of the old civil development and protect their airfield at Nutt's Corner is an expanse of degraded, nucleated form. derelict land.

Three and Six  Gently rolling ridges within the The River Six Mile Water flows within a broad, Landscape condition is generally poor  There is scope for extensive  Further built development may Mile Water broad lowland valleys of the gently undulating valley which acts as a corridor for due to the incomplete hedgerow woodland planting on the valley be accommodated through a Valleys (114) Three Mile Water and Six Mile the dense infrastructure linking the towns of Antrim network and the decline of mature floor on the fringes of co-ordinated landscape Water. and Ballyclare. A shorter tributary, the Three Mile trees, although the valley floor Newtownabbey, where strategy; woodland and  Large open pastures are divided Water, extends south east from this principal valley between Antrim and Templepatrick piecemeal development is hedgerow planting would by hedgerows with numerous to Newtownabbey. Large pastures, divided by has a richer character and a much leading to a relatively degraded improve the landscape hedgerow trees. overgrown hedgerows, dominate the rural denser network of trees. The wooded landscape character at an structure and thereby mitigate  Densely settled, with many large landscape, although there is a much smaller scale estates of Greenmount and Upton important gateway to Belfast. the impacts of built farms and a variety of field pattern on the valley floor near Newtownabbey, Park add to the diversity and  Re-instatement and management development. architectural styles. where the soils are relatively poorly drained. Large sensitivity of the landscape in this of hedgerows will reverse the  A unified building theme and a  Widespread, prominent and large scale built development and infrastructure is area. The settings of built present degradation, over- coherent architectural style, scale industrial development is prominent in some areas, particularly on the fringes development are often quite open and maturity and loss which is which draws on vernacular

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development scattered throughout the valleys, of Newtownabbey and Antrim. There are numerous incoherent, leading to a rather apparent throughout the area. features, should be especially on the outskirts of hedgerow trees and the valley floor landscape has a degraded visual character in some encouraged. Newtownabbey. secluded character. However, larger blocks of areas.  Clear zones of development  Dense transport infrastructure woodland are rare and the hedgerows are often may be established by using including the M2, A6, A57 and incomplete. Electricity pylons are especially There are long views along the woodland or landform to create the Ballymena to Belfast railway prominent on local skylines. valleys from the narrow roads linking a distinctive landscape setting line. settlements on the lower slopes, and for large-scale urban  No coherent visual relationship The traditional settlement pattern, of small clustered both valleys are overlooked by views development such as retail between the buildings and their towns and villages on the lower slopes of the valley, from the surrounding ridges and hills. outlets, factories and industrial rural setting. and small settlements on the upper slopes The area is therefore relatively developments. alongside tributary streams, is still very evident, sensitive to large-scale development, although there is a scattering of industrial premises, although development could be factories, landfill sites and housing throughout the accommodated if it were well area, connected by a good infrastructure network. integrated with existing field patterns The variety of scales and styles of built and if links to the existing development emphasises its presence in the infrastructure could be designed with landscape and does not always encourage a minimum visual impact. The extent of coherent relationship between settlement and built development in this area has a landscape context. significant impact and continued hedgerow loss will result in a greater Carnmoney Hill is a prominent outlier from the sensitivity to landscape change. Belfast Basalt Escarpment, which forms a landmark Woodland planting could substantially for Newtownabbey. The hill has a rugged, natural reduce the sensitivity of the landscape, with a plummeting escarpment to the landscape to large scale south. There are long views from the M2 motorway development. along the Three Mile Water valley to the town of Newtownabbey and to Belfast Lough. Tardree and Six  Undulating land on the lower The Tardree and Six Mile Water Slopes wrap The landscape appears rather  The preservation of the  Scattered housing in the Mile Water slopes of the Six Mile Water around an area of high basalt moorland which degraded due to the neglect of field numerous archaeological sites, countryside may detract from Slopes (115) valley. includes the summits of Carn Hill, Big Collin, Wee boundaries and pasture, especially and the provision of public its rural character; housing  Mixed patterns of fields and Collin, Tardree Mountain and Douglas Top. The towards the valley bottom. The access to them, would enhance styles could be better unified woodlands of different scales, area lies between the high ground of the Tardree presence of a multitude of electricity these landscape features which by drawing on vernacular with woodland cover increasing Upland Pastures and the Three and Six Mile pylons, especially around Hillhead are particularly characteristic of details. to the east. WaterValleys. It is characterised by an area of where they converge at a power the area.  Larger scale development  Hummocky pastures with relatively degraded undulating farmland with station, intrudes into the rural setting.  Management of hedgerows and could be screened using hillocks, rock outcrops and rough overgrown, leggy hedgerows and rushy pastures. The steeper slopes, on the fringes of field boundaries would improve woodland planting; this would grazing. The uneven topography results in an irregular field the upland areas to the north, are landscape condition and provide opportunities to extend  Leggy hedgerows and degraded pattern. Hedgerow trees create a wooded particularly sensitive to change. enhance visual amenity. and improve the wooded field boundaries. appearance in some views, although in others their Elsewhere, the landscape's sensitivity  Expansion of woodland (and network, linking new planting  Scattered farms and small uneven and leggy forms give the impression of to change is increased by views from commercial forestry) should be to existing hedgerows and holdings; many with outbuildings. mismanagement and neglect. The steeper slopes, the surrounding uplands. There is sensitively designed to ensure shelterbelts.  Lines of hedgerow trees and on the edge of the basalt moorland to the north, some scope to accommodate a that the characteristic diverse  Farm outbuildings could be some mixed woodland on lower become progressively more wooded towards the variety of development, provided it is pattern of fields and woodland painted to make them features

