Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Table of Contents
Table of Contents Type 3 – Indented Estuarine Coast Type 11 – Broad Marginal Middleground (Rosscarberry-Timoleague-Kinsale)...……..…23 Valley…………………………………………..83 1.1. Introduction ………………………………1 Type 4 – Rugged Ridge Peninsulas Type 12a – Rolling Marginal and Forested 1.2. Landscape Character Assessment (Castletownbere-Bantry-Schull)………………29 Middleground (Ballyvourney Gaeltacht)…….87 Methodology……………..………………………1 Type 5 – Fertile Plain with Moorland Ridge Type 12b - Rolling Marginal and Forested 1.3. Landscape Character……………………....2 (Mallow-Mitchelstown-Fermoy)………………35 Middleground……………………………….…91
1.4. Landscape Value……………………………2 Type 6a – Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Type 13a – Valleyed Marginal Middleground (Blarney – Ballincollig – Carrigaline – West (Macroom and Environs)……………………..95 1.5. Landscape Sensitivity………………………3 Dunmanway)……………………………………41 Type 13b – Valleyed Marginal Middleground Methodology for the Landscape Assessment Type 6b - Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys (Glenville and Environs)………………………99 Process…………………………………………...4 (Cloyne - Castlemartyr - Killeagh and Environs)………………………………………. 47 Type 14a – Fissured Marginal and Forested Map 1 – Landscape Character Areas………….5 Rolling Upland (Northwest – Rockchapel)…..103 Type 6c - Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Map 2 – Landscape Character Types………….6 (Castlelyons – Rathcormack)………………… 51 Type 14b - Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland (Lyre and Nad)………………107 Map 3 – Landscape Character Types Value…..7 Type 7a – Rolling Patchwork Farmland (Bandon – Clonakilty – Leap and Environs)……………55 Type 15a – Ridged and Peaked Upland Map 4 - Landscape Character Types (Mullaghanish to Millstreet)………………….111 Sensitivity ……………………………………….8 Type 7b - Rolling Patchwork Farmland (Dunderrow – Belgooly and Environs)………..59 Type 15b - Ridged and Peaked Upland Map 5 - Landscape Character Types (Millstreet)…………………………………….115 Importance………………………………………9 Type 8 – Hilly River and Reservoir Valley…...63 Type 16a – Glaciated and Forested Cradle Landscape Character Types Type 9 – Broad Marginal Middleground and Valley (Gouganne Barra)……………………119 Lowland Basin…………………………………67 Type 1 – City Harbour and Estuary…………..11 Type 16b - Glaciated and Forested Cradle Type 10a – Fissured Fertile Middleground Valley (Cullenagh Lake)……………………..123 Type 2 – Broad Bay Coast (Youghal-Shanagarry (South of the Gearagh)………………………..73 – Ballycotton.………………………………..….17 Type 10b – Fissured Fertile Middleground Type 16c - Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley (Rylane east to Waterford)…………………...77 (Foilanumera)…………………………………125
Cork County Council i Planning Policy Unit
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Methodology
The Draft Landscape Strategy for Cork County 1.2 Landscape Character 1.1 Introduction incorporates for each of the 16 landscape Assessment Methodology types: Landscape Character Assessment is a process The Landscape Character Assessment for of assessment, which focuses on 1) An evaluation of each Landscape Character County Cork was based on the methodology characterisation i.e. the discernment of the Type in terms of; principles defined by ‘The Landscape and character of the landscape based on its land Landscape Assessment Draft Guidelines for cover and landform but also on its values such Landscape Value- the environmental or Planning Authorities’, which was published by as historical, cultural, religious and other cultural benefits, including services and the Department of the Environment in 2000. understandings of the landscape. It functions, which are derived from various Landscape Character Assessment is a GIS concentrates on the distinctiveness of different landscape attributes. based multi-criteria evaluation. landscapes and an understanding of how The assessment methodology has three main different kinds of development can be Landscape Sensitivity- the measure of a landscape’s ability to accommodate change or stages: Landscape Character, Landscape Value accommodated within them. and Landscape Sensitivity (Figure 1). intervention without suffering unacceptable Landscape Character Assessment included the effects to its character and values. preparation of this Landscape Strategy. This draft strategy aims to provide an explanation of Landscape Importance- importance of a Cork County’s landscape by way of describing landscape rated as Local, County, or National. what the landscape actually entails, while highlighting how areas within the county have 2) A description of the landscape type, its key their own distinctiveness and character. It also characteristics and the pressure for change aims to provide a better understanding and within the landscape type. appreciation of the county’s landscape and of the importance of managing development into 3) A number of recommendations for each the future. landscape type.
Due to the expanse and variety of Cork This document forms the basis of identifying County’s landscape the focus of the overall the sensitivity of Cork’s various landscapes to evaluation was of the 16 landscape character development having regard to the character types identified. and values associated with each of the landscape character types.
Cork County Council 1 Planning Policy Unit Methodology Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Character Areas represent smaller physical 1.4 Landscape Value units with more detail in their physical LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT description. Landscape Character Types are The assessment methodology for Landscape bigger, generic units with similar physical and Value was based on the particular assessment visual characteristics. The physical of Natural Value (NV), Scenic Value (SV) and Landscape Character characteristics concern physical elements and Cultural value (CV). The result of the analysis components that are principally based on of NV, SV and CV, provides the Overall landform and landcover. LCT and LCA Landscape Area Value (Map 3). Generally, Landscape Values boundaries and their descriptions are the value represents aesthetic, ecological, results of the first stage of the Landscape historical, socio-cultural, religious and other Character Assessment and external characteristics of the LCA. These Landscape Sensitivity consultants, MosArt, carried out this stage. characteristics were categorised into three groups: Natural, Cultural and Scenic. For each Cork County is divided into 16 Landscape group indicators and criteria were defined for Types (Map 2). Some of the Landscape types their valuation. Policy Responses have sub-divisions marked with letters (a,b,c). Landscape types represent generic areas of Natural value indicators include: proposed Figure 1. distinctive character based on large-scale Natural Heritage Areas, candidate Special characteristics. Landscape Character Types are Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Key concepts of Landscape Character Assessment sub-divided into 76 Landscape Character Areas, Areas of Geological Interest, landform Areas (Map 1) that present geographically and landcover characteristics. similar complexes. Scenic Value indicators include: scenic 1.3 Landscape Character The source of data used was based on the Cork landscapes and scenic routes. County Council desk and Site Survey data, The Landscape Character stage entails the OSI data, Geodirectory data and Corin data. Cultural Indicators include: Architectural identification of physical and visual Collected data was organised into a Landscape Conservation Areas, Archaeological sites and characteristics of the county. Landscape Character Assessment database. Landscape Gaeltacht areas. characteristics were mapped and organised into Type and Landscape Area Profiles include sets datasets. Similar characteristics of the of attributes that were used for the spatial As a result the LCA were ranked into 5 landscape are assigned to the following spatial analysis. categories: very low, low, medium, high and units: Landscape Character Types (LCT) and very high. Landscape Character Areas (LCA). Landscape
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Methodology
multi-criteria analysis, which are accompanied Landscape Character Types are ranked into 5 Very low value: Deteriorating landscapes by a decision support matrix. categories based on the sensitivity of the without scenic quality and without any natural landscape: low, medium, high and very high. and cultural heritage elements. Landscape Character Sensitivity identifies the Low value: Monotonous landscapes without possibility of a landscapes ability to particular scenic quality, local level of natural accommodate change without adverse impact Low sensitivity landscapes are robust or cultural heritage on its character. Landscape Character landscapes, which are tolerant to change, and Medium value: Landscapes with positive Sensitivity assessment of LCT is based on the which have the ability to accommodate characters and with local or county evaluation of pressure types (forces for development pressure. importance. changes) and vulnerability of the landscape Medium sensitivity landscapes can High value: Picturesque landscapes with elements to these changes (Figure 2.). accommodate development pressure, but with scenic routes, natural and cultural heritage of limitations in the scale and magnitude of the county or national importance. Visual Sensitivity is about identifying the development. In this rank of sensitivity the Very high value: Scenic landscapes with visual effect which some development pressure landscape can accept some changes while highest natural and cultural quality, areas with can have on the landscape. The Visual others are more vulnerable to change. If conservation interest and of national Sensitivity assessment method used is based on pressure exceeds the landscapes limitation the importance. the visual value of the LCT and their character of the landscape may change. importance. High sensitivity landscapes are vulnerable On the basis of Landscape Area Values the landscapes with the ability to accommodate Landscape Type Values were defined. The Overall Landscape Type Sensitivity is the limited development pressure. In this rank overall value of the landscape types represents result of the assessment of Landscape landscape quality is at a high level with evaluation on a larger scale for the wider Character Sensitivity and Visual Sensitivity landscape elements, which are highly sensitive generic areas. (Figure 3.). to certain types of change. Very high sensitivity landscapes are extra Generally, sensitivity ranks from low to very vulnerable landscapes (for example, seascape 1.5 Landscape Sensitivity high depending on the vulnerability of the area with national importance) likely to be landscape and ability to accommodate fragile and susceptible to change. Landscape Sensitivity was defined through a particular development pressure and by level combination of the sensitivity of the landscape of landscape type importance and value. resource (Landscape Character Sensitivity) and Visual Sensitivity of the landscape. Generally, the assessment methods used were GIS based
Cork County Council 3 Planning Policy Unit Methodology Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
DESCRIPTION
L Desktop study Consultations C Field survey A - Identification of -Cork County C physical units Council H - Identification of A -Mosart R visual units A C T E Definitions, description and profile of R Landscape types and Landscape areas.
Desktop study Consultations Field survey Definition of L Heritage Unit C indicators A and criteria for EPA Outside Bodies V evaluation A L U E Natural value Overall value Landscape Area
Scenic value Overall value Cultural value Landscape Type
Desktop study Field survey Consultations L C Identification of development A Heritage Unit pressure types – S Outside Bodies E main pressures N for change S I T Landscape Character I Sensitivity V I Overall Sensitivity T Visual Sensitivity Y
OBJECTIVES and RECOMMENDATIONS
Figure 2. Methodology for the Landscape Assessment Process 4 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Methodology
Cork County Council 5 Planning Policy Unit Methodology Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
6 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Methodology
Cork County Council 7 Planning Policy Unit Methodology Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Methodology
Cork County Council 9 Planning Policy Unit Methodology Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
10 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 1 City Harbour and Estuary
Type 1: City Harbour and Estuary harbour. To the south of the city, the western side of the harbour supports major industrial development, while on higher ground telecommunication masts or water storage towers punctuate the skyline. The harbour includes large islands, which, along with much
of the harbour shore, comprises landscape of fertile farmland which slopes gently to the sea. It comprises a mosaic of fertile fields of mixed use on brown podzols.
The rural areas around much of the greater harbour area are now characterised by a prevalence of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and electricity power lines and some urban sprawl. The narrow harbour mouth is
defined by two hilltops with old military fortifications on their summits. Landscape Value: Very High
Landscape Sensitivity: Very High Statutory Designations
Landscape Importance: National
Landscape Description There are 14 proposed Natural Heritage Areas within this landscape character type, many of The topography and landscape components in which are associated with the Harbour where there is a multitude of overlapping this area, primarily the River Lee as well as the vast open and natural harbour, have provided designations. It is a wetland of international the opportunity for human settlement and the importance for the number and diversity of development of a city. bird species it supports. Over 20,000 birds of a wide variety of species regularly occur at this Overall, the landscape of the city and harbour site making it one of the most important in the area comprises a mix of rural and intensely country. urban areas, combined with a large expansive
Cork County Council 11 Planning Policy Unit Type 1 City Harbour and Estuary Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Important protected habitats within this o The harbour includes large islands, o The narrow harbour mouth is defined landscape type include tidal mudflats, which, along with much of the harbour by two hilltops with old military saltmarsh, shingle beaches, reedbeds and wet shore, comprises landscape of fertile fortifications on their summits. grassland. There are also attractive fringes of farmland of mixed use and mature Attractive towns such as Cobh and broadleaf woodland in many areas around the broadleaf hedgerows, which slope Passage West/Monkstown, which estuary some of which are protected. Rock gently to the sea. contain Architectural Conservation Farm Quarry on Little Island is of geological o The harbour area also has a wealth of Areas, contribute hugely to the rich interest and hosts a number of rare plants and a natural heritage, including a number of built heritage of the area. The diverse limestone flora. An important bat roost important habitats and wetland areas, orientation of these towns towards the has also been identified within this landscape which are of international significance harbour and the existence of rows of character type at Ballynaclashy House north of due to the number and diversity of bird terraced houses reflect their maritime Midleton. species they support. heritage. o Fota Island contains a unique o The rural areas around much of the Scenic Routes recreational, ecological and tourism greater harbour area are now There are 12 scenic routes within this value. characterised by a prevalence of landscape type. infrastructure such as roads, bridges Built Environment and electricity power lines and some Landscape Character Areas urban sprawl. o The city docks area is characterised by o The high quality vernacular built There is one landscape character area within tall cranes, warehousing, grain silos environment is portrayed by the high this landscape type: and large ships, while the wider concentration of Protected Structures harbour area comprises a mix of that are evident throughout the • 19 - Cork City and Harbour industrial, residential and recreational landscape. uses including marinas. Key Characteristics o Port facilities and related industries Socio Economic dominate much of the harbour area and Land use, field boundaries, trees and to the south of the city, the western o This area has a strong economic base wildlife side of the harbour supports major due to its strong urban character and industrial development. diversity of economic activities. o This landscape comprises a mix of o Telecommunication masts and water o As a large population centre this area rural and intensely urban areas, storage towers punctuate the skyline. is not only important locally as a place combined with a large expansive to live and work but it also contributes harbour.
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 1 City Harbour and Estuary
significantly at regional and national Climate Each of the principal towns has numerous scale. examples of sizable housing estates on the Climate change and rising sea levels will have It is also home to a number of prime fringes of settlements. Many of these have an o an increasing effect on this coastal landscape. industrial/enterprise sites including urban character and there is a general trend Global warming will make Ireland wetter one of the largest concentrations of towards homogeneity in terms of their siting during the winter and this natural process will pharmaceutical industries in the world. and design. Such development represents a make flooding more likely, assuming there is The Deep Water Berth and particular force for change and may have an o no human intervention. Ringaskiddy Ferry Port contribute adverse impact on the quality and character of
greatly to the economic success, some of the areas most distinctive local Population particularly the commercial, industrial landscapes. and tourism well being of the Population increase is associated with this southwest region. landscape type and this has been especially Agriculture true in Metropolitan Cork. The reason for this The decline of agriculture is likely to impact is that Cork City is a central hub for on the character of the area. Associated with Ecology employment, entertainment, education and the changes in the agricultural sector within the retail. County as a whole is an increase in part time See Statutory Designations section above farmers and the accompanying decline in farm The largest concentration of pharmaceutical employment. This loss of labour is often Pressure for Change companies in the country is located within this particularly acute with regard to the traditional landscape. The harbour area accommodates Forestry maintenance and management of key nationally significant employment clusters at agricultural landscape features such as Strips of deciduous forestry are evident in all Ringaskiddy, Little Island and Whitegate in hedgerows and ditches. More recently, with the areas of the landscape and as one moves particular. introduction of schemes such as the Rural further inland, developments are usually well Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS), an screened by this vegetation. In general there is The City’s economic impact lies far beyond attempt has been made to explicitly link huge competition for land in this landscape the County of Cork and through the National farming activities to the environment. However type, either for agricultural use or for Spatial Strategy’s designation of Cork as a it remains to be seen how successful the development, thus there is little commercial Gateway, the future intensification of second REPS programme will be in retaining forestry. Coillte have identified some areas of employment in the area and the development and maintaining existing natural landscape this landscape as sensitive to coniferous of public transport will impact on the features. forestry. landscape of the area.
Cork County Council 13 Planning Policy Unit Type 1 City Harbour and Estuary Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
If agricultural activity is not encouraged then zones are under pressure from individual envisaged that major infrastructural projects further scrub invasion could damage landscape housing growth. will also be a key force of change in the future. character by obscuring field patterns and distinctive landform. In particular there has been inappropriate Tourism ribboning of development on approach roads to The potential progress of tourism and the role However the surrounding agricultural lands main settlements. This type of development it will play will be a significant factor in the have more potential for rural diversification could have a negative impact on the vernacular future development of the area. CASP suggests due to their proximity to a large centre of landscape of this area. that the harbours and coast are an under- population. The route that any future appreciated resource, and there is considerable diversification may take will be a crucial factor Whilst the new dwellings are subject to scope to further develop their tourist potential. in the altering of the landscape. The existence development control, problems have arisen in of the Metropolitan Green belt and the Rural relation to the use of certain design styles, Significant numbers of tourists embark at the Housing Control Zone supports the future of ranch-style fencing and inappropriate airport and ferry port, and together with agriculture by helping to retain land in landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design business travel, they are a major contributor to agricultural use and protect it from Guidelines are however a positive step forward the local economy. inappropriate development. Securing the Green in addressing the issues of design, siting and
Belt in agricultural use provides certainty for overall approach to building dwellings in the The capacity of the harbour area to the farming community, which encourages countryside. accommodate more marine leisure activities is investment and diversification in the currently being studied. However this agricultural industry. Infrastructure landscape also has potential for recreational
The future reorganisation of port facilities will activities on land through coastal walks, urban Rural Housing have a huge impact on the development of the attractions and cultural tourism. Overall this The continuing population increase in docklands. CASP supports the relocation of landscape offers a wide diverse range of Metropolitan Cork will exacerbate the port activities to the lower harbour to allow the activities demands for isolated dwellings in the redevelopment of the docklands. countryside, large housing estates in rural Natural resources villages and thus an increase in car Major road projects have been a feature of this There are 19 Quarries within this Landscape dependency. landscape in the past. However with an ever Character Type. The main quarries in the area increasing population plus the location of the are located at Carrigtwohill, Midleton and While most of this area is protected by the airport and international ferry facilities, and the Rostellan. Green Belt and the Rural Housing Control huge concentration of industry in the area, it is
Zone settlement policy the areas outside these
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 1 City Harbour and Estuary
landscape implications at the outset compatible with the long-term well Recommendations and so a landscape scheme should be being of this landscape character type. submitted with planning applications. Promote the use of Spike Island as an Protect the north and south ridges and o o Manage development that will amenity site. hillsides around the city, to ensure the o adversely affect distinctive linear Protect the setting of existing protection of the visual backdrop to the o sections of the Lee River Valley, promontories, which are part of the city. These ridges would be adversely especially its open flood plains, when unique setting of this landscape type. affected by unsympathetic viewed from relevant scenic routes and development thus interfering with settlements. views of special amenity value to the Improve public access to the River Lee city and surrounding area. o by enhancing it as a key recreational Promote sustainable growth in the o and amenity source. existing main settlements of Cobh, Recognise the potential constraints on Passage West, Carrigtwohill, and o development created by the River Lee Midleton by encouraging new flood plain and the value of this flood development, which respects the plain as an increasingly rare habitat. existing character of these settlements Carry out an appraisal to identify areas in terms of both scale and design. o which could undergo a Seascape Maintain and enhance views of the o Character Assessment. harbour. Proposals for development in Ensure that current quarrying sites the harbour should respect the o undergo a rigorous monitoring regime sensitivity of this landscape and in to ensure that agreed mitigation particular should have regard to its rich measures are fully implemented. and diverse natural heritage and Require that new quarries undergo a concentration of Natural Heritage o landscape and visual impact Areas that are designated for assessment with appropriate protection and the relationship restoration plan to respect the between these and the built character of this landscape. environment. Support the development of rural Proposals for medium and large scale o o Cork’s inland and coastal marine business, retail and industrial uses, leisure facilities, where this is which may impact on the character of the harbour area, must consider the
Cork County Council 15 Planning Policy Unit Type 1 City Harbour and Estuary Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
16 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 2 Broad Bay Coast
Type 2: Broad Bay Coast the shore with low cliffs which give way to rocky shores on less exposed faces and then to beaches in bays, such as Ballycotton Bay and Youghal Bay. Given the shelter provided by such promontories as Power Head, Knockadoon
Head and that at Ballycotton from the prevailing winds and currents, long crescent shaped beaches have developed.