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development slopes. east. associated with tree planting to on the steeper slopes is rather than eye sores within  Numerous small villages. provide an appropriate level of retained. the landscape; a dark red  Archaeological remains including There are no major settlements in the area, but screening. colour creates an attractive raths, stone circles, standing many small settlement clusters, farms and contrast with the landscape stones and chambered graves. smallholdings are scattered across the lower valley and responds to the traditional slopes where they are sheltered by landform and colours found within the rural well connected by a dense network of roads. setting. Archaeological remains, such as Wileys Fort, raths and standing stones, indicate the long history of settlement on these accessible slopes. A network of lanes and minor roads criss-cross the landscape and permit some long and sweeping views into the valley of the Six Mile Water. Carrickfergus  Narrow flat coastal plain. The Carrickfergus Shoreline forms a fringe of flat The landscape has been subject to  There may be opportunities to  There is scope to develop a Shoreline (129)  Large industrial and commercial land, 1km to 3km wide, between the high basalt extensive recent development, develop coastal viewpoints, such landscape strategy for developments along coastal ridge of the Carrickfergus Farmed Escarpment to especially between Carrickfergus and as parks and jetties, along the continued development with edge. the north and Belfast Lough to the south. The Newtownabbey. This has detracted shoreline, and to give priority to clearly identified zones for  Almost continuous belt of accommodating relief has been utilised by extensive from the identity and uniqueness of amenity land uses in this development, environmental development which includes the development which runs more or less continuously separate communities and has sensitive and important area. improvements and landscape main settlements of along the length of the shore and extends depleted the character of the natural works. Carrickfergus and the smaller westwards to the outskirts of Newtownabbey. rocky shoreline and views of the sea.  Existing landscape elements village of Greenisland. Carrickfergus is the most concentrated area of Additional development will therefore such as hedgerows, stone  Peripheral industry as well as settlement, with recent housing extending be less pronounced in its effect, walls and woodlands may scattered housing along roads northwards from the shoreline core of the town. although there are opportunities to provide structural edges to links separate settlements and Prominent industrial structures, such as the stack of improve the landscape and visual individual settlements and help obscures their separate Kilroot Power Station provide a focus for miles quality of this area and further to reinforce settlement identity, identities. around. Other ribbon development extends along development should be associated preventing the coalescence of  Pockets of woodland around the A2 and B90. with local environmental adjacent settlements. Castle Dobbs. The linearity of the Carrickfergus Shoreline is improvements.  Local features and built  Communications and services emphasised by the roads, railway and transmission All development currently lies to the elements may be used to corridor. lines that pass along it. Views of the sea are a south of the B90 which forms a establish gateways to existing  Expansive views of the sea. fundamental aspect of the local landscape character northern boundary to this coastal strip settlements, enhancing their and, while coastal development blocks visibility landscape. If development extends distinctive character. from many locations inland, there are a number of beyond this boundary, it will extend significant waterfront viewpoints, such as into the adjacent Carrickfergus Carrickfergus Castle. The railway follows the edge Farmed Escarpment, where the of the shoreline east of Carrickfergus, with excellent characteristic small-scale ladder field views across the Lough. pattern is highly sensitive to landscape change. The Inner Belfast Lough ASSI extends from Belfast to Carrickfergus and this designation makes the water's edge a particularly sensitive area.