Inland, low broadleaf hedgerows define a mosaic of moderately sized fields. The fields are fertile, comprising mostly acid brown earths and brown podzolics. They are used mostly for dairy pasture but also some tillage. Isolated cottages, two-storey houses and Landscape Value: Very High farmsteads are scattered across the landscape, some on hilltops but mostly at lower altitudes Landscape Sensitivity: Very High between hills and around the bay areas. Towns Landscape Importance: County and villages include Youghal, Shanagarry, Ballycotton and Garryvoe. Landscape Description This landscape stretches along the coast from Statutory Designations the mouth of Cork Harbour in the west to the This landscape area supports three Special eastern boundary of County Cork at Youghal. Protection Areas, one Special Area of Conservation and six other areas that are The coastline here sweeps in broad bays proposed for protection as Natural Heritage flanked by low promontories, having come Areas. Coastal habitats including freshwater under the influence of differential wave action marsh, sandflats and mudflats, shingle beaches between these projections and recessions of and saltmarsh are the primary habitats of landform. The latter typically rise and fall in conservation value. The freshwater marsh at rolling barrel form, terminating abruptly along Ballyvergan is Irelands largest coastal
Cork County Council 17 Planning Policy Unit Type 2 Broad Bay Coast Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
freshwater marsh. This habitat is important for Key Characteristics a number of breeding bird species including o Cliffs and offshore islands are Land use, field, boundaries, trees and Reed Warbler, which has only commenced important for breeding seabirds breeding in Ireland relatively recently. Cliffs wildlife including Cormorants, Black and offshore islands are important for breeding Guillemots, Gulls and Fulmar. Other The coastline sweeps in broad bays seabirds including Cormorants, Black o coastal and estuarine habitats are flanked by low promontories, Guillemots, Gulls and Fulmar. Other coastal important and support significant terminating along the shore with low and estuarine habitats are important and numbers of wintering birds. cliffs, and a combination of rocky support significant numbers of wintering birds. The Blackwater River and its shores and long crescent shaped bays, o The Blackwater River and its associated associated woodlands and other such as Ballycotton Bay and Youghal woodlands and other habitats are the most habitats are the most noteworthy Bay. noteworthy inland habitats within this area. inland habitats within this area. o Inland, moderately sized fertile fields
bounded by low broadleaf hedgerows, Scenic Routes are used mostly for dairy pasture but Pressure for Change There are 5 scenic routes within this landscape also some tillage. type. Forestry
Landscape Character Areas Built Environment Deciduous trees are present on lower ground where shelter from windthrow is provided. Isolated cottages, two-storey houses There are three landscape character areas o There is very little coniferous forestry and farmsteads are scattered across the within this landscape type: plantation within this landscape type which is landscape. probably due to the demand for lands for
• 22 - Power Head (Undulating Fertile housing, tourism related developments and Socio Economic Patchwork Coastline) agriculture. Thus the demand for lands for Towns and villages include Youghal, • 32 - Ballycotton Bay (Composite o other activities will ensure that forestry will Shanagarry and Ballycotton. Fertile Patchwork Coastal Bay) not be a major force for change within this
• 35 - Youghal Bay (Composite Mosaic landscape type in the near future. Ecology and Marsh Estuary) The freshwater marsh at Ballyvergan o Any coniferous forestry plantations on the is Irelands largest coastal freshwater higher grounds and some of the more visible marsh and is important for a number of low lands would look conspicuous in the breeding bird species including the landscape and would impact hugely on the Reed Warbler. relatively strong patchwork fields. Deciduous
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 2 Broad Bay Coast
trees are a feature within the landscape as they Population Agriculture help form field boundaries and their Much of this landscape type is within Agricultural practice has helped preserve the continuation will be important in retaining this commuting distance of Cork City, which is a relatively strong field boundaries. The landscape’s character. central hub for employment, entertainment, promotion of agriculture as the major landuse
education and retail. Thus population increase will help maintain the existing features of the Where forestry is proposed, special care should on the basis of the above is evident in most landscape while also supporting the local be given to layout and species selection, as due areas but especially in the Power Head economy. to the tame nature of the landscape, plantations landscape character area. A decline in agricultural activity will have a would be clearly visible for lengthy distances. detrimental affect on the character of the Deciduous plantations should be encouraged The Ballycotton Bay landscape character area landscape and there would be a danger that the where possible and their layout should respect is dominated by tourist related development well-defined and continuous field pattern could the relatively strong field pattern. and it is difficult to ascertain from a visual be disrupted.
assessment if the majority of houses are for Windfarms temporary or permanent occupancy. It is clear Rural Housing This area is regarded as a “Strategically however, that an increase in population is Rural housing is very evident in this landscape Unsuitable Area” for windfarm developments. evident during the summer months. and due to the tame and flat nature of the land, The tame nature of this landscape would not any structures like a one-off house become lend itself to windfarm development. Such The tourist industry also extends to the more prominent in the landscape. The developments in this area would dominate the Youghal Bay landscape character area and windblown nature of the seaward side of the surrounding landscape. large tourist related schemes are evident in landscape does not help when trying to lessen Redbarn. The presence of Youghal town the visual impact of dwellings. provides a centre for employment and a stable Climate economic generator that helps balance the Ribbon development is evident in most parts of Climate change and rising sea levels will have temporary nature of the tourist industry. the landscape and it is clear that there is a high an increasing effect on this coastal landscape. demand for housing in the area Global warming will make Ireland wetter It is envisaged that further demand for housing during the winter and this natural process will due to the tourist industry and commuter living While some of this area is protected by the make flooding more likely, assuming there is will raise the population of this landscape in Rural Housing Control Zone settlement policy no human intervention. the future. This population increase will have the areas outside the RHCZ are under pressure to be managed in a sustainable manner in order from individual housing growth. to preserve the existing tourism economy.
Cork County Council 19 Planning Policy Unit Type 2 Broad Bay Coast Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
In particular there has been inappropriate However the tourist industry should also act as ribboning of development on approach roads to Tourism an incentive to protect and maintain the key settlements. This type of development could characteristics of this landscape e.g. beaches, The tourist industry has long been associated have a negative impact on the vernacular Scenic Routes and Scenic Landscapes as with this landscape due to the natural beauty landscape of this area. designated under the County Development and plentiful supply of beaches. This landscape Plan. continues to be under pressure for tourist Whilst the new dwellings are subject to related development and caravan parks, hotels development management, problems have Recommendations and holiday homes are the main developments arisen in relation to the use of certain design that are sought in this landscape type. Continue to promote tourism in this styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate o area while also continuing to protect landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design Tourist influxes during the summer months and maintain beaches, scenic routes Guidelines are however a positive step forward create pressure on public infrastructure and and scenic landscapes as designated in addressing the issues of design, siting and roads in a number of locations and can under the County Development Plan. overall approach to building dwellings in the interfere with the residential amenity of the Recognise the importance of the countryside. o local population. However the economic coastal areas in this landscape for their
benefits are substantial and the influx of people scenic, recreational and cultural Infrastructure can create a sense of energy that in turn can values. The area around Youghal will experience make towns and villages more desirable places o Protect the setting of existing significant infrastructural changes in the future to live and visit. promontories which are part of the due to its strategic location on the Cork – unique setting of this coastline. Waterford “Euro Route”. The extension of rail Further tourist related development in the o Encourage the development of this facilities to Youghal will also have a future would have to take account of the visual landscape as a nature/tourist resource considerable impact on the immediate affects it will have on this landscape and also by creating a way marked drive along landscape. the stress it will place on public infrastructure the coastline. and local communities during the peak season. o Ensure that new tourist facilities such The rest of the landscape contains no major Water pollution, sewerage run-off, air as hotels, holiday homes and caravan roads or other main transportation routes. pollution, reduced road capacity, visual parks will not have a disproportionate However it is envisaged that further growth in obtrusiveness and reduction of the residential visual impact (due to excessive bulk, the tourist industry and population increases amenity of the local population could all be scale or inappropriate siting) and will may lead to significant infrastructural projects consequences of unplanned tourist not significantly interfere or detract in the future, thus this may be a force of developments. from environmentally sensitive coastal change. areas. Appropriate location and an
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 2 Broad Bay Coast
integrated landscape scheme will help o Protect the freshwater marsh at to integrate the site with the Ballyvergan which is Irelands largest surrounding landscape. coastal freshwater marsh and is o Carry out an appraisal to identify areas important for a number of breeding which could undergo a Seascape bird species. Character Assessment. Support the development of rural o o Protect the unique character of coastal Cork’s inland and coastal marine villages by preventing large-scale leisure facilities, where this is development which would undermine compatible with the long-term well the attractiveness of this coastal being of the environment. landscape. o Have regard to the coastline’s rich and o Protect the elevated ridges and diverse natural heritage and the prominent hilltops which form part of concentration of NHA’s and SAC’s the setting of this coastal landscape that are designated for protection. and ensure that development will not disrupt disproportionately the integrity of distinctive primary ridgelines when viewed from relevant scenic routes and
settlements.
o Promote best practice in design and layout through the use of the Cork
Rural Design Guide. These guidelines are a positive step in addressing the
issues of design, siting and overall approach to building dwellings in the countryside. o Promote agricultural land use as this will help maintain the existing features of the landscape while also supporting the local economy and rural
diversification.
Cork County Council 21 Planning Policy Unit Type 2 Broad Bay Coast Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
22 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 3 Indented Estuarine Coast
Type 3: Indented Estuarine Coast immediately to the north and inland which rise and fall with the topography, and stony or sandy beaches. The coastline is punctuated by a series of these promontories, such as Old Head of Kinsale, Seven Heads, Galley Head and Toe Head, which recede to bays, such as
Kinsale Harbour, Courtmacsherry Bay, Clonakilty Bay and Rosscarberry Bay.
In terms of landcover, fertile soils predominantly of brown podzolics allow the undulating landscape to be farmed relatively intensively. Fields of moderate size gently rise and fall with the topography, creating a patchwork further articulated by bounding broadleaf hedgerows of generally low height as Landscape Value: Very High well as post and wire fencing. Patches of rush are also found, indicating wet ground
Landscape Sensitivity: Very High conditions. Occasional swaths of coniferous
Landscape Importance: National plantation rise to the crests of the low hills that enclose the shallow bays. Landscape Description Of cultural note is the Old Head of Kinsale, the The indented estuarine coast landscape type prominent form of which is associated with a stretches from Baltimore in the west to the key point in sixteenth and seventeenth century mouth of Cork Harbour, in the east. This Irish history and, indeed, that of England and landscape comprises gently undulating Spain. topography incised by shallow river estuaries or ‘drowned’ valleys formed by glacial Statutory Designations activity. The shoreline comprises low but steep
cliffs of purple mudstone and siltstone to the This is a long stretch of coastal land running south forming promontories and sandstone west of the city to Castle Point near Mizen
Cork County Council 23 Planning Policy Unit Type 3 Indented Estuarine Coast Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Head. Its natural heritage value is evidenced by • 48 - Glandore (Incised Patchwork and the fact that it contains 20 proposed Natural • 45 - Crosshaven (Incised Patchwork Wooded Estuary with Mudflats and Heritage Areas, six Special Areas of and Wooded Estuary with Mudflats Islands) Conservation and one Special Protection Area. and Islands) A range of Irish coastal habitats is represented • 14 - Toe Head/Lough Hyne (Indented in these sites, including dunes, coastal heaths, • 44 - Robert’s Head (Fertile Undulating Rugged Coastline of Marginal freshwater marsh, mudflats, sandflats and Patchwork coastline) Farmland) reedbeds. Lough Hyne near Skibbereen was formerly a freshwater lake that is now marine • 67 - Kinsale Harbour (Incised Key Characteristics in nature as a result in a rise in sea levels. It is Patchwork and Wooded Estuary with Land use, field boundaries, trees and an internationally important site supporting Mudflats and Islands) wildlife reefs, a rocky shore and coastal heath as well as a number of rare marine plant and animal • 50 - Garrettstown Strand (Fertile o Stretches from Baltimore in the west to species. The mudflats at Rosscarbery and Rolling Patchwork Coastline) the mouth of Cork Harbour, in the Clonakilty are important wintering sites for • east. coastal birds, while the Old Head and • 51 - Old Head Of Kinsale (Indented o The coastline is punctuated by a series Sovereign Islands are important breeding sites Fertile Patchwork Peninsula) of these promontories, such as Old for sea-birds. There are some small areas of Head of Kinsale, Seven Heads, Galley woodland that are or were known sites for the • 21 - Courtmacsherry (Incised Head and Toe Head, which recede to very rare Killarney Fern. There are also two Patchwork and Wooded Estuaries with bays, such as Kinsale Harbour, important Leisler’s Bat Roosts found here, one Mudflats) Courtmacsherry Bay, Clonakilty Bay of which was once the largest known Leisler’s and Rosscarberry Bay. roost in the world. • 47 - Seven Heads (Fertile Rolling o Cutting their way into the landscape
Patchwork Coastline) from these bays, the estuaries wind Scenic Routes inland creating shallow tidal mudflat There are 26 scenic routes within this and occasional marshy areas. • 46 - Inchydoney (Incised Patchwork landscape type. Fields of moderate size gently rise and and Wooded Estuary with Mudflats o fall with the topography, creating a and Islands) patchwork further articulated by Landscape Character Areas bounding broadleaf hedgerows of • 13 - Galley Head (Fertile Rolling There are 11 Landscape Character Areas generally low height as well as post Patchwork Coastline) within this landscape type. They are: and wire fencing. Patches of rush are
24 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 3 Indented Estuarine Coast
also found, indicating wet ground o Fertile soils predominantly of brown conditions. podzolics allow the undulating Certain landscape character areas like Toe o Land use in this landscape character landscape to be farmed relatively Head/Lough Hyne (Indented Rugged Coastline type is typified by intensive dairying intensively. of Marginal Farmland) would not be suitable and tillage. o Comprises gently undulating for windfarm development as it would clash topography incised by shallow river with the rugged and wild landscape ideal that estuaries or ‘drowned’ valleys formed tourists wish to experience. Built Environment by glacial activity. o Farmsteads, houses and outbuildings Climate are generally visible throughout the Pressure for Change The impact of rising sea levels has already had landscape due to the relatively low Forestry an impact on Lough Hyne and the future height of the hedgerows. implications for a further rise in sea level will Urban centres such as Rosscarberry, Due to the windblown nature of this landscape o be very pronounced in a landscape defined by Clonakilty, Timoleague, Kinsale and the vegetation is low and forestry is contained its imminent proximity to the sea. Carrgaline tend to take advantage of mostly in sheltered valleys. Land is also valued
the shelter afforded by the inlets. highly for residential purposes, tourist related Population developments and agriculture thus resulting in Socio Economic the sparse occurrence of coniferous forestry. While many of the areas along this landscape Due to the large number of scenic routes in this type are remote, the presence of a viable tourist Land use in this landscape character o landscape it will be necessary to retain a industry has sustained and steadily increased type is typified by intensive dairying reasonable number of views throughout the full the population. The population of tourist and tillage. rotation, for the benefit of road users therefore destinations like Baltimore increase up to 5
future plantations should take cognisance of fold during the peak tourist season. Thus an Ecology this issue. increase in the tourist sector will be a major force for change in this landscape in the future. o The shoreline comprises low but steep Windfarms cliffs of purple mudstone and siltstone Agriculture to the south forming promontories and This area is regarded as a “Strategically sandstone immediately to the north Unsuitable Area” for windfarm developments. Agricultural practice has helped preserve the and inland that rise and fall with the In many areas the tame nature of this landscape relatively strong field boundaries in some topography, and stony or sandy would not lend itself to windfarm landscape character areas. However it is beaches. development, as such developments would important to note that the further west, the dominate the surrounding landscape. more marginal the land is and the less apparent
Cork County Council 25 Planning Policy Unit Type 3 Indented Estuarine Coast Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
the field patterns become. The promotion of settlements. This type of development could local population. However the economic agriculture as the major landuse will help have a negative impact on the vernacular benefits are substantial and the influx of people maintain the existing features of the landscape landscape. can create a sense of energy that in turn can while also supporting the local economy. make towns and villages more desirable places Whilst the new dwellings are subject to to live and visit. A decline in agricultural activity will have a development management, problems have detrimental affect on the character of the arisen in relation to the use of certain design Further tourist related development in the landscape and there would be a danger that styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate future would have to take account of the visual field pattern could be disrupted. landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design affects it will have on this landscape and also Guidelines are however a positive step forward the stress it will place on public infrastructure Rural Housing in addressing the issues of design, siting and and local communities during the peak season. overall approach to building dwellings in the Water pollution, sewerage run-off, air Rural housing is very evident in this landscape countryside. pollution, reduced road capacity, visual and due to the tame and flat nature of the land obtrusiveness and reduction of the residential in some landscape character areas, any Infrastructure amenity of the local population could all be structures like a one-off house become more consequences of unplanned tourist prominent in the landscape. The windblown Tourist influxes during the summer months developments. nature of the seaward side of the landscape create pressure on public infrastructure and does not help when trying to lessen the visual roads in a number of locations. Recommendations impact of dwellings. Tourism o Recognise the importance of retaining While some of this area is protected by the undeveloped areas of coastline, Due to the natural beauty and plentiful supply Green Belt and Rural Housing Control Zone estuaries and dunes for their scenic and of beaches, this landscape continues to be settlement policy the areas outside the zones ecological value. under pressure for tourist related development. are under pressure from individual housing Protect the setting of existing Caravan parks, hotels and holiday homes are o growth. promontories which are part of the the main developments that are sought in this unique setting of this coastline. landscape type. Ribbon development is evident in most parts of Protect sea views from coast roads and o the landscape and it is clear that there is a high recognise the importance of restricting Tourist influxes during the summer months demand for housing in the area. development where it would be create pressure on public infrastructure and injurious to the character of the area. roads in a number of locations and can In particular there has been inappropriate Develop the coast as a nature/tourist interfere with the residential amenity of the o ribboning of development on approach roads to resource by creating a way marked
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 3 Indented Estuarine Coast
drive along the coastline from compatible with the long-term well- Crosshaven to Baltimore. being of the environment. o Ensure that new tourist facilities such o Minimise disturbance of hedgerows in as hotels, holiday homes and caravan rural areas. Encourage appropriate parks will not have a disproportionate landscaping and screen planting of visual impact (due to excessive bulk, proposed developments by using
scale or inappropriate siting) and will predominately indigenous/local not significantly interfere or detract species and groupings. from environmentally sensitive coastal o Protect the existing character and areas. Appropriate location and an setting of villages and village nuclei, integrated landscape scheme will help which are under pressure from to integrate the site with the population growth. surrounding landscape. o Continue to promote agriculture as a o Promote best practice in design and major land use in this LCT. This will layout through the use of the Cork help maintain the existing features of Rural Design Guide. These guidelines the landscape while also supporting are a positive step in addressing the the local economy and rural issues of design, siting and overall diversification.
approach to building dwellings in the o Have regard to the coastline’s rich and countryside. diverse natural heritage and the o Encourage sustainable tourism by concentration of NHA’s and SAC’s maximising the potential amenity that are designated for protection. value of water bodies within this LCT particularly in the coastal settlements of Garretstown, Crosshaven and Inchydoney. o Carry out an appraisal to identify areas which could undergo a Seascape
Character Assessment. Support the development of rural o Cork’s inland and coastal marine leisure facilities, where this is
Cork County Council 27 Planning Policy Unit Type 3 Indented Estuarine Coast Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
28 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 4 Rugged Ridge Peninsulas
Type 4: Rugged Ridge Peninsulas the occasional corrie lake and steep pass while others, notably on the Mizen Head peninsula, are more rounded with occasional rock outcrops and streams. The same variety and ruggedness characterises much of the shoreline, with rocky promontories and islands
extending out into the sea. The sheltered recesses of the bay areas typically comprise flatter terrain extending inland and rising to low ridges and hills, including drumlins within Bantry Bay. Roaringwater Bay includes many small islands, including Shirkin Island, while Bantry Bay includes the notably larger Bere Island and Whiddy Island. The exceptional depth of Bantry Bay provides a natural harbour, which can accommodate large ocean– Landscape Value: Very High going tankards, while large metal cylinders are a significant feature in this coastal landscape. Landscape Sensitivity: Very High
Landscape Importance: National Typically the rocky peninsulas comprise a mix of moorland, some relatively fertile patches of Landscape Description farmland and woodland including some This landscape type is located in the extreme smaller patches of coniferous plantations on southwestern corner of Ireland. The higher ground. Fields of regular shape are predominant components of this landscape more prevalent inland on the flatter ground but type include rocky peninsulas such as Mizen become more irregularly shaped and less fertile Head, Beara and Sheep’s Head, separated by on the slopes of the surrounding hills, and drowned valleys and relatively low-lying bays include patches of bracken, rush and scrub as such as Bantry, Dunmanus and Roaringwater well as a mix of broadleaf hedgerows and Bay. The high ridges and mountainous peaks coniferous shelterbelts.
of the peninsulas, such as Hungry Hill, are characterised by a jagged profile and include
Cork County Council 29 Planning Policy Unit Type 4 Rugged Ridge Peninsulas Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Farmsteads are scattered on lower ground and recorded here. Important coastal habitats • 39 - Ardgroom (Rugged Ridge and comprise small houses and outhouses, with include reefs, sea cliffs, shallow inlets and Rocky Marsh with Hump-back Coastal towns, villages and hamlets located along the bays, dunes and coastal heaths. There are a Fringe) coast, with larger examples including number of rare plant sites along the coast as • 38 - Glenbeg Lough (V-shaped Lake Castletownbere, Bantry and Skull, and the well as important sites for breeding sea-birds, Valley) villages of Allihies and Eyeries which provide particularly Chough, Arctic and Common • 11 - Reenmore Point (Coastal Rugged a particular feature in the landscape due to the Terns. More marine species including Storm Ridge) varied colour of their buildings. The Petrel, Guillemot and Razorbill breed on the • 40 - Allihies (Coastal Jagged and combination of exceptionally mild islands. Common and Grey Seal are also Moorland Ridge with Planar Mosaic) microclimate in this area of Ireland and the found along the coast. Important habitats in • 12 - Dursey – Bear Haven (Indented fertile ground in the bays has resulted in the uplands include blanket bog, heath, glacial Rugged Peninsular Ridge) cultivated exotic gardens, including the lakes and upland grassland. Some of these • 10 - Adrigole – Glengarrife (Indented gardens on Garinish Island near Glengarriff, sites also support notable plant communities Peninsula with Rugged Ridge and which are of international renown and adds to and rare plant species. There are a number of Valley) the natural beauty of the landscape. To the east important bat roosts. This part of the country • 16 - Bantry (Composite Bay and and in bays offering shelter, the coastline is is important for Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a Lower Valley of Ridges and Drumlins) less rugged and predominantly fertile and species that has been identified as threatened • 74 - Shronagree Pass North (Rugged given to dairying and some tillage. and that requires special measures including Ridge and Valley) the designation of its roost sites to protect it. • 54 - Shronagree Pass South (Rugged Statutory Designations Ridge and Valley) Scenic Routes The western peninsular area of the county is of There are 35 scenic routes within this • 34 - Sheeps Head – Mizzen Head high ecological value and is by far the most landscape type. (Indented Rugged Peninsular Ridge) heavily designated landscape in the County • 15 - Roaringwater Bay and Islands with 33 proposed Natural Heritage Areas, 13 Landscape Character Areas (Incised Patchwork and Wooded Special Areas of Conservation and 2 Special Estuary with Mudflats and Islands) Protection Areas with a great diversity of This Landscape Type includes 12 Landscape important habitats chiefly associated with the Character Areas rocky coastline and the internal uplands. • 9 - Ballycrovane Harbour (Low Rocky The wilder nature of the coastline of this part Coastal Ridge) of the county is reflected in the habitats, communities and species that have been
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 4 Rugged Ridge Peninsulas
Key Characteristics o Occasional clusters of small pasture Socio Economic fields located on the more fertile o Due to the extraordinary beauty of the Land use, field, boundaries, trees and ground mark farming activity. landscape, tourism is an important o Fields of regular shape are more wildlife industry. prevalent inland on the flatter ground There is an oil refinery located on Rugged ridges stretching out towards but become more irregularly shaped o o Whiddy Island. the sea or forming peninsulas like and less fertile on the slopes of the Ecology fingers with relatively low lying bays surrounding hills, and include patches between them. of bracken, rush and scrub as well as a See Statutory Designations section above o Submerged upland coast comprising of mix of broadleaf hedgerows and drowned bays or rias. coniferous shelterbelts. o Lofty ridges and peaks are o The old oak woodlands in Glengarriff Pressure for Change characterised by a jagged profile while are believed to be ancient supporting Windfarms others like Mizen Head are more an extraordinarily diverse range of subdued and rounded, Hungry Hill is invertebrate and other species. Much of this LCT has high wind speeds, but the most dramatic of these rugged also great landscape sensitivity, hence there are mountains. Built Environment not strategic search areas, and much of the area The rocky peninsulas comprise of thin is identified as “Strategically Unsuitable”. o Farmsteads are scattered on lower blanket peat accommodating open o ground and comprise small houses and moorland of heather and wild grasses. Climate outhouses, with towns, villages and Relatively fertile patches of farmland hamlets located along the coast, with Climate change and rising sea levels will have and woodland indicate glacial till larger examples including an increasing effect on this coastal landscape. locations. Castletownbere, Bantry and Skull. Global warming will make Ireland wetter Drifts of bracken typically identify the o The villages of Allihies and Eyeries during the winter and this natural process will interface of upper ground with thin o provide a particular feature in the make flooding more likely, assuming there is blanket peats and fertile soils at lower landscape due to the varied colour of no human intervention. levels. Broadleaves are located on the their buildings. fertile low ground and smaller patches Population of coniferous plantations are found on
the higher ground. Each of the main settlements have numerous examples of sizable housing developments. Many of these have an urban character and
Cork County Council 31 Planning Policy Unit Type 4 Rugged Ridge Peninsulas Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
there is a general trend towards homogeneity Rural Housing Tourism in terms of their siting and design. Such This landscape is valued for its traditional The area is highly valued for its tourism and development represents a particular force for vernacular buildings and the exceptional recreation, due mainly to its scenic amenities, change and may have an adverse impact on the vernacular quality and setting of individual extensive coastline and marine leisure, which quality and character of some of the areas most buildings and farmsteads. attracts large numbers of domestic and distinctive local landscapes. international visitors. This in turn creates a
The greatest pressure for new residential huge demand for associated developments Population decline in more rural areas is a development is for isolated dwellings in the such as second homes and holiday homes. major issue in the far western parts of this countryside therefore it is important to ensure landscape. While it is important to reverse that new development does not have a negative The potential progress of tourism and the role decline and stabilise the population it is also impact on the vernacular landscape. it will play will be a significant factor in the important to ensure that development supports future development of the area. CASP suggests the linguistic, cultural and rural heritage of the Whilst the new dwellings are subject to that the harbours and coast are an under- area. development control, problems have arisen in appreciated resource, and there is considerable
relation to the use of certain design styles, scope to further develop their tourist potential. Agriculture ranch-style fencing and inappropriate Agriculture will continue as a major land use landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design Natural resources and it will be necessary to secure agriculture Guidelines are however a positive step forward Though not the major force it was long ago, where it has the capacity to remain strong and in addressing the issues of design, siting and the extractive industries make an important viable. Agriculture in the Bantry area must be overall approach to building dwellings in the contribution to the economy of this LCT. Of supported and encouraged to develop so it countryside. particular note is the large quarry near continues to play an important role as a basis Derrylough on the south side of the Beara for a strong and diversified rural economy. The Infrastructure Peninsula. links between traditional employments and the This LCT is heavily dependent on road significant and developing sectors such as transport and, in particular the private car. The Recommendations tourism, enterprise, local services and other road network in the area is generally poor. sources of off-farm employment, will be Encourage sustainable tourism by Most roads are narrow with poor vertical and o important to the support of a strong rural maximising the potential amenity horizontal alignment, and improved sections of economy. value of water bodies within this LCT road are isolated rather than continuous. particularly in the coastal settlements
of Schull, Baltimore and Crookhaven.
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 4 Rugged Ridge Peninsulas
o Recognise the importance of retaining the local economy and rural which form part of the setting of this undeveloped areas of coastline, diversification. coastal landscape and ensure that estuaries and dunes for their scenic and o Ensure that new tourist facilities such development will not disrupt the ecological value. as hotels, holiday homes and caravan integrity of distinctive primary o Protect the setting of existing parks will not have a disproportionate ridgelines when viewed from relevant promontories which are part of the visual impact (due to excessive bulk, scenic routes and settlements. unique setting of this coastline. scale or inappropriate siting) and will o Protect the scenic rocky promontories o Protect sea views from coast roads and not significantly interfere or detract of Mizen Head, Beara and Sheeps recognise the importance of restricting from environmentally sensitive coastal head. development where it would be areas. Appropriate location and an o Have regard to the coastline’s rich and injurious to the character of the area. integrated landscape scheme will help diverse natural heritage and the o Develop the coast as a nature/tourist to integrate the site with the concentration of NHA’s and SAC’s resource by creating a way marked surrounding landscape. that are designated for protection. drive along the coastline between o Ensure that new development of any Baltimore and Castletownbere. . kind is sympathetic to the individual o Ensure that new development, form and character of the islands’ including contemporary architecture, landscapes and traditional building compliments the local vernacular in patterns. terms of scale and character and o Continue to promote the Gaeltacht on compliments the landscape setting. the island of Cape Clear as a cultural o Promote best practice in design and resource. layout through the use of the Cork o Protect the existing character and Rural Design Guide. These guidelines setting of villages and village nuclei are a positive step in addressing the which are under pressure from issues of design, siting and overall population growth.
approach to building dwellings in the o Support the development of rural countryside. Cork’s inland and coastal marine o Continue to promote agriculture as a leisure facilities, where this is major land use in this LCT. This will compatible with the long-term well- help maintain the existing features of being of the environment. the landscape while also supporting o Protect the elevated ridges and prominent hilltops such as Hungry Hill
Cork County Council 33 Planning Policy Unit Type 4 Rugged Ridge Peninsulas Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
34 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 5 Fertile Plain with Moorland Ridge
Type 5: Fertile Plain with Moorland the Ballyhoura and Galtee Mountains to the Ridge north, the northern slopes of the Nagles to the south and the western ridges of the Knockmealdown Mountains. The bedrock of the plain comprises mostly of limestone while sandstone typically forms the underlying
geology of the peripheral ridges. Lower ground comprises brown earths and the occasional gley while brown podzols are located at slightly higher levels.
These physical conditions create a fertile and verdant landscape well suited to intensive farming. It is this activity and the planar landform, which give the landscape its characteristic rectilinear mosaic of large sized fields. This mosaic is articulated by the field Landscape Value: Very High boundaries comprising mostly mature broadleaf hedgerows but also scrub species Landscape Sensitivity: Very High such as gorse. Articulation also results from Landscape Importance: County the variation in colour arising from alternative use, whether dairying or arable. Occasional small blocks of coniferous plantations Landscape Description introduce a patchy landcover pattern to hills This landscape is generally referred to as the and ridge tops. “Golden Vale” and occupies a substantial proportion of northeast Cork. This is a low The landscape is also characterised by many lying landscape, which comprises an extensive old demesnes comprising, for example, high area of predominantly flat or gently undulating stone walls, broadleaf avenues and open topography along the River Blackwater, and parkland. Several large settlements are found which is contained in its periphery by low within the area, including Mallow, Charleville, ridges. The latter include the southern slopes of Mitchelstown and Fermoy, all of which
Cork County Council 35 Planning Policy Unit Type 5 Fertile Plain with Moorland Ridge Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
developed on the basis of the high agricultural as well as the only Turlough (disappearing there is more evidence of scrub on the productivity of the surrounding countryside. lake) known in Cork are also found within this plain than the Golden Vale. The main landscape. Wet and dry woodlands, freshwater settlement is Charleville and the Farmsteads are scattered throughout the wetland habitats and a number of sites for the scattered villages in the vicinity, landscape, comprising large houses, traditional rare plants, the Golden Dock and the Killarney gravitate towards it. barns, barrel shaped metal roofed sheds and Fern add to the interest. One of the largest slatted sheds with A-shaped roofs. Such known nursery roosts of Daubentons Bat has o 62 - The Golden Vale (Moorland building complexes are typically partially also been recorded here, close to the banks of Ridge and Broad Undulating screened by the mature hedgerows. The the Blackwater River. Bird interest is Patchwork Middle Valley), The human landscape is one of high fertility and, thus, associated with the river wetlands, the influence on this landscape is more productivity. It is a “working” landscape, Blackwater Callows and Kilcolman Bog as keenly felt than in the other two manifesting the human bond with the land well as a number of small ponds dotted around landscape character areas and it through agricultural activity. Because of its the area. Notable species include two species provides a mastering of nature through flatness the landscape might be described as listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive, the the ordered and formal layout of field ‘calm’. While this even and vast extent can Greenland White-fronted Goose and Whooper patterns. best be perceived from an elevated location, Swan. Salmon, Lamprey, Freshwater Pearl views are otherwise curtailed by the prevalent Mussel, Crayfish and Otter are notable species o 30 – Kilworth (Moorland Ridge and tall hedgerows when viewed on the plain. recorded in the rivers. Broad Undulating Patchwork Lower Valley).
Statutory Designations Scenic Routes This landscape type covers a large area of land There are 14 Scenic Routes with this Key Characteristics and that is reflected in the number of Landscape Type. Land use, field, boundaries, trees and designated sites found within the type. In total wildlife there are 24 proposed Natural Heritage Areas, three SAC’s and two SPA’s within this Landscape Character Areas o Broad plain defined by the River landscape type. The geology of the area, in This landscape type contains three landscape Blackwater with moorland ridges to particular the presence of limestone has character types: the north and south resulted in the occurrence of interesting and o 69 - Dromina/Charleville (Fertile o Highly intensive dairying and tillage diverse plant communities in the woodlands Planar and Gently Undulating Mosaic region. and elsewhere along both the Awbeg and farmland and Moorland Ridge). While Blackwater Rivers. Limestone cliffs and caves lands remain predominately fertile,
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 5 Fertile Plain with Moorland Ridge
o Mature broadleaf hedgerows on plain houses and traditional barns. They therefore their visual impact on the landscape with patches of coniferous forestry on have a logical relationship with the should be addressed. higher ground landscape and their buildings were o Good range and diversity of habitats sited to maximise opportunities for Due to the pattern of land ownership in many of which are contained along the shelter and cultivation. The key visual Ireland, forests on hill or mountain sites are Rivers Blackwater and Awbeg. relationship is between the siting of often established as long narrow belts running o The main natural features of the Rivers structures and the width, length and uphill in isolation. Where a number of these Blackwater and Awbeg have largely orientation of plots. are planted in close proximity, the resulting remained intact and their preservation ‘ladder’ effect involving alternative strips of in the future is vital for the developing Socio Economic forest and open ground creates a disjointed tourism sector in the region. landscape. The shape of plantations, which Relatively strong economic base due o often resemble ‘blocks’ on the landscape and to the strong urban character of the Built Environment the lack of a mixture of species, are a cause for area and diversity of economic concern. Several large urban settlements and activities. o numerous villages in the area. Several large urban centres in the area, o While parts of this landscape type have been High quality vernacular built all of which developed on the basis of o robust enough to accommodate forestry environment and this is portrayed by the high agricultural productivity of development (due mainly to the diversity in the the high concentration of Protected the surrounding countryside. landscape in the Kilworth and Structures that are evident throughout Highly intensive farming has shaped o Dromina/Charleville landscape character the landscape. the landscape. areas) further plantations and re-plantations Strong vernacular quality in terms of Fishing and attractive walks are o o should be planned and managed in a way that range and quality of estate homes and associated with this landscape type. enhances the landscape. farmsteads.
Numerous attractive villages and Ecology o The expansion of coniferous plantation onto towns in terms of setting and built See Statutory Designations Section Above. the plain would have a profound impact on the environment e.g. Castletownroche and general regimented field pattern in the area. Mitchelstown. Pressure for Change The town centres in many of the main o Deciduous trees are a dominant feature within towns have maintained their Forestry the landscape, especially on the plain, as they architectural heritage. Forestry development is beginning to dominate help form field boundaries. Their continuation Farmsteads are spread throughout the o some of the upland areas within this landscape landscape and these consist of large
Cork County Council 37 Planning Policy Unit Type 5 Fertile Plain with Moorland Ridge Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
will be important in retaining this landscape some of the areas most distinctive local However the surrounding agricultural lands type’s character. landscapes. have more potential for rural diversification due to their proximity to a large centre of Agriculture population. The route that any future Population This is a man made landscape and agriculture diversification may take will be a crucial factor This landscape contains many large has played a central role in shaping the in the altering of the landscape. The existence settlements such as Mallow, Mitchelstown, landscape thus its survival will be key to the of the Green belts around the main towns Charleville and Fermoy. These are not only preservation of the character of landscape. A supports the future of agriculture by helping to important county towns but they are also decline in agricultural activity is likely to retain land in agricultural use and protect it economic generators and service providers for impact on the character of the area. Associated from inappropriate development. Securing the a large hinterland. with the changes in the agricultural sector Green Belt in agricultural use provides within the County as a whole, is an increase in certainty for the farming community, which The designation of Mallow as a hub under the part time farmers and the accompanying encourages investment and diversification in NSS could see the population of the town and decline in farm employment. This loss of the agricultural industry. surrounds explode in the future. This may have labour is often particularly acute with regard to huge impacts on one of the main defining the traditional maintenance and management Rural Housing features of this landscape type, ‘The River of key agricultural landscape features such as Rural housing is evident throughout the Blackwater’. Indeed the intended strategy for hedgerows and ditches. More recently, with the landscape in the form of traditional farmsteads Mallow should take account of the future introduction of schemes such as the Rural and more modern type dwellings. There is an management of this natural feature and Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS), an abundance of vegetation on the plain and on counterbalance it with necessary economic attempt has been made to explicitly link higher ground and this helps provide screen development. farming activities to the environment. However planting for dwellings. However while this tall it remains to be seen how successful the vegetation helps curtail views on the plain, on Each of the principal towns has numerous second REPS programme will be in retaining higher ground extensive views of the landscape examples of sizable housing estates on the and maintaining existing natural landscape are presented thus structures become more fringes of settlements. Many of these have an features. prominent. urban character and there is a general trend towards homogeneity in terms of their siting If agricultural activity is not encouraged then Infrastructure and design. Such development represents a scrub invasion could damage landscape There are a high number of transportation particular force for change and may have an character by obscuring field patterns and corridors through this landscape by rail and adverse impact on the quality and character of distinctive landform. road. National road links to Dublin,
38 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 5 Fertile Plain with Moorland Ridge
Killarney/Tralee and Limerick pass through most significant quarries in this area are o Have regard to the rich heritage in this this landscape type. located at Ballybeg, Glanworth and Araglin. area and the concentration of buildings that are protected under the list of Major road projects have been a feature of this Recommendations protected structures. landscape in the past and with an ever Preserve the Blackwater Valley as a Much of this landscape type forms part o increasing population plus a growing economy, o unique landscape setting for the main of the rich agricultural area of the it is envisaged that major infrastructural settlements of Mallow and Fermoy and “golden vale” and is farmed relatively projects will also be a key force of change in improve public access by enhancing it intensively. The promotion of the future. as a key recreation and amenity agriculture as the major land use in source. Control development that will this LCT will help maintain the Tourism adversely affect distinctive linear existing features of the landscape The tourist industry in this landscape is based sections of the Blackwater River while also supporting the local on a countywide or regional basis and does not Valley, especially its open flood economy and rural diversification. attract the necessary foreign or even national plains, when viewed from relevant Recognise that the lowlands are made interest it needs to sustain a viable industry. o scenic routes and settlements up of a variety of working landscapes Thus tourist related developments are not Protect and preserve the Awbeg River that are critical resources for o currently a major force of change. However as a valuable resource for scenic and sustaining the economic and social this has been an advantage, as the main natural amenity values. well being of the county. features of the Rivers Blackwater and Awbeg Recognise the potential constraints on New farm buildings must be designed o have largely remained intact and free from o development created by river flood to integrate within the landscape unsympathetic developments. The landscape plains and the value of these flood considering factors such as materials does contain a wide variety of attractions (e.g. plains as increasingly rare habitats. and colouring. high quality built environment, natural features Maintain and enhance the 18th Century Protect the existing character and o such as rivers and mountains, Mallow o estate landscapes and associated setting of villages and village nuclei racecourse, good transportation links) so if parkland and woodland to develop that are under pressure from properly marketed, the development of tourism them as a tourist resource, for population growth, in particular could become a part of rural diversification to example, Doneraile Park in Doneraile. villages like Castletownroche which sustain the local economy in the future. Reflect existing vegetation species and have a unique historic setting. o patterns in new planting schemes in Continue to promote and protect Natural Resources o this LCT. Mallow Racecourse and the River There are a number of quarries in this LCT and Forestry plantations and re-plantations Blackwater as the primary visitor o it is important to safeguard the resources. The should be planned and managed in a attractions in this Landscape Type.
Cork County Council 39 Planning Policy Unit Type 5 Fertile Plain with Moorland Ridge Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
way that respects the character of the landscape. o Encourage further planting of deciduous trees as they are a dominant feature in this landscape and their continuation is important in retaining the character of this landscape. o Minimise disturbance of hedgerows in rural areas. Encourage appropriate landscaping and screen planting of proposed developments by using predominately indigenous/local species and groupings. o Continue to promote Mallow as a ‘hub’ town as designated under the National Spatial Strategy and have regard to the environmental objectives set out in the Mallow Special Local Area Plan. o Ensure that the approach roads to the towns and villages in this LCT are protected from inappropriate development which would detract from the setting of these settlements.
40 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 6a Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys
Type 6a: Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Landcover comprises highly fertile, regularly shaped fields typically of medium size and (Blarney-Ballincollig-Carrigaline-West to Dunmanway) with mature broadleaf hedgerows. Agricultural use primarily involves intensive dairying as well as tillage, with farmsteads relatively well
screened by the hedgerows. Some of the larger
settlements include Bandon, Ballincollig and Blarney to the west of Cork City, Castlemartyr
to the east and Rathcormack to the north. Major roads such as the N22 between Macroom and Cork City and the N71 between
Innishannon and Bandon tend to follow the rivers, often providing distant views across the landscape. Landscape Value: High
Landscape Sensitivity: High Statutory Designations Thirteen sites of national value have been Landscape Importance: County identified in this part of Cork County, all of
which are proposed for protection as Natural Heritage Areas and one as a Candidate SAC. Landscape Description Habitats of high ecological value within the This landscape type stretches west and east area are associated with the river valleys of the from the environs of Cork City but also Bandon and the Lee. They include wet includes a smaller area east of Rathcormac. grassland, freshwater marsh, fen and both wet The valleys in these areas are created by the and dry woodland as well as the rivers rivers flowing east to west and are surrounded themselves. There are Otters on the rivers and by low well spaced ridges. These shallow and a diversity of bird species are found along the flat valleys wind as they follow the course of rivers and associated habitats. These include the river, rising to the north and south with Curlew, Lapwing, Kingfisher, Mallard, Heron, gentle slopes where the valley is wide but with Sedge Warblers, Grasshopper Warblers and steeper faced slopes where the valley narrows. Reed Bunting Lamprey and Freshwater Pearl Further upstream to the west the broad flatness Mussel, two rare species identified to require narrows and winds between low hills.