LCA Key Characteristics Landscape Description Landscape Condition and Sensitivity Principles for Landscape Principles for Accommodating to Change Management New Development

Carrickfergus  Gently rolling landform on the This landscape forms a transition between the flat The landscape has experienced  The distinctive small-scale  The edges of recent Farmed margins of the basalt plateau. coastal fringe of the Carrickfergus Shoreline and significant encroachment from ad hoc gridded field pattern on the lower development could be softened Escarpment  Narrow wooded glens. the Carrickfergus Upland Pastures. It is a fairly housing; the boundary of coastal escarpment slopes could be through additional planting (130)  Small regular grid pattern of narrow apron of undulating land which leads from settlement is currently well contained conserved by preventing and, wherever possible, by pasture defined by hedges which the high pasture to the coastal plain. The Woodburn south of the B90, but pressure on this enlargement of fields, dereliction integration with the existing are generally gappy and poorly Glen cuts back into the slope, breaking the smooth is high. Hedges are not well managed of hedgerows and encroachment field pattern and hedgerow maintained. slope profile. This is almost wholly pasture land with and have generally become gappy of built development. structure.  Scattered new houses. a grid of small regular fields enclosed by hedge and relatively untidy in places,  Afforestation of the slopes  Further development should be  Numerous transmission lines and boundaries and trees. Scot's pines are a leading to a decline in the distinctive should be designed in such a designed to fit with the existing pylons. characteristic feature in hedgerows on the steeper small-scale pattern of pastures and way as to retain a large landscape pattern and should  Hedgerow trees and Scots pines. slopes. Although there is a strong rural character, hedgerows. However, much of the proportion of open space and to avoid forming a solid  Panoramic views over Belfast new houses form an incongruous recent addition to local farmland retains a rural develop vistas for views over horizontal line along the B90; Lough and its northern and the area, exhibiting a range of styles which bear character, with elevated seaward Belfast Lough. encroachment of housing north southern shores. little relation to the vernacular stone farmhouses. views. The escarpment slope is of the B90 should be avoided. The elevated views from this area are distinctive, sensitive due to its prominent position overlooking the concentrated development along within the landscape and the the northern shoreline and, beyond it, the expanse encroaching pressures from housing of Belfast Lough with its distant southern shoreline. developments on the lower slopes. The Kilroot Power Station stack at Carrickfergus The gradual transition from the small- forms a focus within its industrial setting, but the scale pastures on the lower slopes to numerous transmission lines that extend from it the broader, more wooded landscape encroach intrusively over the slopes and on to the pattern on the ridgetop is particularly upland pasture. The basalt scarps of Knockagh and sensitive and constitutes an `Area of Porg Hill also form notable elements within views. Scenic Quality'. This distinctive landscape pattern is important in visual terms as it conserves the integrity of the ridge as a strong feature in the landscape and provides an attractive setting for Carrickfergus and the other coastal towns. The Woodburn Glen is a sensitive feature within this context which is designated an ASSI, or Area of Special Scientific Interest.