Cork County Council 41 Planning Policy Unit Type 6a Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
particular protection measures that have been o 17 - Dunmanway (Semi-rugged and example the Lee and Bandon Rivers, recorded in the Bandon. There are also some marginal mosaic Basin) and are surrounded by low well-spaced small lakes and ponds in the area with Key Characteristics ridges. They have also created associated species rich grasslands. A number Land use, field, boundaries, trees and imposing views across the landscape. of rare plants have also been recorded. Semi- wildlife natural woodlands are found in the river Built Environment valleys, with a particularly important example o Landcover comprises a mosaic of of alluvial woodland on the Bandon River. regularly shaped fields typically of o Farmsteads comprise houses as well as The best examples have a good diversity of medium size. The fields throughout metal sheds (with older barrel vaulted native trees and diverse ground flora. Two this landscape are bounded mostly by or modern A-frame roofs) and cave systems with interesting limestone flora mature broadleaf hedgerows but also traditional out buildings, most of have also been noted in the area. by post and wire fencing. Lower which are relatively well screened by hedgerows prevail further to the west the hedgerows. Scenic Routes on higher ground. o This landscape type is located close to There are 11 Scenic Routes within this o Scrub and areas of gorse are relatively Cork City and two of the key Landscape Type. rare but groups of broadleaf trees and settlements of metropolitan Cork are shelterbelts are common, providing located within or at the edge of the Landscape Character Areas punctuation across the landscape or landscape (Carrigaline and hinting at the presence of farmsteads. Ballincollig). The main settlement of This section of Landscape Type 6a - Broad o There are large field sizes to the east of Bandon is also located to the South Fertile Lowland Valleys includes the following this Landscape Character Type. West of the area. Landscape Character Areas: o Heathland on hilltops is more evident o In general the towns in the area have a further west. Field sizes are also strong character / urban fabric o 8 - Blarney (Wooded Valley of Low noticeably smaller in the western part reflecting the historic agricultural Hills and scattered Settlement of this Landscape Character Type. wealth of the area. Clusters) o In the south west of this Landscape o 27 - River Bride West (Broad Shallow Character Type agriculture is Socio Economic Patchwork Valley) interspersed with areas of marginal Some of the larger settlements include 58 - Enniskeane / Bandon / land and established broadleaf o o Bandon, Ballincollig and Blarney. Ballinhassig (Broad Shallow forestry. The agricultural use of this landscape Patchwork Lower Valley) The valleys in these areas are created o o primarily involves intensive dairying by the rivers flowing east to west, for
42 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 6a Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys
as well as tillage. The latter provides Population have a negative impact on the vernacular seasonal colour variation. landscape. In recent years the population of this area has Major roads such as the N22 between o increased particularly in the main settlements Macroom and Cork City and the N71 Whilst the new dwellings are subject to of Blarney, Ballincollig, Carrigaline and between Innishannon and Bandon tend development management, problems have Bandon. to follow the rivers, often providing arisen in relation to the use of certain design
distant views across the landscape. styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate Agriculture o There is some quarry activity in this landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design area. Away from the urban areas and the areas of Guidelines are however a positive step forward strong agricultural activity there may be an in addressing the issues of design, siting and Ecology issue of the role of marginal land (usually in overall approach to building dwellings in the the upland areas) where there is evidence of set countryside. The River Lee and the River Bandon o aside and areas given over to forestry. flowing on an east-west axis of Housing limestone between low well-spaced On the other hand in the agricultural areas ridges of sandstone create the Each of the principal towns has numerous where activity seems to be thriving there may topography this area. examples of sizable housing estates on the be pressure from the need to maximise the Comprising mostly brown podzolic fringes of settlements. Many of these have an o return from the richer areas of agricultural soils, this landscape is highly fertile, urban character and there is a general trend land. especially along the alluvial towards homogeneity in terms of their siting
floodplain. and design. Such development represents a Rural Housing o See Statutory Designations section particular force for change and may have an above The greatest pressure for new residential adverse impact on the quality and character of development is for isolated dwellings in the some of the areas most distinctive local Pressure for Change countryside. landscapes.
Windfarms Moving to the west, and away from the The key pressure / force for change in this area To the north of Newcestown there is an area, Greenbelt and Rural Housing Control Zone seems to be urbanisation especially to the East which forms part of a larger strategic search there is more pressure for individual houses. of the Landscape Character Type. This area which has been identified as being landscape type is located close to Cork City suitable for wind energy development. In particular there has been inappropriate and two of the key settlements of metropolitan ribboning of development on approach roads to Cork are located within or at the edge of the settlements. This type of development could landscape (Carrigaline and Ballincollig). The
Cork County Council 43 Planning Policy Unit Type 6a Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
main settlement of Bandon is also located to Recommendations o Discourage ribbon development along the South West of the area. approach roads to main settlements. Protect and preserve the Lee Valley o Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style and the Bandon River and their o An example of the urban pressure on the area housing developments on the fringes surrounding floodplains as unique can be seen to the east of the area where large of smaller settlements as these can landscape features in this Landscape estate scale development is occurring on the have an adverse impact on the quality Character Type and as valuable edge of the settlements in the area. This ranges and character of an area. resource for scenic and amenity from numerous estates on the edge of the Promote best practice in design and values. o larger settlements to single estates on the edge layout through the use of the Cork Control development that will of existing settlements (i.e. Ballygarven). o Rural Design Guide. These guidelines adversely affect distinctive linear are a positive step in addressing the sections of the Lee River Valley, Infrastructure issues of design, siting and overall especially its open flood plains, when approach to building dwellings in the New industrial and housing developments will viewed from relevant scenic routes and countryside. have a significant impact on the countryside settlements. Promote sustainable growth in the surrounding the areas towns and villages. Conserve and enhance the o o existing main settlements of characteristics in this Landscape Carrigaline, Ballincollig and Bandon Major roads such as the N22 between Character Type that are important to by encouraging new development, Macroom and Cork City and the N71 between tourism. which respects the existing character Innishannon and Bandon traverse this Have regard to the rich and diverse o of these settlements in terms of both landscape. natural heritage in this Landscape scale and design. Character Type and the concentration o Have regard to the impact of Tourism of NHA’s that are designated for windfarms on the landscape. Such protection. While protecting these Tourism is a significant industry in this LCT. developments will need to be planned areas it is also important to recognise and located in a sensitive manner. their potential as key recreation and Natural resources Ensure that current quarrying sites amenity sources. o undergo a rigorous monitoring regime There may be pressure arising from the Protect the existing character and o by ensuring that agreed mitigation quarrying activity in the area. The main setting of villages and village nuclei measures are fully implemented. quarries in the area are located at Ballygarvan, which are under pressure from Require that new quarries undergo a Ballincollig, Inishannon, Murragh and population growth particularly those o landscape and visual impact Killeady. villages which are located close to assessment with appropriate Cork City.
44 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 6a Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys
restoration plan to respect landscape character. Screen planting should respect landscape character. o Recognise that the lowlands are made up of a variety of working landscapes that are critical resources for
sustaining the economic and social well being of the county. o Recognise that agriculture is a major landuse in this LCT. This will help maintain the existing features of this landscape while also supporting the local economy and rural diversification.
Cork County Council 45 Planning Policy Unit Type 6a Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
46 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 6b Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys
Type 6b: Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys medium size. The fields throughout this (Cloyne, Castlemartyr, Killeagh and landscape are bounded mostly by mature Environs) broadleaf hedgerows but also by post and wire fencing.
The agricultural use of this landscape primarily
involves intensive dairying as well as tillage. The latter provides seasonal colour variation. Farmsteads comprise houses as well as metal sheds (with older barrel vaulted or modern A- frame roofs) and traditional out buildings, most of which are relatively well screened by the hedgerows. Some of the larger settlements include Castlemartyr, Killeagh and Cloyne. Views are curtailed by the prevalence of hedgerows in flatter areas. Landscape Value: Medium
Landscape Sensitivity: Medium Landscape Character Areas
Landscape Importance: Locally This landscape type contains two landscape character areas, which form a north-south divide. These character areas have the same Landscape Description technical name: This landscape type stretches east from the environs of Cork City and is located east of • 42 - Castlemartyr (Broad Shallow Midleton and along the valley of the River Patchwork Valley), which is located to Womanagh. the south of the study area. This character area provides a transition Comprising mostly brown podzolic soils, these from the Fissured fertile Middleground landscapes are highly fertile, especially along located to the north. The main the alluvial floodplain. Landcover comprises a settlements are Castlemartyr, Killeagh, mosaic of regularly shaped fields typically of Mogeely and Ladysbridge.
Cork County Council 47 Planning Policy Unit Type 6b Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Key Characteristics Socio Economic • 43 - Cloyne (Broad Shallow o Some of the larger settlements include Patchwork Valley), which is located to Land use, field, boundaries, trees and Castlemartyr, Killeagh and Cloyne. the south of the study area. Cloyne is a wildlife o The agricultural use of this landscape town known for its wealth of built primarily involves intensive dairying heritage but there are other buildings River Womanagh and its valley are o as well as tillage. The latter provides in surrounding hinterland that are also surrounded by low well spaced ridges. seasonal colour variation. of significance e.g. Ballymaloe House o Landcover comprises highly fertile, Ecology (known for its internationally famous regularly shaped fields typically of cuisine and food products). Vernacular medium size and with mature o A number of pNHA’s that have been architecture is prevalent in this area. broadleaf hedgerows. identified in this landscape are centred There are also scatterings of ruinous o Fields are bounded mostly by mature on lakes. No cSPA’s and no SAC’s castles and old Churches in the area. broadleaf hedgerows but also by post have been identified. and wire fencing. Lower hedgerows One of the key characteristics of both prevail further to the west on higher Pressure for Change landscape character areas is the quality of its ground. Forestry vernacular built environment and the historic o Scrub and areas of gorse are relatively importance including Ballymaloe House and rare but groups of broadleaf trees and There are few coniferous forestry plantations grounds, estate houses, towns and villages in shelter belts are common, providing within this landscape type, which is probably a particular Midleton, Cloyne, Castlemartyr, punctuation across the landscape or testament that the land is valued too much for Killeagh and Ladysbridge. hinting at the presence of farmsteads. agricultural use. Any coniferous forestry plantations would impact hugely on the strong Scenic Routes patchwork fields. Built Environment There are three scenic routes within this Landscape Type. o Farmsteads comprise houses as well as Deciduous trees are a dominant feature within metal sheds (with older barrel vaulted the landscape as they help form field Statutory Designations or modern A-frame roofs) and boundaries and their continuation will be There are four NHA’s within this Landscape traditional out buildings, most of important in retaining this landscapes Type. They include Clasharinka Pond, Loughs which are relatively well screened by character. Aderry and Ballybutler and Ballyquirk Pond. the hedgerows. Windfarms
This area is not regarded as a “Strategic Search
Area” or a “Strategically Unsuitable Area” for
48 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 6b Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys
Windfarm developments. In the majority of major landuse will help maintain the existing arisen in relation to the use of certain design areas the relatively tame nature of this features of the landscape while also supporting styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate landscape with its broad valleys would not the local economy. landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design lend itself to Windfarm development as such Scrubland is evident is some areas and scrub Guidelines are however a positive step forward developments may dominate the surrounding invasion is already having an impact on the in addressing the issues of design, siting and landscape. existing field pattern. A decline in agricultural overall approach to building dwellings activity will have a detrimental affect on the Population character of the landscape and there would be a Infrastructure danger that the well-defined and continuous While there is no large centre of population field pattern could be disrupted. The proposed passenger rail link from Cork to within this landscape, it does contain some key Youghal will be one of the key infrastructural villages such as Castlemartyr, Killeagh and projects in the near future. Associated Cloyne. The Midleton Electoral Area Local Rural Housing improvements to the existing line may have an Area Plan attributes population increases to Rural housing is evident throughout the affect on the immediate environment but the these villages therefore population decrease is landscape and takes the form of traditional settlement strategy that will follow will have a not an issue in this landscape. None of these farmsteads and more modern type dwellings. larger implication on the wider landscape. villages have experienced the same level of Proposals for large modern dwellings would be population increase as neighbouring prominent in this rural area due to the Tourism Rathcormac. relatively tame nature of the landscape. It is clear that tourism is not a major economic
Further growth in the housing market may provider in this landscape despite its good Moving to the east, and away from the place pressure on these villages and care must transportation links. It does contain certain Greenbelt and Rural Housing Control Zone be taken to balance the new developments with local features that could attract tourism from there is more pressure for individual houses. the rich existing built environments that these within the county, as Ballymaloe House is villages already contain. renowned nationally as a tourist attraction and In particular there has been inappropriate Midleton Distillery and Youghal town are also ribboning of development on approach roads to Agriculture located near this landscape type. Castlemartyr settlements. This type of development could Wood with it's landscaped grounds, or it's This is a working landscape and agricultural have a negative impact on the vernacular neighbouring Lough Aderry, are pleasant practice has helped preserve the existing field landscape. stopping or picnic points. boundaries while the built environment displays evidence of a productive agricultural Whilst the new dwellings are subject to economy. The promotion of agriculture as the development management, problems have
Cork County Council 49 Planning Policy Unit Type 6b Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Recommendations Rural Design Guide. These guidelines are a positive step in addressing the Recognise that the lowlands are made o issues of design, siting and overall up of a variety of working landscapes approach to building dwellings in the that are critical resources for countryside. sustaining the economic and social Protect the unique architectural well being of the county. o character of villages like Castlemartyr Promote sustainable growth in the o and Cloyne by preventing large-scale existing settlements of Killeagh, development which would undermine Castlemartyr and Cloyne by the attractiveness of these key villages. encouraging sympathetic new Encourage further planting of development, which respects the o deciduous trees as they are a dominant existing character of these settlements feature in this landscape and their in terms of both scale and design. continuation is important in retaining Protect and preserve the River o this landscape setting. Womanagh and it’s surrounding Ensure that new tourist facilities such floodplain as a valuable resource for o as hotels will not have a scenic and amenity values. disproportionate visual impact (due to Ensure that the approach roads to o excessive bulk, scale or inappropriate Castlemartyr and Killeagh are siting) and will not significantly protected from inappropriate interfere or detract from development which would detract environmentally sensitive coastal from the setting of these settlements. areas. Appropriate location and an Ensure that any future improvements o integrated landscape scheme will help to the N25 do not have a negative to integrate the site with the impact on the landscape. surrounding landscape. Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style o housing developments on the fringes
of smaller settlements as these can
have an adverse impact on the quality and character of an area. o Promote best practice in design and layout through the use of the Cork
50 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 6c Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys
Type 6c: Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys mostly by mature broadleaf hedgerows but also (Castlelyons-Rathcormack) by post and wire fencing.
The agricultural use of this landscape primarily involves intensive dairying as well as tillage. The latter provides seasonal colour variation.
Farmsteads comprise houses as well as metal sheds (with older barrel vaulted or modern A- frame roofs) and traditional out buildings, most of which are relatively well screened by the hedgerows. Some of the larger settlements include Rathcormack and Castlelyons. Views are curtailed by the prevalence of hedgerows in flatter areas but extensive vistas of the landscape are afforded as one travels the R628, which runs the majority of the length of this landscape. Landscape Value: Medium
Landscape Sensitivity: Medium Statutory Designations There are no pNHA’s, cSCA’s or SPA’s within Landscape Importance: Local this Landscape Type.
Scenic Routes Landscape Description There are two scenic routes within this This landscape type is located around Landscape Type. Rathcormack and Castlelyons and along the
valley of the River Bride. Comprising mostly Landscape Character Areas brown podzolic soils, this landscape is highly
fertile, especially along the alluvial floodplain. There is one landscape character area within Landcover comprises a mosaic of regularly this landscape type shaped fields typically of medium size. The
fields throughout this landscape are bounded
Cork County Council 51 Planning Policy Unit Type 6c Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
• 7 - Castlelyons (Undulation o Scrub and areas of gorse are relatively probably a testament that the land is valued, Patchwork Lower valley) - Elevated rare but groups of broadleaf trees and too much for agricultural use. Any coniferous views of this landscape can be seen shelter belts are common, providing forestry plantations on and around the river from the R626 regional route coming punctuation across the landscape or valley would look conspicuous in the from Midleton. The tall and plentiful hinting at the presence of farmsteads. landscape and would impact hugely on the vegetation is very evident from this strong patchwork fields. elevated position and so too is the very Built Environment strong feature of patchwork field Deciduous trees are a dominant feature within patterns. The landscape can be o Farmsteads comprise houses as well as the landscape as they help form field described as tame and this is due to the metal sheds (with older barrel vaulted boundaries and their continuation will be presence of a river valley formed by or modern A-frame roofs) and important in retaining this landscape’s the River Bride. The Galty Mountains traditional out buildings, most of character. provide an impressive backdrop to this which are relatively well screened by landscape. the hedgerows. Windfarms This landscape is characterised by a o This area is not regarded as a “Strategic Search strong vernacular built environment. Area” or a “Strategically Unsuitable Area” for
Key Characteristics Windfarm developments. The tame nature of Land use, field, boundaries, trees and Socio Economic this landscape would not lend itself to Windfarm development as such developments wildlife The main settlements include o would dominate the surrounding landscape. Landcover comprises highly fertile, Castlelyons and Rathcormack. o regularly shaped fields typically of o The agricultural use of this landscape medium size and with mature primarily involves intensive dairying Population broadleaf hedgerows. as well as tillage. The latter provides While there is no large centre of population Strong patchwork field boundaries are seasonal colour variation. o within this landscape, it does contain some key one of the main characteristics of this villages such as Castlelyons/Bridebridge and landscape. Conna. The Fermoy Electoral Area Local Fields are bounded mostly by mature Pressure for Change o Area Plan attributes population increases to broadleaf hedgerows but also by post Forestry these villages and this coupled with the fact the and wire fencing. Lower hedgerows scrub invasion of field is not evident, provides prevail further to the west on higher There is little or no commercial coniferous evidence that population decrease is not an ground. forestry within this landscape type, which is issue in this landscape. Neither have these
52 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 6c Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys
villages experienced the same level of Proposals for large modern dwellings would be sympathetic new development, which population increase as neighbouring prominent in the rural area due to the tame respects the existing character of these Rathcormack. nature of the landscape. settlements in terms of both scale and design. Further growth in the housing market may o Protect the existing character and Infrastructure place pressure on these villages and care must setting of villages like Curraglass and be taken to balance the new developments with This landscape contains no major roads or Coolagown by preventing large-scale the rich existing built environments that these other main transportation routes thus it is not development which would undermine villages already contain. envisaged that significant infrastructural the attractiveness of these villages. projects will take place in the future thus this o Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style will not be a force of change. housing developments on the fringes Agriculture of smaller settlements as these can This is a working landscape and agricultural Tourism have an adverse impact on the quality practice has helped preserve the strong field and character of an area. It appears that the tourist industry in this area boundaries while the rich historic built Promote best practice in design and is nonexistent which is surprising due to the o environment displays evidence of a productive layout through the use of the Cork rich heritage of this area, its attractive rural agricultural economy. The promotion of Rural Design Guide. These guidelines setting and association with horse breeding, agriculture as the major landuse will help are a positive step forward in attractive villages and the River Bride. maintain the existing features of the landscape addressing the issues of design, siting while also supporting the local economy. and overall approach to building The development of tourism may be essential dwellings in the countryside. as a part of rural diversification to sustain the A decline in agricultural activity will have a Recognise that the lowlands are made local economy in the future. Such o detrimental affect on the character of the up of a variety of working landscapes developments in tourism should have a landscape and there would be a danger that the that are critical resources for positive impact on the landscape as it could well-defined and continuous field pattern could sustaining the economic and social help preserve the main natural and built be disrupted. well being of the county. qualities that the landscape presently contains. Much of this landscape type forms part o of the rich agricultural area of the Rural Housing Recommendations “golden vale” and is farmed relatively Rural housing is evident throughout the o Promote sustainable growth in the intensively. The promotion of landscape as it takes the form of traditional existing settlements of Rathcormac, agriculture as the major land use in farmsteads and more modern type dwellings. Castlelyons and Conna by encouraging this LCT will help maintain the
Cork County Council 53 Planning Policy Unit Type 6c Broad Fertile Lowland Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
existing features of the landscape while also supporting the local economy and rural diversification. o Preserve the Bride Valley as a unique landscape setting for the village of Conna and improve public access by enhancing it as a key recreation and amenity source. o Recognise the potential constraints on development created by river flood plains and the value of these flood plains as increasingly rare habitats.
o Minimise disturbance of mature broadleaf hedgerows in rural areas. Encourage appropriate landscaping and screen planting of proposed developments by using predominately indigenous/local species and groupings.
54 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 7a Rolling Patchwork Farmland
Type 7(a): Rolling Patchwork Farmland They are similar to the latter river valleys, but are not structured with the same clearly (Bandon-Clonakilty-Leap Environs) identifiable linearity. Rather they roll in many directions with interlocking landform according to the irregular pattern of rivers.
Even within larger river valley catchments
such as that served by the Argideen and Owenkeagh rivers small hills prevail, thus
creating a topographic complexity similar to a drumlin landscape but on a larger scale.
The rolling landform is characterised by low and subtly defined rounded hills and interweaving shallow valleys. In terms of
landcover, a mosaic of small to medium sized Landscape Value: Medium fields prevails, predominantly comprising brown podzolic soils. These fields are defined Landscape Sensitivity: Medium by mature but relatively low broadleaf Landscape Importance: County hedgerows, many of which are tightly clipped, and some post and wire fencing. Occasional broadleaf clumps and copses or conifer Landscape Description shelterbelts punctuate the landscape and small This landscape mediates between the Indented swaths of coniferous plantation ascend the Estuarine Coastline and the Broad Fertile slopes to higher ground. Here and there, larger Lowland Valleys, stretching approximately fields can also be seen. While broadleaf between Leap in the west and the outskirts of hedgerows are common in many of the shallow Ballinspittle in the east. Geologically the upper valleys, the more incised ‘galleried’ valleys are ground comprises weather resistant old red articulated by gorse and bracken. sandstone flanked by shale and sandstone, while valleys comprise softer carboniferous Landuse comprises intensive dairying and limestone. There is a concentration of shale tillage, carried out on gently sloping fields. and sandstone in the southern portion of this Farmsteads are mostly invisible and scattered landscape type around Bandon and Clonakilty.
Cork County Council 55 Planning Policy Unit Type 7a Rolling Patchwork Farmland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
throughout the landscape or peep out from Statutory Designations sandstone while valleys comprise behind the hill slopes and mature hedges and softer carboniferous limestone. There broadleaf hedgerows. These houses and There are three pNHA’s within this landscape is a concentration of shale and settlements are located on lower ground close type. Cloonties Lough, Gallanes Lough and sandstone in the southern portion of to roads. Local villages include Ballinascarty Bateman’s Lough. These three small lakes this landscape type around Bandon and in the west and Ballinspittle in the east. have ecological significance. Cloonties is an Clonakilty. interesting upland lake on peaty soil. Gallanes o Patchwork field boundaries are the In certain respects this landscape can be Lough is of importance as it supports high defining feature of this landscape. described as a ‘classic Irish farmland’ with its numbers of waders, ducks and swans. Species o The rolling landform is characterised rolling and verdant patchwork of fields. Here occurring here include Lapwing, Snipe, by low and subtly defined rounded nature is controlled through relatively intensive Curlew, Whooper Swan, Wigeon and Mallard. hills and interweaving shallow valleys. agricultural production, broken in some o In terms of landcover, a mosaic of instances by the incisive ‘galleried’ valleys Scenic Routes small to medium sized fields prevails, which are articulated by scrubby banks. There are 7 scenic routes within this predominantly comprising brown Regarding landscape dynamic, no Landscape Type. podzolic soils. characteristic spatial flow dominates other than o Mature but relatively low broadleaf a general restless meandering, in some Landscape Character Areas hedgerows, many of which are tightly instances multi-directional, along interweaving There are three landscape character areas clipped, and some post and wire valleys. Views are, thus, generally limited in within this landscape type: fencing define fields. extent. 1. Argideen and Owenkeagh Rivers o Occasional broadleaf clumps and (Rolling Patchwork Farmland) copses or conifer shelterbelts Three small lakes have been identified within 2. Connonogh (Rolling Intimate Mosaic punctuate the landscape and small this landscape character type to have Farmland with Scrub Outcrops) swaths of coniferous plantation ascend ecological significance. One of these, 3. Clasflugh Crossroads (Undulating the slopes to higher ground. Cloonties is an interesting upland lake on peaty Patchwork Farmland Valley) o While broadleaf hedgerows are soil. Gallanes Lough is of importance as it common in many of the shallow supports high numbers of waders, ducks and valleys, the more incised ‘galleried’ swans. Species occurring here include Land use, field boundaries, trees and valleys are articulated by gorse and Lapwing, Snipe, Curlew, Whooper Swan, wildlife bracken. Wigeon and Mallard. o Geologically the upper ground o Landuse comprises intensive dairying comprises weather resistant old red and tillage, carried out on gently sandstone flanked by shale and sloping fields.
56 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 7a Rolling Patchwork Farmland
Outcrops) landscape character area has services The Connonogh landscape character Built Environment experienced some plantations due to the area in particular appears to be bereft of a o Farmsteads are mostly invisible and presence of some marginal lands. Currently strong urban structure. The securing of scattered throughout the landscape or forestry has not made a big impact on the agriculture and a strong rural diversified peep out from behind the hill slopes landscape and in general the existing forestry economy will play an important role in and mature hedges and broadleaf has a positive effect on the landscape and a maintaining or increasing the current hedgerows. degree of subtle diversity. However it is population levels. o These houses and settlements are envisaged that plantations may intensify in the located on lower ground close to Connonogh landscape character area in the Agriculture roads. Local villages include future due to the presence of marginal soils. As has been previously stated, this is a man Ballinascarty in the west and If large to medium scale forestry is proposed in made environment with agricultural playing a Ballinspittle in the east. the future then the preservation of the strong pivotal role in shaping this landscape. field boundaries and deciduous rather than Agricultural practice has helped preserve the Socio Economic coniferous plantations should be considered. strong field boundaries, and the promotion of Relatively intensive dairying and o agriculture as the major landuse and will help tillage farming is the dominant landuse Windfarms maintain the existing features of the landscape Ecology while also supporting the local economy. Three small lakes have been identified This area is not regarded as a “Strategic Search o within this landscape character type Area” or a “Strategically Unsuitable Area” for Rural Housing i.e. Cloonties Lake, Gallanes Lough windfarm developments. However, the tame and Bateman’s Lough. rolling hills of this landscape would not lend Farmsteads are mostly invisible and scattered itself to windfarm development and such throughout the landscape or peep out from Pressure for Change developments would dominate the surrounding behind the hill slopes and mature hedges and landscape. However a windfarm is visible to broadleaf hedgerows. These houses and Forestry the north from the Connonogh landscape settlements are located on lower ground close The majority of this landscape type is farmed character area. to roads and this has led to ribbon development relatively intensively thus commercial in some areas. Dwellings become more coniferous forestry plantations have not been Population conspicuous in the landscape when located on pursued as an alternative landuse. However elevated areas. There are a few small villages in this landscape there are notable exceptions e.g. there is a large type that undoubtedly are based economically forestry plantation near Kilbrittain. Connonogh Whilst the new dwellings are subject to and socially on agriculture. Many of these (Rolling Intimate Mosaic Farmland with Scrub development management, problems have settlements contain a limited number of
Cork County Council 57 Planning Policy Unit Type 7a Rolling Patchwork Farmland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
arisen in relation to the use of certain design o Ensure that the approach roads to maintain the existing features of the styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate Roscarberry and Clonakilty are landscape while also supporting the landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design protected from inappropriate local economy and rural Guidelines are however a positive step forward development which would detract diversification. in addressing the issues of design, siting and from the setting of these settlements. o New farm buildings must be designed overall approach to building dwellings o Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style to integrate with the landscape housing developments on the fringes considering factors such as materials Infrastructure of smaller settlements as these can and colouring. have an adverse impact on the quality Minimise disturbance of mature This landscape contains one major road (N71 o and character of an area. hedgerows in rural areas within this Cork – Clonakilty – Rosscarbery) but does not Promote best practice in design and LCT. Encourage appropriate contain any other main transportation routes. o layout through the use of the Cork landscaping and screen planting of Further improvements of the important tourist Rural Design Guide. These guidelines proposed developments by using and commuter route may impact on the wider are a positive step in addressing the predominately indigenous/local landscape in the future. issues of design, siting and overall species and groupings.
approach to building dwellings in the o To ensure that any future Tourism countryside improvements to the N71 do not have The location of this landscape near Clonakilty, o Protect the existing rural nature of this a negative impact on the landscape. Rosscarbery and Kinsale may have an LCT by integrating new development economic spin-off but this has not manifested within existing settlements. itself in the landscape. It could be argued that o Maintain the visual quality of the this landscape could be described as a ‘classic prominent hill slopes by appropriate Irish farmland’ with its rolling and verdant siting of new development in visually patchwork of fields thus it may have some unobtrusive sites. tourist potential. o Preserve the Argideen and Owenkeagh river valleys and improve public Recommendations access by enhancing them as key recreational and amenity sources. Protect the existing rural character and o The majority of this landscape is attractive setting of villages and o farmed relatively intensively therefore village nuclei, for example Kilbrittain, the promotion of agriculture as the which are under pressure from major land use in this LCT will help population growth.
58 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 7b Rolling Patchwork Farmland
Type 7(b): Rolling Patchwork Farmland concentration of shale and sandstone in the (Dunderrow-Belgooly and Environs) southern portion of this landscape type around Kinsale. They are similar to the latter river valleys, but are not structured with the same clearly identifiable linearity. Rather they roll in many directions with interlocking landform
according to the irregular pattern of rivers. Small hills prevail, thus creating a topographic complexity similar to a drumlin landscape but on a larger scale.
The rolling landform is characterised by low and subtly defined rounded hills and interweaving shallow valleys. In terms of landcover, a mosaic of small to medium sized
fields prevails, predominantly comprising Landscape Value: Medium brown podzolic soils. These fields are defined by mature but relatively low broadleaf
Landscape Sensitivity: Medium hedgerows, many of which are tightly clipped,
Landscape Importance: Local and some post and wire fencing. Occasional broadleaf clumps and copses or conifer shelterbelts punctuate the landscape and small Landscape Description swaths of coniferous plantations ascend the This landscape mediates between the Indented slopes to higher ground. Here and there, larger Estuarine Coastline and the Broad Fertile fields can also be seen. While broadleaf Lowland Valleys, stretching approximately hedgerows are common in many of the shallow between Dunderrow in the west and the valleys, the more incised ‘galleried’ valleys are outskirts of Belgooly in the east. Geologically articulated by gorse and bracken. the upper ground comprises weather resistant Landuse comprises intensive dairying and old red sandstone flanked by shale and tillage, carried out on gently sloping fields. sandstone while valleys comprise softer carboniferous limestone. There is a Farmsteads are mostly invisible and scattered
Cork County Council 59 Planning Policy Unit Type 7b Rolling Patchwork Farmland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
throughout the landscape or peep out from Landscape Character Areas o There are a lot of individual houses behind the hill slopes and mature hedges and along the approach roads to villages in broadleaf hedgerows. These houses and This section of Landscape Type 7a – Rolling this Landscape Character Type. settlements are located on lower ground close Patchwork Farmland includes the following o Local villages including Dunderrow to roads. Local villages include Dunderrow Landscape Character Area: and Belgooly have experienced a and Belgooly. significant growth in residential 31: Belgooly (Rolling Patchwork Farmland) development in recent years. In certain respects this landscape can be described as a ‘classic Irish farmland’ with its Key Characteristics Socio Economic rolling and verdant patchwork of fields. Here o Eli-Lilly, a large pharmaceutical nature is controlled through relatively intensive Land use, field boundaries, trees and company, operates in Dunderrow, and agricultural production, broken in some wildlife currently employs over 400 people. It instances by the incisive ‘galleried’ valleys This landscape is comprised of a o has been located in Co Cork for the which are articulated by scrubby banks. rolling and fertile patchwork of past 25 years and the factory fits Regarding landscape dynamic, no medium sized fertile fields, bounded relatively well into the landscape. characteristic spatial flow dominates other than by mature but relatively low broadleaf a general restless meandering, in some hedgerows with some coniferous Ecology instances multi-directional, along interweaving plantations on slopes and higher Geologically the upper ground valleys. Views are, thus, generally limited in ground. o comprises weather resistant old red extent. Land use comprises intensive dairying o sandstone flanked by shale and and tillage, while farmsteads are sandstone while valleys comprise Statutory Designations scattered throughout the landscape, softer carboniferous limestone. There are no Statutory Designations within this often concealed behind hill slopes and There is a concentration of shale and Landscape Type. mature broadleaf hedgerows. o sandstone in the southern portion of The rolling landform is characterised o this landscape type around Kinsale. Scenic Routes by low and subtly defined rounded There are no Statutory Designations There are three scenic routes within this hills with interweaving shallow o within this Landscape Type. Landscape Type. valleys.
Built Environment o Houses and settlements are located on lower ground close to roads.
60 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 7b Rolling Patchwork Farmland
Pressure for Change Agriculture Tourism Forestry Agricultural practice has helped preserve the strong field boundaries and the promotion of The location of this landscape near Kinsale The majority of this landscape type is farmed agriculture as the major landuse and will help may have an economic spin-off but this has not relatively intensively thus commercial maintain the existing features of the landscape manifested itself in the landscape. It could be coniferous forestry plantations have not been while also supporting the local economy. argued that this landscape could be described pursued as an alternative landuse. Therefore as a ‘classic Irish farmland’ with its rolling and forestry has not made a big impact on the Rural Housing verdant patchwork of fields thus it may have landscape and in general the existing forestry some tourist potential. has a positive effect on the landscape giving it This area is protected by the Green Belt and a degree of subtle diversity. the Rural Housing Control Zone settlement Recommendations policies therefore individual rural housing is Windfarms limited. o Protect the existing character and setting of villages like Belgooly and This area is not regarded as a “Strategic Search Farmsteads are mostly invisible and scattered Riverstick by preventing large-scale Area” or a “Strategically Unsuitable Area” for throughout the landscape or peep out from development which would undermine windfarm developments. However, the tame behind the hill slopes and mature hedges and the attractiveness of these villages. rolling hills of this landscape would not lend broadleaf hedgerows. These houses and Promote best practice in design itself to windfarm development and such o settlements are located on lower ground close through use of the Cork Rural Design developments would dominate the surrounding to roads and this has led to ribbon development Guide. landscape. in some areas. Dwellings become more The majority of this landscape is o conspicuous in the landscape when located on farmed relatively intensively therefore Population elevated areas. the promotion of agriculture as the Increase in population in recent years major land use in this LCT will help particularly in the villages of Dunderrow, Infrastructure maintain the existing features of the Riverstick and Belgooly has put extra demand landscape while also supporting the This landscape type does not contain any on infrastructure and community facilities in local economy and rural major transportation routes however it does these villages. Recent large-scale diversification. contain two important regional roads (R600 developments have had an impact on the rural New farm buildings must be designed Cork City – Kinsale and R611 Carrigaline to o attractiveness of this area to integrate with the landscape Belgooly) Further improvements to these considering factors such as materials important tourist and commuter routes may and colouring. impact on the wider landscape in the future.
Cork County Council 61 Planning Policy Unit Type 7b Rolling Patchwork Farmland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
o Minimise disturbance of hedgerows in rural areas. Encourage appropriate landscaping and screen planting of proposed developments by using predominately indigenous/local species and groupings.
o Protect mature trees or groups of trees which may be at risk from development and which are not protected by Tree Preservation Orders. o Ensure that the approach roads to settlements like Belgooly and Riverstick are protected from inappropriate development which would detract from the setting of these villages.
62 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 8 Hilly River and Reservoir Valleys
Type 8: Hilly River and Reservoir occasionally interlock and create a meandering Valleys course for the water. Geologically it comprises a river valley, or almost an elongated basin, of old red sandstone overlaid with brown podzols. The river as the dominant element in the landscape, expands and contracts along its
course between hydroelectric dams. Landcover pattern comprises regular shaped fields of medium size, bounded by broadleaf hedgerows which are mostly low and thin. Complexity of landcover is provided not only by shelterbelts and small woodland copses, but also by patches of scrub, marginal land, bracken and gorse. Willow is found on lower wet areas while part of the reservoir includes the remains
of the alluvial woodland. Coniferous Landscape Value: High plantations also articulate some flanking ridges where soils are thinner.
Landscape Sensitivity: High
Landscape Importance: National Given that the soils are generally of moderate fertility, landuse comprises mostly pasture. Farmsteads are typically on the middle to low Landscape Description ground and are visible where located on slopes This landscape type comprises a relatively and where hedgerows are low. The largest confined swath of land stretching between urban settlement is Coachford, located to the unique alluvial oak woodland known as "The north of the reservoir. Other noteworthy Gearagh" in the west and the village of artefacts are the numerous bridges which cross Inishcarra in the east. Topographically the the narrower part of the river and the structures landscape includes interweaving hills and associated with the production of electricity or valleys which conduct the River Lee. The water supply. The Gearagh is used as a popular
valleys are contained by low flanking ridges amenity for walking and is protected for its set back from the water while intermediate wildlife value. land comprises low hills which undulate or
Cork County Council 63 Planning Policy Unit Type 8 Hilly River and Reservoir Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Scenic Routes o Topographically the landscape The prevalence of a broad serpentine river There are two scenic routes within this includes interweaving hills and course, in a sense, draws light down to the Landscape Type. valleys, contained by low ridges and earth, creating a luminous meandering spine. interlocking hills, resulting in a Wherever one is located in this landscape this Landscape Character Areas meandering course for the River Lee, water course seems to draw the eye, giving which expands and contracts between structure and character. The entire landscape This landscape type is made up of the hydroelectric dams. flows gently, opening and narrowing according following Landscape Character Areas: o Farran Forest Park is 53 hectares in to topographic configuration. Although under area and contains stands of coniferous fairly intensive agricultural use, the dominance 59: The Gearagh (Alluvial Flood Plain and trees and mixed woodland. The main of human activity throughout the landscape is Reservoir in Patchwork Valley) species are Japanese larch, Scots pine, mitigated by the water and interweaving 56: Lee Reservoir (Rolling Patchwork Norway spruce, Douglas fir, beech, landform. Hills and Lake) ash, oak, sycamore and maple. The Park is also rich in both animal and Statutory Designations Key Characteristics bird life. There are three NHA’s, one SAC and one SPA within this landscape character type. These are Land use, field boundaries, trees and Built Environment Glashgarriff River, the Gearagh, and the Lee wildlife o There is a strong urban influence in Valley. The Glashagarriff River which is o Landcover pattern comprises regular this area due to its location close to the proposed for designation as a Natural Heritage shaped fields of medium size, bounded city and there are views of Ballincollig Area has a notable waterfall and several series by broadleaf hedgerows which are to the east. of rapids. The site consists of a small stream mostly low and thin The hillsides are o Individual houses in the area are more and wooded river valley. The wooded, humic dominated by scrub, marginal land, predominant in the western part of this valley has regions of seepage and exposed bracken and gorse. Landscape Character Type while to the rock. Sedges and Eared Willow are o Given that the soils are generally of east the houses are more established. characteristic of the woodland here while the moderate fertility, landuse comprises o The built environment has a strong rocks are generally covered by mosses or, in mostly pasture. character reflecting agricultural shady places filmy ferns. The Killarney Fern o The Gearagh is protected for it’s wealth. was recorded here in the past, but is no longer wildlife value and supports the most thought to be present. extensive alluvial woodland in Western Europe.
64 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 8 Hilly River and Reservoir Valleys
Socio Economic display housed in the restored hunting expanding. It is therefore important to ensure lodge. that the character of these settlements is not o This landscape is valued as an threatened by inappropriately scaled housing important tourist location, due mainly Pressure for Change developments. to the quality of its natural heritage, its Forestry scenic and recreational amenities and Agriculture due to its strategic location between Deciduous trees are a feature within this The land use in this area comprises mostly Cork and Killarney. landscape and their continuation will be pastural farming. Agricultural practice has This is a very fertile area and important in retaining this landscapes o helped preserve the strong field boundaries and agriculture is a major employer. character. the promotion of agriculture as the major There is some land zoned for industrial Coniferous plantations also articulate some o landuse and will help maintain the existing development in the village of flanking ridges where soils are thinner. Due to features of the landscape while also supporting Coachford. the scenic nature of this landscape it will be the local economy. There are a number of quarry sites in necessary to retain a reasonable number of o this area, which provide some views therefore future plantations should take Rural Housing employment. cognisance of this issue. Most of this area is protected by the greenbelt Ecology Windfarms and the Rural Housing Control Zone therefore individual rural housing is limited however the This area is not regarded as a “Strategic Search Geologically it comprises a river areas outside these areas are under pressure o Area” or a “Strategically Unsuitable Area” for valley, or almost an elongated basin, of from individual housing growth. windfarm developments. However, the low old red sandstone overlaid with brown rolling hills of this landscape would not lend podzols. Whilst the new dwellings are subject to itself to windfarm development and such The Gearagh is a national nature development management, problems have o developments would dominate the surrounding reserve, a biogenetic reserve, a ramsar arisen in relation to the use of certain design landscape. site and a candidate SAC. styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate
o Farran Forest Park is rich in both landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design Population animal and bird life. A wildlife Guidelines are however a positive step forward enclosure supports a variety of Village settlements in this Landscape Type are in addressing the issues of design, siting and wildfowl and mammals including a coming under pressure from development due overall approach to building dwellings herd of red deer. There is an ecology to their proximity to Cork City and suburban areas like Ballingcollig which are constantly
Cork County Council 65 Planning Policy Unit Type 8 Hilly River and Reservoir Valleys Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Tourism o Ensure future development of urban appropriate landscaping and screen fringe is well integrated with the rural planting of proposed developments by This landscape is valued as an important setting through screening with local using predominantly indigenous/local tourist location, due mainly to the quality of its plant species. species and groupings. natural heritage, its scenic and recreational Ensure the continued protection of the Ensure the protection of Farran Wood amenities and due to its strategic location o o Gearagh for its wildlife and natural for its wildlife and natural heritage between Cork and Killarney. heritage value while also ensuring its value while also ensuring its continued
continued use as a popular amenity use as a popular amenity attraction for Natural resources attraction for both locals and tourists. both locals and tourists. Pressure may arise from the quarrying activity o The majority of this landscape is in this area. There are approximately four local farmed therefore the promotion of quarries in this Landscape Type. agriculture as the major land use in this LCT will help maintain the Recommendations existing features of the landscape while also supporting the local Preserve the scenic and amenity values o economy and rural diversification. of the Lee Valley, which has a unique New farm buildings must be designed landscape setting, while also aiming to o to integrate with the landscape improve public access to the River Lee considering factors such as materials for amenity and recreational use. and colouring. Control development that will o Protect the prominent hillsides, which adversely affect distinctive linear o are predominant components of this sections of the Lee River Valley, landscape type, particularly on the especially its open flood plains, when northern side of the R618 that runs viewed from relevant scenic routes and through the village of Coachford. settlements. Protect the unique rural character and Improve public access to the o o setting of villages like Coachford and Glashagarriff River by enhancing it as Dripsey by preventing large-scale a key recreational and amenity source. development which would undermine Development should not encroach into the attractiveness of these villages. the flood plain where this would have Minimise the disturbance of a detrimental effect on landscape or o hedgerows in this area. Encourage ecological function.
66 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 9 Broad Marginal Middleground and Lowland Basin
Type 9: Broad Marginal Middleground With respect to geology and soils, higher ground comprises old red sandstone with some and Lowland Basin blanket peat, but this gives way to other kinds of sandstone as well as glacial deposits called "kames" (undulating mounds of stratified sand
and gravel) with patches mostly of brown
earths and gleys in bays and on lower ground to the south. Generally the terrain is one of
ruggedness and undulation, including rocky knolls and hillocks. Landcover at lower elevations mostly comprises relatively fertile
pasture but with rush on hillsides and on low- lying flatter and wetter ground. These parts are characterised by a mosaic of relatively small
fields and low to medium sized hedgerows and Landscape Value: Low post and wire fencing. Areas of higher ground are characterised by patches here and there of Landscape Sensitivity: Medium rough scrub, gorse bracken and heather, Landscape Importance: Local especially around rocky knolls and hillocks. Hedgerows in these higher areas frequently Landscape Description broaden into drifts of scrub. In some instances A broad shallow basin serving the River Ilen these drifts merge with small patches of and its tributaries enclosed by rugged ridges coniferous plantations, which are interspersed and rocky outcrops characterises this landscape throughout these areas. in respect of landform. Contained by
Mullaghmesha, Nowen Hill and Millane Hill Buildings are fairly sparse, comprising to the north, Mount Kid to the west and occasional houses, farmsteads and sheds. The Carrigfadda to the east, it falls gently relative complexity of terrain resulting from southwards, gradually expanding its width in topographic undulation and frequency of an east-west direction and southwards towards hedgerows, scrub and woodland provides a Skibbereen and ultimately beyond to the reasonable amount of screening to these coastal fringe and the sea. buildings, thus lending a distinct sense of rural
Cork County Council 67 Planning Policy Unit Type 9 Broad Marginal Middleground and Lowland Basin Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
character and remoteness. Towns and villages 61: Lough Abisdealy (Rugged Ridge and o Small lakes are a characteristic of the in this landscape type include Drimoleague to Rolling Scrub and Mosaic Farmland), landscape and are often surrounded by the north, Drinagh to the east and the town of which is located to the south of the natural woodland or scrub. Skibbereen to the south. landscape type. o Field boundaries south of Skibbereen and towards Castletownshend are This landscape could be described as 52: Drimoleague/Skibbereen (Moorland mainly post and rail fencing with some ‘secretive’ due to the fact that its restless Ridge and Broad Undulating Patchwork tree and scrubs intermittingly placed undulation, scrub and hedgerows conceals or Middle Valley), which is located in the between partially conceals many of its elements. This north of the landscape type. o Field boundaries to the north of involves not only screening of buildings, but Skibbereen consist mainly of scrub, also a hinting at naturalistic landscapes behind Key Characteristics hedgerow and sod and stone walls. hills and knolls and at the possibility of ascent Land use, field, boundaries, trees and towards even higher wilder and remote areas. Built Environment wildlife Notwithstanding the roughness of terrain, the In overall terms this area retains a sensitive eye is drawn down along the basin by This landscape is characterised by a o o strong vernacular quality. It is not observing a calming in landcover texture as mixed agricultural productivity with subject to major development pressure well as an increase in both light and ‘skyscape’ fertile pasture on lower ground and and this allied to the undulating quality southwards. basin and poorer agricultural land on of the terrain serves to retain the higher ground with rocky outcrops. traditional quality of the area. Statutory Designations The landform of this Landscape o Drimoleague in particular has a strong There are no Statutory Designations within this Character Type is enclosed with low vernacular quality. landscape type. hills. Transition from rural landscape to an Mixed forestry on upland hills with o o urban node is clouded by linear Scenic Routes coniferous forests on hill tops and housing developments on the approach There are five Scenic Routes within this marginal land roads to Drimoleague. Landscape Type. Two designated Scenic Landscapes: o Old traditional farmhouse type one overlooking Drimoleague and the o dwellings along with agricultural Landscape Character Areas other at Sheparton lakes. buildings generally sit well in the This landscape type contains two landscape Good areas of heath with rocky o landscape but some newer dwellings character areas: outcrops on the north and northwest are sited sometimes above the highest rim. hill ridge level and are more incongruous within the landscape.
68 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 9 Broad Marginal Middleground and Lowland Basin
o Main finishes to buildings are but their cumulative affects on the Pressure for Change predominately smooth plaster but landscape must be assessed Forestry clever use of stone has been used in an o The area benefits little from the urban context where a stone finish surrounding strong tourism market Coniferous forestry is evident on high ground reflects nearby structures and thus o Strong sense of community based on but it doesn’t affect the impressive heath satisfactorily assimilates into the sustained settlement pattern, well ridges, which are a key feature of this surrounding area. established farming, church and GAA. landscape. Overall this landscape is highly o Front boundary walls in the rural areas diverse as it contains various different features are predominately plaster or stone Ecology and characteristics thus it is capable of finished with some examples of accommodating further forestry development. There are no NHA, SPA’s or SAC’s in paddock fencing. However all of the o However if further forestation is to occur then this landscape type. above ignores the fact that sod and it should strive for diversity of species There are numerous small wooded stone walls, scrub and hedgerows are o throughout, especially on the lower grounds river and stream valleys on the the long-established field boundaries. where soils are of better quality. The species transitional area between the upper Traditionally houses have been selection should also respond to the tapestry of o slopes and the lower lying lands. concealed in the landscape as they are different colours of moorland and farmland by These provide a good hunting habitat located well off roads and are thus incorporation broadleaf species and larch. for Sparrow hawks and Kestrel. screened by vegetation. Their size and Hedgerows, where possible, should also be The low lying reach of the Ilen is of orientation also helps to maintain a o retained in order to reflect field patterns and it ecological interest and scrub and better relation to their surroundings. will be important to set back forestry from patches of natural woodland still occur However newer developments have peaks and ridges. along the river banks. tended to be nearer the road therefore o Diverse landscape which has retained they are much more visually Windfarms a strong natural character shaped by prominent and thus have an adverse non-intensive farming particularly in There are numerous areas that have been impact on the landscape. the north resulting in a diversity of identified under the County Development Plan
habitats including a good number of as “Strategic Search Areas”. The majority of Socio Economic countryside bird species and bats these areas are found to the north of the o Relatively weak economic base with landscape type. main economic activity based on Currently Windfarms are very visible on the agriculture (mixed and dairy farming). A86 Scenic Route as there have been a number o Windfarms are fast becoming a part of of windfarm developments constructed rural diversification in this landscape between Drimoleague and Drinagh.
Cork County Council 69 Planning Policy Unit Type 9 Broad Marginal Middleground and Lowland Basin Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Windfarms are fast becoming a part of rural features such as hedgerows and ditches. More Tourism diversification in this landscape and while the recently, with the introduction of schemes such The area benefits little from the surrounding landscape is diverse enough to accommodate as the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme strong tourism market. The rugged undulating change, the cumulative affects of more (REPS), an attempt has been made to explicitly quality of the landscape, the unspoilt natural Windfarms on the landscape must be assessed link farming activities to the environment. beauty and strong natural character shaped by in the future. However it remains to be seen how successful non-intensive farming may lead itself to some the second REPS programme will be in tourist expansion in the future. Population retaining and maintaining existing natural
landscape features. Population decline is associated with much of Recommendations this area and for the majority of areas the Rural Housing Maintain the visual quality of the current challenge is to retain the existing o upland areas by appropriate siting of population. The dominance of scrublands Isolated dwellings are a feature of the new development in visually presents evidence of population decline and the landscape but are by no means a dominant unobtrusive sites. abandonment of agricultural practice in rural characteristic. The majority of the existing Protect the existing rural nature of this areas. stock of isolated dwellings are traditional and o LCT by integrating new development well established which reflects the lack of within existing settlements. Agriculture development pressure in this area. However Plantations and re-plantations should some ribbon development is evident near many o The decline of agriculture is likely to impact be planned and managed in a way that of the main settlements. Indeed the transition on the character of the area as further lands enhances the landscape and should be from rural landscape to an urban node is may give over to forestry and scrub. set back from peaks and ridges. clouded by linear housing developments on the If the level of agricultural activity is not A diversity of species should be approach roads to Drimoleague. o encouraged then further scrub invasion and encouraged especially on lower forestry could obscure the existing field grounds where soils are of better Infrastructure patterns, however minimal they may be. quality. Hedgerows, where possible, Associated with the changes in the agricultural This landscape contains no major roads or should be retained in order to reflect sector within the County as a whole, are an other main transportation routes thus it is not field patterns. increase in part time farmers and the envisaged that significant infrastructural o Improve public access to the River Ilen accompanying decline in farm employment. projects will take place in the future thus this by enhancing it as a key recreation and This loss of labour is often particularly acute will not be a force of change. amenity source. with regard to the traditional maintenance and o Protect the unique rural character and management of key agricultural landscape setting of villages by preventing large-
70 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 9 Broad Marginal Middleground and Lowland Basin
scale development which would undermine the attractiveness of this
LCT. o Promote best practice in design and layout through the use of the Cork Rural Design Guide. These guidelines
are a positive step in addressing the
issues of design, siting and overall
approach to building dwellings in the
countryside
o Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style housing developments on the fringes
of smaller settlements as these can
have an adverse impact on the quality
and character of an area.
o Ensure that the approach roads,
particularly the scenic routes, to settlements of Drimoleague, Drinagh
and Skibbereen are protected from
inappropriate development which
would detract from the setting of these
settlements.
o Have regard to the impact of windfarms on the landscape. Such
developments will need to be planned
and located in a sensitive manner.
o Protect the setting of the lakes, which
are a characteristic of this landscape.
Cork County Council 71 Planning Policy Unit Type 9 Broad Marginal Middleground and Lowland Basin Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
72 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 10a Fissured Fertile Middleground
Type 10a: Fissured Fertile It is an elevated landscape, which is sequentially fissured by these rivers and their Middleground (South of the Gearagh) valleys. It predominantly comprises old red sandstone, but lower levels (shallow valleys) involve limestone. Soils are mostly brown
podzolics as well as some acid brown earths at
lower altitudes. It is, thus, a reasonably fertile farming landscape comprising a mosaic of
medium sized fields but also includes the occasional small marginal field. Hedgerows are typically broadleaf but this can include or
be replaced by gorse higher up with punctuation given here and there by conifer shelterbelts. Similarly, in some instances
where the rivers are deeply incised their steep Landscape Value: Low valley sides are covered in dense broadleaf vegetation at lower elevations and gorse above. Landscape Sensitivity: Low
Landscape Importance: Local Given the elevation of the landscape and resulting exposure, most hedgerows are fairly Landscape Description low. Some of these broaden into swaths of
coniferous plantation or merge with more This landscape is located south of The extensive copses of broadleaf trees. These Gearagh. This landscape type, as a areas of woodland are located in all parts of the middleground, has characteristics of both the landscape. The small plantations that rise to flatter fertile farmland type (Fertile Plain with hillcrests provide a characteristic feature along Moorland Ridge) and the higher marginal hilly with drifts of gorse which thrive on the thinner or rugged type (Rolling Marginal and Forested soils. Middleground). It comprises an area rising
above adjacent plains with moderate to low The land is used predominantly for dairy cattle relief of elongated interlocking hills forming pasture as well as some arable production. sinuous rivers. Houses, farmsteads and sheds are spread
Cork County Council 73 Planning Policy Unit Type 10a Fissured Fertile Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
across this landscape at most altitudes, though Landscape Character Areas gorse higher up with punctuation given are least likely to be located on hilltops. This section of Landscape Type 10a - Fissured here and there by conifer shelterbelts. Villages and hamlets nestle against hillsides, Fertile Middleground includes the following o Given the elevation of the landscape spreading up from valley bottoms and taking Landscape Character Area: and resulting exposure, most advantage of the shelter provided by the hedgerows are fairly low. Some of fissured topography. Examples of such 55: Capeen (Upland of intimate Rolling these broaden into swaths of settlements include Cappeen. Farmland Mossaic with Scrub Outcrops) coniferous plantation or merge with more extensive copses of broadleaf In its continuous rising and falling, this is a Key Characteristics trees. somewhat restless landscape. The overall appearance is one of intensive farming. Land use, field, boundaries, trees and Built Environment Agricultural practices and buildings are strong Houses, farmsteads and sheds are components as is the patchwork field pattern wildlife o dispersed across this landscape, while and occasional copses and woodland. The This landscape type has characteristics o villages and hamlets nestle against openness of this landscape type varies, as of both the flatter fertile farmland hillsides, spreading up from valley vistas are contained or opened depending on areas and the higher marginal hilly bottoms, taking advantage of the the configuration of landform and the viewing farmland. shelter provided by the fissured position. Elevated landscape, which is fissured o topography. by rivers and their valleys fairly gentle
Settlements include Cappeen and Teerelton. slopes, with reasonably fertile Socio Economic agricultural land comprising a mosaic Statutory Designations of small to medium sized fields with o This landscape character type is used This Landscape Type contains no pNHA’s or broadleaf hedgerows. predominantly for dairy as well as cSAC’s or SPA’s. o It is a reasonably fertile farming some arable production. landscape comprising a mosaic of o There are some small forestry Scenic Routes medium sized fields but also includes plantations in this landscape. This Landscape Type contains one scenic route the occasional small marginal field. the A84. Moving east there are larger fields Ecology with mature trees and hedges as field boundaries. o It predominantly comprises old red o Hedgerows are typically broadleaf but sandstone, but lower levels (shallow this can include or be replaced by valleys) involve limestone. Soils are
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 10a Fissured Fertile Middleground
mostly brown podzolics as well as northwest and west of this landscape type and Tourism some acid brown earths at lower the rest are scattered to the centre and east. The potential progress of tourism and the role altitudes. it will play will be a significant factor in the This Landscape Type contains no Currently Windfarms are not a feature of the o future development of the area. CASP suggests pNHA’s or cSAC’s or SPA’s. landscape but as much of the landscape is that the harbours and coast are an under- generally preferred location for Windfarms, appreciated resource, and there is considerable Pressure for Change they may become more prominent in the scope to further develop their tourist potential. future. Population
Recommendations This landscape contains the small village Rural Housing settlements of Cappeen, Castletownkenneigh Respect the remote character and Houses, farmsteads and sheds are spread o and Teerelton. Population decline in existing low-density development in across this landscape at most altitudes, though settlements like Castletownkenniegh is an this LCT. are least likely to be located on hilltops. There issue in this landscape however there has been Maintain the visual integrity of the is some new inappropriate and non-traditional o reasonable growth in other settlements like area, which has retained a dominantly hilltop housing development. In addition, Teerelton. undisturbed upland character. inappropriate new development could have a Maintain the strong vernacular negative impact on the vernacular character of o While it is important to reverse decline and character of villages of Teerelton and this area while ribboning of development on stabilise the population it is also important to Castletownkenneigh and promote best approach roads to villages could have a ensure that development supports the rural practice in design through use of the negative impact on the setting and character of character of the area. Cork Rural Design Guide. the area. Protect the existing character and o Agriculture setting of villages and village nuclei by Whilst the new dwellings are subject to encouraging development which is The land is used predominantly for dairy cattle development management, problems have compatible with existing development pasture as well as some arable production. arisen in relation to the use of certain design in terms of scale and design. styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate o Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style Windfarms landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design housing developments on the fringes Guidelines are however a positive step forward There are numerous areas in this LCT that of smaller settlements as these can in addressing the issues of design, siting and have been identified under the County have an adverse impact on the quality overall approach to building dwellings in the Development Plan as “Strategic Search Areas”. and character of an area. countryside. The majority of these areas are found to the
Cork County Council 75 Planning Policy Unit Type 10a Fissured Fertile Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
o Ensure that the approach roads to villages are protected from inappropriate development which would detract from the setting of these settlements. The majority of this landscape is o farmed relatively intensively therefore the promotion of agriculture as the major land use in this LCT will help maintain the existing features of the landscape while also supporting the local economy and rural diversification. o Hedgerows, where possible, should be retained in order to reflect field patterns. o Discourage developments that entail the removal of attractive roadside
hedgerows and trees. Where the removal of part of the roadside boundary is necessary the new boundary should reflect the old boundary. o Encourage appropriate landscaping and screen planting of proposed developments by using predominately indigenous/local species and groupings.
76 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 10b Fissured Fertile Middleground
Type 10b: Fissured Fertile which is sequentially fissured by these rivers Middleground (Rylane east to and their valleys. Many of the rivers in the Waterford) western parts extend beyond this landscape type and feed into the River Lee and Bandon River while those to the east head southwards to the sea.
It predominantly comprises old red sandstone, but lower levels (shallow valleys) involve limestone. Soils are mostly brown podzolics as well as some acid brown earths at lower altitudes. It is, thus, a reasonably fertile farming landscape comprising a mosaic of medium sized fields but also includes the occasional small marginal field. Hedgerows are typically broadleaf but this can include or Landscape Value: Medium be replaced by gorse higher up with Landscape Sensitivity: High punctuation given here and there by conifer shelterbelts. Similarly, in some instances
Landscape Importance: County where the rivers are deeply incised their steep
valley sides are covered in dense broadleaf vegetation at lower elevations and gorse above. Landscape Description Given the elevation of the landscape and This landscape type runs broadly between resulting exposure, most hedgerows are fairly Macroom to the west and the county boundary low. Some of these broaden into swaths of to the east. This landscape type, as a coniferous plantation or merge with more middleground, has characteristics of both the extensive copses of broadleaf trees. These flatter fertile farmland type (Fertile Plain with areas of woodland are located in all parts of the Moorland Ridge) and the higher marginal hilly landscape. The small plantations that rise to or rugged type (Rolling Marginal and Forested hillcrests provide a characteristic feature along Middleground). It comprises an area rising with drifts of gorse which thrive on the thinner
above adjacent plains with moderate to low soils. relief of elongated interlocking hills forming sinuous rivers. It is an elevated landscape,
Cork County Council 77 Planning Policy Unit Type 10b Fissured Fertile Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
The land is used predominantly for dairy cattle Willow frequent. The relatively rare Hay- Key Characteristics pasture as well as some arable production. scented Buckler Fern has been recorded here. Houses, farmsteads and sheds are spread Oak and Birch are dominant at Ardamadane, Land use, field boundaries, trees and across this landscape at most altitudes, though while the Shournagh Valley has a wetter type wildlife are least likely to be located on hilltops. of woodland with Hazel and Oak and old Villages and hamlets nestle against hillsides, mixed estate woodland where Beech is co- o This landscape type has characteristics spreading up from valley bottoms and taking dominant with Oak. of both the flatter fertile farmland advantage of the shelter provided by the areas and the higher marginal hilly fissured topography. Examples of such Scenic Routes farmland. settlements include Donoughmore, Carrignavar There are 8 Scenic Routes within this o Many of the rivers in the western parts and Ballincurrig. Landscape Type. extend beyond this landscape type and feed into the River Lee and Bandon In its continuous rising and falling, this is a Landscape Character Areas River while those to the east head somewhat restless landscape. The overall There are two landscape character areas within southwards to the sea. appearance is one of intensive farming. this landscape type – o This is an elevated landscape, which is Agricultural practices and buildings are strong fissured by fairly gentle slopes, with components as is the patchwork field pattern o 41 - The Mourneabbey (Rolling reasonably fertile agricultural land and occasional copses and woodland. The Patchwork Upper-Middle Valley) comprising a mosaic of small to openness of this landscape type varies, as landscape character area, which is medium sized fields with broadleaf vistas are contained or opened depending on located to the northeast of the hedgerows the configuration of landform and the viewing landscape type and the o Three sites have been identified to be position. o 4 - worthy of designation for protection Donoughmore/Watergrasshill/Dungour within this landscape type. All three Statutory Designations ney (Fissured Patchwork are woodlands that have retained a There are three sites that have been identified Middleground), which stretches from strong native character and a good to be worthy of designation for protection east to west. diversity of species both in the canopy within this landscape type. All three are and in the ground layer. woodlands that have retained a strong native character and a good diversity of specie both in Built Environment the canopy and in the ground layer. Leamlara Wood lies in a steep sided valley. The o Houses, farmsteads and sheds are dominant tree species is Oak with Hazel and dispersed across this landscape, while
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 10b Fissured Fertile Middleground
villages and hamlets nestle against found on the upland areas. Coniferous forestry of this landscape type and the rest are scattered hillsides, spreading up from valley can add to the drama and diversity to the long to the centre and east. bottoms, taking advantage of the vistas that can be viewed throughout this Currently Windfarms are not a feature of the shelter provided by the fissured landscape and it can also reinforce the rurality landscape but as much of the landscape is topography. of the countryside. However large-scale generally a preferred location for Windfarms, forestry, if unplanned, can lead to a bleak they may become more prominent in the landscape that emphasises the process of future. Socio Economic abandonment and it can also impinge adversely o Used predominantly for dairy as well on field patterns. Population as some arable production. This landscape is located between large centres Settlements include Donoughmore, Patchwork fields are still a strong feature and if o of population e.g. Mallow and Fermoy to the Carrignavar and Ballincurrig. this were to be maintained then smaller sized north, Cork City and Midleton to the south, forests would be more appropriate. A benefit Macroom to the west and Youghal to the east. of allowing original field patterns to determine Ecology However the urban structure within this forest pattern is that the memory or mark of the landscape type is very weak as there are only a Leamlara Wood lies in a steep sided previous landuse is retained. o number of small settlements that are dispersed valley. The dominant tree specie is throughout this landscape including Oak with Hazel and Willow frequent. These plantations are dominated by one Carrignavar, Whitechurch, Donoughmore, The relatively rare Hay-scented species. However colour variations, achieved Bweeng, Mount Unlacke and numerous village Buckler Fern has been recorded here. by using different species, especially nuclei. Isolated dwellings are a feature all Oak and Birch are dominant at broadleaf, would be more appropriate. o through this landscape and this is due largely Ardamadane, while the Shournagh to urban sprawl and rising property prices in Valley has a wetter type of woodland Extensive continuous forests can affect the the surrounding centres of population. with Hazel and Oak and old mixed apparent continuity of the landscape and can In the uplands a process of abandonment is estate woodland where Beech is co- help emphasise landform by concentrating on palpable, as large areas have been covered by dominant with Oak. hilltops or along dips between hills. forestry and scrub invasion is evident. If this
process develops further then it will have Windfarms Pressure for Change serious consequences on the existing There are numerous areas that have been patchwork field pattern in the landscape. Forestry identified under the County Development Plan The main forces of change in this area will be Coniferous forestry is commonplace right as “Strategic Search Areas”. The majority of preventing further urban sprawl and managing through this landscape but it is particularly these areas are found to the northwest and west the rapid growth of strategically located
Cork County Council 79 Planning Policy Unit Type 10b Fissured Fertile Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
villages while also addressing the changes in visible, buildings become more conspicuous strategic location between large centres of the upland areas. and the landscapes ability to absorb population. developments is reduced. Agriculture Recommendations Linear roadside housing developments in rural Agriculture appears to be the main employer in areas are commonplace but dwellings that are Ensure that future development in this area and the numerous villages serve as o set further back from the road and which make villages and village nuclei is service centres. The main feature throughout use of existing vegetation and landform are appropriately scaled and sympathetic the landscape is the patchwork field boundaries less prominent. to the existing character and setting of which agricultural practice played a pivotal the area. role in establishing and maintaining. Thus any Infrastructure Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style decline in agriculture practice would have a o housing developments on the fringes detrimental affect on the landscape. Some key National Primary routes traverse this of smaller settlements as these can landscape including the N20 and N8. The have an adverse impact on the quality Rural Housing Cork-Mallow rail line, which is an essential and character of an area. component of the rail network in Ireland, also Most of this area is protected by the greenbelt Discourage ribboning of individual transverses this landscape. Future upgrades or o and the Rural Housing Control Zone therefore houses along approach roads to redirection of these transportation routes would individual rural housing is limited however settlements. have a significant impact on the landscape. isolated dwellings are a feature all through this Ensure that any future improvements o landscape and this is due largely to urban to the N20 and the N8 do not have a While car transportation to main settlements is sprawl and rising property prices in the negative impact on the landscape. good, concentric links between villages within surrounding centres of population. While old Recognise the pressure for the landscape is poor as many of the third class o farmsteads are still present, the majority of development of individual houses roads are narrow and twisted. isolated dwellings are modern buildings. This outside the RHCZ and the impact of reflects the fact that this area is within this development on the landscape. Tourism commuting distance from Cork and other main o The majority of this landscape is towns. This landscape has no outstanding features that farmed relatively intensively therefore would sustain a vibrant tourist economy but it the promotion of agriculture as the The landscape by and large is able to absorb a does contain a rustic ambience that could be major land use in this LCT will help medium amount of development due to successfully marketed. The areas close maintain the existing features of the plentiful vegetation and diversity in the proximity to popular tourist centres such as landscape while also supporting the landscape. However where long vistas are Blarney and Youghal is an advantage as is its
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 10b Fissured Fertile Middleground
local economy and rural diversification. o Provide incentives to landowners to improve condition of farmland, including management of hedgerows and trees in field boundaries.
o New farm buildings must be designed to integrate with the landscape considering factors such as size, materials and colouring. o Maintain and enhance views to and from areas of visual value including extensive uninterrupted views across open countryside. o Maintain the visual integrity of the area which has retained a dominantly undisturbed upland character. Ensure the continued protection of the o Shornagh Valley for its wildlife and natural heritage value while also ensuring its continued use as a popular amenity attraction for both locals and tourists. o Develop amenity walks through Leamlara Wood while also continuing to protect it for its wildlife and natural heritage value. o Have regard to the impact of windfarms on the landscape. Such developments will need to be located
and laid out in a sensitive manner.
Cork County Council 81 Planning Policy Unit Type 10b Fissured Fertile Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
82 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 11 Broad Marginal Middleground Valley
Type 11: Broad Marginal to medium size fields bounded by mixed Middleground Valley broadleaf hedgerows. Dairy farming is the main landuse, while buildings comprising farmsteads, and individual houses are dispersed throughout the landscape. The main towns include Newmarket and Kanturk.
Statutory Designations There are three pNHA’s and one SAC within this landscape type. These are Priory Wood
(Lismire), Banteer Woods and Killarney National Park.
Scenic Routes There are 7 Scenic Routes within this Landscape Value: High landscape type. Landscape Sensitivity: High Landscape Character Areas
Landscape Importance: Local There are two Landscape Character Areas
contained within this landscape type which almost provide a near perfect north-south Landscape Description divide. They are: Located between upland and lowland areas in
northwest Cork. This landscape is Upper Blackwater (moorland ridge and characterised by its relative evenness of terrain o undulating mosaic farmland upper- across the broad shallow valley of the River middle valley), which is the southern Blackwater, fed by several tributaries draining section. the higher ground to the north and south. At Newmarket (fissured and hilly mosaic higher altitudes, the ground rises relatively o farmland), which is the northern steeply to meet a more mountainous landscape, section. while lower down the ground spreads out into
gently sloping fertile land. Land is generally of
marginal agricultural quality, typically of small
Cork County Council 83 Planning Policy Unit Type 11 Broad Marginal Middleground Valley Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Key Characteristics and individual houses are dispersed Ecology throughout the landscape. The older o Some NHA’s include the Priory wood Land use, field, boundaries, trees and farmhouses are generally located a in Lismire and the Banteer Ponds. significant distance from the main road wildlife and are well screened. o The main agricultural land use is dairy o Building materials include plaster and Pressure for Change farming. blue black tiles. Rural Housing o Small to medium size fields bounded o A lot of the newer dwellings display by mixed broadleaf hedgerows. non-traditional features like Dutch Isolated one-off dwellings in the open o The hedgerows and vegetation that gables and their front boundaries have countryside are a common feature all over this forms the road boundaries is of not retained any part of the hedgerow. landscape type. While scattered dwellings medium height and in some areas it These new houses usually are located along roads are characteristic, continued ribbon restricts views of the surrounding in a linear fashion and some are sited development along main routes and local roads landscape. so as to maximise views of the may result in the loss of distinctiveness o Relative evenness of terrain across the surrounding landscape. between town and country and would thus be broad shallow valley of the River o The built heritage of the area is inappropriate. Blackwater, fed by several tributaries important within County Cork, with draining the higher ground to the north notable concentrations at Kanturk and Inappropriate ribboning of development on and south. Drishane. The old Convent in approach roads to main settlements is a o At higher altitudes, the ground rises Newmarket and its surrounding particular feature of this landscape type. relatively steeply to meet a more grounds is an attractive landmark in Approach roads to main towns like Kanturk mountainous landscape, while lower the town. and Newmarket are littered with urban sprawl down the ground spreads out into development. This does not provide a pleasing gently sloping fertile land. Socio Economic introduction to settlements as it reduces the There are very few designated sites, loss of distinctiveness between urban and o Land is generally of marginal i.e. SAC’s, NHA’s, SPA’s within this o country areas. agricultural quality however dairy landscape area. farming is the main land use. Building styles contribute to the distinctiveness The main towns include Newmarket Built Environment o and character of an area however there is a and Kanturk. strong trend towards a profusion of varied
o Buildings comprising farmsteads, styles, which is currently impacting on the barrel roofed metal sheds, slatted sheds distinctiveness of the landscape character.
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 11 Broad Marginal Middleground Valley
Population and a number of derelict and unoccupied therefore their visual impact on the landscape dwellings in villages. should be addressed. Population decline is associated with this area.
However as housing prices have rapidly Agriculture Due to the pattern of land ownership in increased in recent years in metropolitan Cork Ireland, forests on hill or mountain sites are and the ring towns, people have started to The decline of agriculture is likely to impact often established as long narrow belts running move to the southern and eastern part of this on the character of the area. Associated with uphill in isolation. Where a number of these landscape type. the changes in the agricultural sector within the are planted in close proximity, the resulting County as a whole, is an increase in part time ‘ladder’ effect involving alternative strips of Population increase is most noticeable in farmers and the accompanying decline in farm forest and open ground creates a disjointed Kanturk as it has a number of examples of employment. This loss of labour is often landscape. The shape of plantations, which sizable housing estates on the fringes of the particularly acute with regard to the traditional often resemble ‘blocks’ on the landscape and settlement. Many of these have a very formal maintenance and management of key the lack of a mixture of species, is a worrying character and there is a general trend towards agricultural landscape features such as trend. homogeneity in terms of their siting and hedgerows and ditches. More recently, with the design. Such development represents a introduction of schemes such as the Rural While this landscape type has been robust particular force for change and may have an Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS), an enough to accommodate forestry development adverse impact on the quality and character of attempt has been made to explicitly link (due mainly to the diversity in the landscape) some of the areas most distinctive local farming activities to the environment. However further plantations and re-plantations should be landscapes. it remains to be seen how successful the planned and managed in a way that enhances second REPS programme will be in retaining the landscape. Villages to the east and south of Kanturk such and maintaining existing natural landscape as Banteer could experience serious pressure features. Windfarms for housing development in the future. If agricultural activity is not encouraged then further scrub invasion could damage landscape Existing Windfarm development has made a More isolated areas to the extreme north and character by obscuring field patterns and strong imprint in the north of this landscape west of this landscape type are not distinctive landform. type. Further Windfarm developments in the experiencing the same level of growth, and in a north of the area will have a lasting influence number of areas the current challenge is to on the landscape therefore their cumulative Forestry retain the existing population. There is visual impacts should be thoroughly assessed. evidence of population decline in parts with Forestry development is beginning to dominate rush and scrub infestation on agricultural lands some of the upland areas within this landscape
Cork County Council 85 Planning Policy Unit Type 11 Broad Marginal Middleground Valley Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Recommendations west of Millstreet town. These upland ensuring its continued use as a popular areas are predominant components of amenity attraction for both locals and The majority of this landscape is o this landscape type. tourists. farmed therefore the promotion of Maintain the strong vernacular Have regard to the impact of agriculture as the major land use in o o character of this landscape type and windfarms on the landscape. Such this LCT will help maintain the promote best practice through use of developments will need to be located existing features of the landscape the Cork Rural Design Guide. These and laid out in a sensitive manner. while also supporting the local guidelines are a positive step forward economy and rural diversification. in addressing the issues of design, Minimise disturbance of hedgerows in o siting and overall approach to building rural areas and encourage appropriate dwellings in the countryside. landscaping and screen planting of Discourage ribboning of development proposed developments by using o along roads in particular along the predominately indigenous/local national and regional routes that link species and groupings. Broadleaf towns and villages like Kanturk, planting should be encouraged in this Newmarket and Banteer. landscape type, as it is the prevailing Protect Rivers Blackwater, Dalua and foliage. o Allow and their surrounding Promote introduction of deciduous o floodplains. Ensure its value as a edges to existing coniferous scenic amenity area is managed and plantations to soften their appearance. maintained. New plantations should respect Identify walkways, and existing and landscape pattern (see Forestry o potential recreational areas within this Guidelines). landscape type. Ensure that additional conifer planting o Details of landscaping should be is at small scale and is in sympathy o submitted with each application unless with the landscape. Plantations and re- it is for a development that will have plantations should be planned and minimal impact on the landscape e.g. managed in a way that enhances the garage or an extension. landscape and should be set back from Ensure the continued protection of peaks and ridges o Caherbarnagh for its wildlife and Protect the high ridges and o natural heritage value while also mountainous peaks, particularly to the
86 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 12a Rolling Marginal and Forested Middleground
Type 12a: Rolling Marginal and which supports a patchy moorland vegetation of semi-natural grassland and heather and also Forested Middleground (Ballyvourney- Gaeltacht) swaths of bracken on slightly more fertile areas. A mosaic of small irregularly shaped pasture fields are scattered among the scrub on
lower ground indicating pockets of relatively
high fertility between rocky outcrops. The landscape is mottled in terms of both colour
and texture due to the diverse landcover, involving a mix of scrub and cultivated patches. On wetter ground and along streams at
lower altitudes willow is more prevalent while rush is common in fields of marginal agricultural quality. Broad swaths of
coniferous plantations skirt the hills mostly at Landscape Value: High lower altitudes but also ascend to hilltops.
Landscape Sensitivity: High Farmsteads and houses are sparsely located on
Landscape Importance: Local lower ground. Farm related buildings such as sheds are generally small and limited in extent. Roads are also limited in width and wind Landscape Description through the rugged terrain. Village clusters are This landscape type is located in the vicinity of small and scattered, and include those at Ballyvourney/Ballymakeery. This is a Coolea and Ballyvourney. middleground landscape comprising rolling topography with rugged rocky ridges and There is a strong presence of the untamed and knolls of old red sandstone spread across naturalistic throughout this landscape but this shallow river basins formed by low hills. To is held in balance by the small pockets of the north, south and west it extends to higher farmland with its relatively ordered field ridges that form part of the adjoining Ridged, pattern. Spatial flow or dynamic is one of Peaked and Forested Upland landscape restless undulation. It is a moderately open character type. Soils include peaty podzols and landscape, providing views between a thin layer of blanket peat on higher ground
Cork County Council 87 Planning Policy Unit Type 12a Rolling Marginal and Forested Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
hedgerows across the river valley. However, Key Characteristics woodland, a habitat listed on Annex I spatial containment is provided to the north, Land use, field, boundaries, trees and of the EU Habitats Directive. south and west by the relatively high ridges o Field boundaries consist hedgerows, wildlife forming part of the adjoining landscape post and wire fencing and some stone character types. o It comprises rolling topography with walls rugged rocky ridges and Sullane River Statutory Designations basin. Built Environment There is one candidate Special Area of o Hills forming these two basins are Conservation within this landscape character gently sloping, becoming somewhat o Roads are limited in width and wind type. St. Gobnaits Wood is an important old steeper at lower levels and generally through the rugged terrain. Oak woodland, a habitat listed on Annex I of comprised of patchy moorland o Houses and farmsteads are sparsely the EU Habitats Directive. Its canopy is vegetation of semi-natural grassland located on lower ground. Housing does dominated by a mixture of Birch, old Beech, and heather. not dominate the landscape but instead Ash and Sessile Oak with occasional Alder and o A mixture of small irregularly shaped fits in with the wooded areas and Sycamore. It has a very rich herb and moss fertile fields located on lower ground winding roads. layer adding to its ecological interest. St between scrub and rocky outcrops. o Village clusters are small and Gobnaits Wood is also a pNHA. o The landscape is mottled in terms of scattered, and include those at Coolea both colour and texture due to the and Ballyvourney. Scenic Routes diverse landcover, involving a mix of o Reananerree is one of the few There are four Scenic Routes within this scrub and cultivated patches. settlements in the area. Landscape Type. o On wetter ground and along streams at lower altitudes willow is more Socio Economic Landscape Character Areas prevalent and rush is common in fields This landscape type comprises a This Type includes two areas of marginal agricultural quality. o substantial component of the Muskerry Broad swaths of coniferous plantations o Gaeltacht, which is of national 23 - Ballyvourney (Composite Middle skirt the hills mostly at lower altitudes o significance for its linguistic, musical, Valley of Rugged Scrub and Marginal but also on some hilltops. Extensive educational and cultural value. This Land) felling has taken place. attracts tourism in the form of Irish 28 - Reananerree (Composite Middle Significant areas of broadleaf o o colleges. Funding from Údarás na Valley of Forests, Rugged Scrub and woodland including St. Gobnaits Gaeltachta has helped create an Marginal Land) Wood which is an important old Oak industrial cluster in Ballyvourney
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 12a Rolling Marginal and Forested Middleground
which provides employment for a plantations should be planned and managed in development supports the linguistic, cultural large hinterland. a way that enhances the landscape. and rural heritage of the area. o The area is located along the main Cork to Killarney road thus the area Deciduous trees are a feature within this Agriculture benefits from the spin-off of the landscape, which has significant areas of Much of the farmland in this area is of passing tourist traffic. broadleaf woodland, and their continuation marginal agricultural quality and is often used This landscape is valued for its scenic will be important in retaining this landscape’s o for commercial forestry. amenity and its expansive views and character.
scenic routes, including the Cousane Gap. Windfarms Rural Housing The main centres of population include o This area is not regarded as a “Strategic Search The greatest pressure for new residential Ballyvourney and Coolea. Area” or a “Strategically Unsuitable Area” for development in rural areas is for isolated
windfarm developments. The low rolling dwellings in the countryside. Whilst the new Ecology topography of this landscape would not lend dwellings are subject to development o St. Gobnaits Wood is a pNHA and a itself to windfarm development and such management, problems have arisen in relation cSAC. developments would dominate the surrounding to the use of certain design styles and o Soils include peaty podzols and a thin landscape. There are views of wind farms to inappropriate landscaping of curtilage. layer of blanket peat on higher ground, the west from this landscape type on the Kerry which supports a patchy moorland side of the Cork Kerry boundary. There are not many new individual houses in vegetation of semi-natural grassland this landscape however there has been some and heather, and also swaths of Population inappropriate ribboning of development along bracken on slightly more fertile areas. approach roads to villages in this area. Population decline is a major issue in the
Muskerry Gaeltacht area. Settlements such as Pressure for Change It is important to ensure that new development Ballymakeery/Ballyvourney and Kilnamartyra is sympathetic to the existing vernacular Forestry can play a vital role in stemming population character of this landscape. decline and reversing the decline in other There are large areas of commercial forestry sectors such as employment, services and plantations and there has been extensive felling amenities. Tourism in this area. While parts of this landscape have been robust enough to accommodate forestry Due to its strategic location between Cork and While it is important to reverse decline in this development further plantations and re- Killarney and the number of visitor attractions area it is also important to ensure that tourism is important to this area. The potential
Cork County Council 89 Planning Policy Unit Type 12a Rolling Marginal and Forested Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
progress of tourism and the role it will play development that would undermine the will be a significant factor in the future attractiveness of these villages. development of the area. o Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style housing developments on the fringes Recommendations of settlements as these can have an adverse impact on the quality and Continue to promote the Muskerry o character of an area. Gaeltacht area in Ballyvourney as a Promote best practice in design cultural resource. o through use of the Cork Rural Design Plantations and re-plantations should o Guide. be planned and managed in a way that Protect the existing rural nature of this enhances the landscape and should be o LCT by integrating appropriately set back from peaks and ridges. scaled new development within Promote introduction of deciduous o existing settlements. edges to existing coniferous Protect the high ridges and plantations to soften their appearance. o mountainous peaks, which are Minimise disturbance of landscape and o predominant components of this habitats like St. Gobnaits Wood which landscape type, particularly is an important old Oak woodland. surrounding the villages of Develop amenity walks through St. o Ballyvourney, Coolea and Gobnait’s Wood while also continuing Ballymakeery. to protect it for its wildlife and natural Ensure that the approach roads, heritage value. o particularly the scenic routes, to Improve public access to the Sullane o Ballyvourney, Coolea and River Valley by enhancing it as a key Ballymakeery are protected from recreation and amenity source while inappropriate development which also recognising the potential would detract from the setting of these constraints created by the river flood settlements. plain.
Protect the existing rural character and o setting of Ballyvourney, Ballymakeery
and Coolea by preventing large scale
90 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 12b Rolling Marginal and Forested Middleground
Type 12b: Rolling Marginal and The river basins include the upper reaches of Forested Middleground (South) the River Bandon and Sullane River (12a). While typically the hills forming these two basins are gently sloped, they become somewhat steeper at lower levels. Soils include peaty podzols and a thin layer of blanket peat
on higher ground which supports a patchy moorland vegetation of semi-natural grassland and heather and also swaths of bracken on
slightly more fertile areas. A mosaic of small irregularly shaped pasture fields are scattered among the scrub on lower ground indicating pockets of relatively high fertility between rocky outcrops. The landscape is mottled in terms of both colour and texture due to the Landscape Value: Medium diverse landcover, involving a mix of scrub and cultivated patches. On wetter ground and Landscape Sensitivity: Medium along streams at lower altitudes willow is more Landscape Importance: Local prevalent while rush is common in fields of marginal agricultural quality. Broad swaths of coniferous plantations skirt the hills mostly at Landscape Description lower altitudes but also ascend to hilltops. This landscape type is situated north of Dunmanway. This is a middleground Farmsteads and houses are sparsely located on landscape comprising rolling topography with lower ground. Farm related buildings such as rugged rocky ridges and knolls of old red sheds are generally small and limited in extent. sandstone spread across shallow river basins Roads are also limited in width and wind formed by low hills. To the north, south and through the rugged terrain. Village clusters are west it extends to higher ridges that form part small and scattered, and include Shanlaragh of the adjoining Ridged, Peaked and Forested and Togher. Upland landscape character type.
Cork County Council 91 Planning Policy Unit Type 12b Rolling Marginal and Forested Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
There is a strong presence of the untamed and o 63 - Shanlaragh (Middle valley of meanders through the valley north of naturalistic throughout this landscape but this rugged Moorland and Patchwork this site. The area originally carried a is held in balance by the small pockets of Moraines) crop of oak, birch, rowan, holly, alder farmland with its relatively ordered field and hazel. Now there are stands of pattern. Spatial flow or dynamic is one of Key Characteristics Sitka and Norway spruce, lodgepole restless undulation. It is a moderately open Land use, field, boundaries, trees and pine and Douglas fir. landscape, providing views between wildlife hedgerows across the river valley. However, Built Environment spatial containment is provided to the north, It comprises rolling topography with o Roads are limited in width and wind south and west by the relatively high ridges rugged rocky ridges and the upper o through the rugged terrain. forming part of the adjoining landscape reaches of the River Bandon. Houses and farmsteads are sparsely character types. Hills are gently sloping, becoming o o located on lower ground, with farm somewhat steeper at lower level, and related buildings such as sheds Statutory Designations are generally comprised of patchy generally small and limited in extent. There is one cSAC within this Landscape moorland vegetation of semi-natural Village clusters are small and Type. The Bandon River supports a small grassland and heather. o scattered, and include Shanlaragh and though important example of alluvial wet A mixture of small irregularly shaped o Togher. woodland, a rare and important habitat. It also fertile fields located on lower ground supports good examples of wet woodland with between scrub and rocky outcrops. Socio Economic rare and protected plants and a number of o The landscape is mottled in terms of animal species identified to require special both colour and texture due to the o The area is located along the main protection measures. These include Otter, diverse landcover, involving a mix of Cork to Killarney road thus the area Salmon, Lamprey and Freshwater Pearl scrub and cultivated patches. benefits from the spin-off of the Mussel. o On wetter ground and along streams at passing tourist traffic. lower altitudes willow is more Scenic Routes prevalent and rush is common in fields Pressure for Change There is one Scenic Route within this of marginal agricultural quality. Forestry Landscape Type. o Broad swaths of coniferous plantations skirt the hills mostly at lower altitudes There are large areas of commercial forestry Landscape Character Areas but also on some hilltops. plantations and there has been extensive felling This Landscape type includes the following o Mallabrackha Forest is north of in this area. While parts of this landscape have landscape area: Dunmanway. The Bandon River been robust enough to accommodate forestry
92 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 12b Rolling Marginal and Forested Middleground
development further plantations and re- overall approach to building dwellings in the constraints created by the river flood plantations should be planned and managed in countryside. plain and the value of this flood plain a way that enhances the landscape. as a rare habitat. Population o Develop amenity walks through Agriculture Mallabrackha Forest while also There has been minimal growth in population continuing to protect it for its wildlife Much of the farmland in this area is of in this area in recent years. Buildings and other and natural heritage value. marginal agricultural quality and is often used structures are few and far between in this Minimise disturbance of hedgerows in for commercial forestry. landscape type. o rural areas. Encourage appropriate
landscaping and screen planting of Windfarms However it is important to ensure that new proposed developments by using development is sympathetic to the existing This area is not regarded as a “Strategic Search predominately indigenous/local vernacular character of this landscape. Area” or a “Strategically Unsuitable Area” for species and groupings. windfarm developments. The low rolling o Promote introduction of deciduous Tourism topography of this landscape would not lend edges to existing coniferous itself to windfarm development and such The Bandon River and Mallabrackha Forest plantations to soften their appearance. developments would dominate the surrounding with amenity walks and other potential New plantations should respect landscape. The landscape to the east of this activities though not a major facility could be landscape pattern. area has been identified as a Strategic Search used as a local resource. o Plantations and re-plantations should area for windfarms (10a). Recommendations be planned and managed in a way that enhances the landscape and should be o Respect the remote character and Rural Housing set back from peaks and ridges. existing low-density development in Guidelines on the design of woodlands The development of modern rural housing has this LCT. o and forestry and their management are had some impact on the vernacular landscape, Maintain the strong vernacular o produced by the Forest Service under whilst the new dwellings are subject to character of the area. the Department of Agriculture and development management, problems have Promote best practice in design o Food and should be used. arisen in relation to the use of certain design through use of the Cork Rural Design styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate Guide. landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design o Improve public access to the River Guidelines are however a positive step forward Bandon by enhancing it as a key in addressing the issues of design, siting and recreation and amenity source while also recognising the potential
Cork County Council 93 Planning Policy Unit Type 12b Rolling Marginal and Forested Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
94 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 13a Valleyed Marginal Middleground
Type 13a: Valleyed Marginal An appearance of roughness prevails due to the fragmentation of fields by areas of marginal Middleground (Macroom and Environs) quality on peaty podzols or which are uncultivated and include clumps of willow, birch, heather, bracken and gorse. This
appearance is also contributed to by the
occasional rock outcrop and by the intermittent change of hedgerows from broadleaf to conifer
shelterbelts and the strips of riparian vegetation winding along the more fertile riverbanks. Fields are located on hill slopes and valley
bottoms and are used for grazing. They are both regular and irregular in configuration and small to medium in size, defined by low Landscape Value: High hedgerows of broadleaf trees and shrubs and Landscape Sensitivity: High conifers or simply by banks. Some patches of fields, which are on flatter ground at lower Landscape Importance: County altitude, are of higher fertility. Coniferous
plantations are mostly located on higher Landscape Description ground, rising to, and covering, hill tops where This landscape type is found between soils are thinner. Ballyvourney and Macroom. Topographically this landscape comprises low rounded hills of Bungalows and farmsteads are located on low old red sandstone enclosing fairly broad to middle ground. Vaulted hay and modern undulating river valleys. The rivers in the metal sheds are also interspersed across the western area comprise the middle to upper landscape. These buildings are generally well levels of the River Lee and Sullane River integrated into the landscape by the partial before they join together as the River Lee in an screening and physical linkage provided by adjacent landscape type (Hilly River and hedgerows and shelterbelts. The largest Reservoir Valleys). The Sullane River holds settlement is the town of Macroom.
stocks of small Brown Trout while the River Lee is a serious Salmon angling river.
Cork County Council 95 Planning Policy Unit Type 13a Valleyed Marginal Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
The smaller clearly delineated patches of fields (pNHA) and two small woodlands Prohus o The rivers are the middle to upper on lower ground appear to weave among Wood and Boylegrove Wood (pNHA’s). levels of the River Lee and Sullane patches of scrub and rocky knolls as they River before they join together as the follow drifts of fertile soil. They often seem Scenic Routes River Lee. almost etched into the landscape, like smooth, Small to medium sized fields are of There are 6 Scenic Routes within this o neatly shaped and luminous emeralds in a marginal quality consisting of Landscape Type. coarse and somewhat wild landscape studded uncultivated peaty soils, and include by the occasional prominent rock outcrop. This clumps of willow, birch, heather, Landscape Character Areas engenders a visually interesting juxtaposition bracken and the occasional rock There are three LCA’s within this landscape of the cultivated and the naturalistic. outcrop and low broadleaf hedgerows type. They are: bound them. Stonewalls are a feature o Kilmichael – Broad Middle Valley of Statutory Designations of the landscape in the upland areas. Rugged Scrub and Marginal Land, Coniferous plantations are mostly There are four sites within this landscape type which is located to the south of this o located on higher ground. that have been identified for designation for landscape type. nature conservation purposes. A section of the o Macroom – Broad Middle Valley of Built Environment Gearagh (pNHA, cSAC and SPA) is located Semi-Rugged Mosaic Hills and Rock in this Landscape Character Type. This site, Outcrops, which is located in the Bungalows, farmsteads and sheds are which is of international importance, supports centre of this landscape type. o interspersed across the landscape and the most extensive alluvial woodland in Ballynagree – Moorland Ridge, o are generally well screened due to the Western Europe. This unusual area has formed Rolling Farmland and Boggy Flat abundance and variety of vegetation in where the River Lee breaks into a complex Valley. the area. network of channels weaving through a series of wooded islands. The alluvial woodland Key Characteristics Socio Economic which remains today at the Gearagh is of o Macroom town plays a defining role in unique scientific interest. It has probably been Land use, field, boundaries, trees and this landscape character area, wooded since the end of the last Ice Age and wildlife especially in socio economic terms. frequent flooding has served to enhance its The largest settlement is the town of character. The site is also important for Topographically this landscape o Macroom. wintering waterfowl including Whooper Swan, comprises low rounded hills of old red Sheep farming is carried out in the Wigeon, Teal, Tufted Duck and Golden sandstone enclosing fairly broad o area around Ballynagree. Plover. Other areas of ecological importance undulating river valleys. within this landscape type include Lough Gal
96 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 13a Valleyed Marginal Middleground
Ecology More recently constructed dwellings are sited more for surrounding views rather than Population o There are four pNHAs in this integration with the landscape. landscape type. See Statutory Macroom is the main town in this landscape Designations section above. type and it has a profound impact socially and Infrastructure economically. Villages in the vicinity gravitate The N22 National Primary Route, which links Pressure for Change towards the town and it has a very significant Kerry with Cork transverses this landscape. impact on the settlement pattern in the area. Forestry Future upgrades or redirection of these
transportation routes would have a significant Commercial forestry has impacted on much of While Macroom town and its environs have impact on the landscape. the three landscape character areas especially experienced population growth in recent years, the Ballynagree area due to its thin soils and outlining areas appear to have suffered elevated location. While the landscape is population decline. The amount of derelict Tourism robust to accommodate commercial forestry, dwellings, vast coverage of forestry, scrub Macroom is an important “stop-off” location the formal layout can sometimes clash with the invasion of agricultural lands and a lack of a for tourists travelling the Cork-Kerry road. rugged appearance of parts of the landscape strong urban structure portray this. Macroom’s attractive castle and square as well type. as its variety of accommodation, restaurants Agriculture and cafes, provide an attraction for visitors. In more fertile areas there is a clear field Much of the farmland in this area is of pattern and forestry development should marginal agricultural quality. Natural resources respect these traditional field patterns and should not obscure their layout. There are a number of local quarries in the Rural Housing Macroom area. Windfarms Rural housing is concentrated around the town of Macroom, which in some areas leads to Recommendations Strategic Search Areas have been identified as linear development. This landscape type does being suitable for wind energy development to Ensure the continued protection of the not contain a huge amount of scattered rural o the north east of Macroom around the area of Gearagh for its wildlife and natural housing however they are a feature of this Ballynagree. heritage while also ensuring its landscape. continued use as a popular amenity
attraction. The majority of houses in the outlining areas Forestry development should respect are traditional and sit well in the landscape. o the existing field pattern. Plantations
Cork County Council 97 Planning Policy Unit Type 13a Valleyed Marginal Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
and re-plantations should be planned inappropriate development, which and managed in a way that enhances would detract from the setting of this the landscape and should be set back settlement. from peaks and ridges. o Have regard to the impact of o Guidelines on the design of woodlands windfarms on the landscape. Such and forestry and their management are developments will need to be located produced by the Forestry Service and laid out in a sensitive manner. under the Department of Agriculture and Food and should be used. o Protect Rivers Sullane and Lee and their surrounding floodplains. Ensure the value of these rivers as scenic amenity areas is managed and maintained.
o Protect the existing rural nature of this LCT by integrating appropriately scaled new development within existing settlements. o Discourage sizable ‘urban’ style housing developments on the fringes of smaller settlements such as Ballinagree and Kilnamartyra, as these can have an adverse impact on the quality, character and setting of an area. Promote best practice in design o through use of the Cork Rural Design Guide. o Implement improvements to visitor attractions in and around Macroom. o Ensure that the approach roads to Macroom are protected from
98 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 13b Valleyed Marginal Middleground
Type 13b: Valleyed Marginal An appearance of roughness prevails due to the fragmentation of fields by areas of marginal Middleground (Glenville and Environs) quality on peaty podzols or which are uncultivated and include clumps of willow, birch, heather, bracken and gorse. This
appearance is also contributed to by the
occasional rock outcrop and by the intermittent change of hedgerows from broadleaf to conifer
shelterbelts and the strips of riparian vegetation winding along the more fertile riverbanks. Fields are located on hill slopes and valley
bottoms and are used for grazing. They are both regular and irregular in configuration and small to medium in size, defined by low
hedgerows of broadleaf trees and shrubs and Landscape Value: Medium conifers or simply by banks. Some patches of fields which are on flatter ground at lower Landscape Sensitivity: Medium altitude are of higher fertility. Coniferous Landscape Importance: Local plantations are mostly located on higher ground, rising to, and covering, hill tops where soils are thinner. Landscape Description This landscape type includes and surrounds the Bungalows and farmsteads are located on low village of Glenville. This landscape is valued to middle ground. Vaulted hay and modern for agriculture while the more marginal upland metal sheds are also interspersed across the areas are particularly used for commercial landscape. These buildings are generally well forestry. Topographically this landscape integrated into the landscape by the partial comprises low rounded hills of old red screening and physical linkage provided by sandstone enclosing fairly broad undulating hedgerows and shelterbelts. river valleys. The river in this area is the upper part of the River Bride. The smaller clearly delineated patches of fields on lower ground appear to weave among
Cork County Council 99 Planning Policy Unit Type 13b Valleyed Marginal Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
patches of scrub and rocky knolls as they Key Characteristics o This Landscape Character Type follow drifts of fertile soil. They often seem contains the upper part of the River almost etched into the landscape, like smooth, Land use, field, boundaries, trees and Bride. neatly shaped and luminous emeralds in a wildlife o This landscape contains large areas of coarse and somewhat wild landscape studded coniferous forestry plantations which by the occasional prominent rock outcrop. This o There is a strong contrast in this are mostly located on higher ground. engenders a visually interesting juxtaposition landscape between fertile fields and Ardarou Forest was planted in 1969 of the cultivated and the naturalistic. marginal land. and 1972. Douglas fir is the main tree o Small to medium sized fields are of species planted here. Poplar can be Statutory Designations marginal quality consisting of seen on the flat area between the road uncultivated peaty soils, and include and the river while alder and hazel The river valley of the Bride/Bunaglanna has clumps of willow, birch, heather, grow along the river bank. been designated as a pNHA within this bracken, the occasional rock outcrop There are Clumps of wooded areas landscape type. o and are bounded by low broadleaf with mature broad leaf trees.
hedgerows. To the north the landscape Scenic Routes is hillier and the land is more marginal Built Environment There is one Scenic Route within this with less well-defined field o Glenville is valued for the vernacular Landscape Type. boundaries. quality of its built environment and has o In general this area contains lush been selected as one of Europe’s Landscape Character Areas agricultural land. Fields located on hill ‘Villages of Tradition’ however the There are two LCA’s within this landscape slopes and valley bottoms are used for village has experienced significant type. They are: grazing. They are both regular and residential development in recent irregular in configuration and small to years. o 6. Glenville – Moorland, Forested medium in size, defined by low o Bungalows, farmsteads and sheds are Ridge and Marginal Mosaic Upper hedgerows of broadleaf trees, and interspersed across the landscape and Valley. shrubs and conifers or simply by are generally well screened by o 5. Upper Bride – Marginal Mosaic banks. Fields, which are on flatter hedgerows. Middle Valley. ground and at a lower altitude, are of higher fertility. Socio Economic o Topographically this landscape o This landscape type includes and comprises low rounded hills enclosing surrounds the village of Glenville and fairly broad undulating river valleys. is in very close proximity to the village
100 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 13b Valleyed Marginal Middleground
of Watergrasshill where there are a on their fringes. Many of these have an urban could have a negative impact on the vernacular number of services and community character and there is a general trend towards landscape. facilities. homogeneity in terms of their siting and o The Cork to Dublin National Primary design. Such development represents a Whilst the new dwellings are subject to route cuts through this landscape. particular force for change and may have an development management, problems have adverse impact on the quality and character of arisen in relation to the use of certain design Ecology some of the areas most distinctive local styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate o The river valleys of the Bride and the landscapes. landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design Bunaglanna have been identified for Guidelines are however a positive step forward designation for nature conservation Agriculture in addressing the issues of design, siting and purposes. overall approach to building dwellings in the There is a strong contrast in this area between countryside. fertile fields and marginal land. In general this Pressure for Change area contains lush agricultural land however to Infrastructure Forestry the north there is a transition into marginal land with coniferous forestry. The N8 national primary route cuts through To the north of the area there is a transition this area however it fits well into the into marginal land with coniferous forestry. This engenders a visually interesting landscape. Coniferous plantations are mostly located on juxtaposition of the cultivated and the higher ground, rising to, and covering, hill tops naturalistic. Tourism where soils are thinner. Extensive areas have been felled. It appears that there is a trend of The potential progress of tourism and the role Rural Housing farmland giving way to forestry. it will play will be a significant factor in the Part of this area is protected by the Rural future development of the area. Looking southeast across the area there are Housing Control Zone policy however the views of rolling landscape with coniferous areas outside the Rural Housing Control Zone Recommendations forestry and patchwork of farmland. are under pressure from individual housing Aim to protect the Rural Housing growth. o Control Zone from pressures for one Population off housing development. In particular there has been inappropriate The villages of Glenville and Watergrasshill Preserve the unique landscape setting ribboning of development on approach roads to o have experienced a substantial amount of and scenic and amenity values of the main settlements. This type of development growth in the past few years and there are a Bride/Bunaglanna river valley. number of examples of sizable housing estates
Cork County Council 101 Planning Policy Unit Type 13b Valleyed Marginal Middleground Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
o Develop amenity walks through produced by the Forest Service under Ardarou Forest while also continuing the Department of Agriculture and to protect it for its wildlife and natural Food and should be used. heritage value. o Protect the setting of Glenville Manor . while also recognising the potential of
Glenville Manor as a unique heritage resource for the community. o All existing tree belts in the vicinity of Glenville Manor and elsewhere within the village should be maintained and strengthened. o Ensure future development in the village of Glenville is appropriately
scaled and sympathetic to the existing character and setting of the village.
o Discourage ribboning of development along approach roads to Glenville.
o Maintain the strong vernacular character of the area and promote best practice in design through use of the Cork Rural Design Guide. o Recognise the potential role of tourism in this LCT. o Ensure that additional conifer planting is small scale and is in sympathy with
the landscape. Plantations and re- plantations should be planned and managed in a way that enhances the landscape. o Guidelines on the design of woodlands and forestry and their management are
102 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 14a Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland
Type 14a: Fissured Marginal and Due to the erosive action of the streams and rivers, the lower slopes tend to be steep. Soils Forested Rolling Upland (Northwest- Rockchapel) on these slopes and valley bottoms are typically of poor quality and include gleys, while those on upper slopes comprise blanket
peat. Such soils, combined with modest shelter
provided by the hills and mountains have resulted in intensive commercial coniferous
plantations. These forests are laid out in blocks over a significant area of this landscape, dramatically contrasting with the otherwise
mottled colour and varied texture of the surrounding moorland of heather, semi-natural grassland and bracken. Some of the steeper Landscape Value: Medium slopes are articulated by heavy swaths of Landscape Sensitivity: Medium broadleaf and conifers. Fields comprise grassland, much of which is of marginal Landscape Importance: Local agricultural quality, being suited more to sheep
than cattle. Some improved fields are located
Landscape Description along valley bottoms and interweave with The topography of this landscape is one of swaths of broadleaf woodland and copses. relatively steep but rolling mountainous upland, which is fissured, in places quite Houses and farmsteads are sparse and tend to deeply, by narrow serpentine rivers but also be located on lower slopes and valley bottoms. which includes some broad flat ground. The This reflects the limited agricultural potential Mullaghareirk Mountains are located in this of the area in general, but especially of higher area. The higher ground is part of a larger ground. These buildings usually fit well into mountain range comprising old red sandstone the landscape due to their modest size and and mudstone. The area is characterised by fast form and also because of shelterbelts and hedgerows extending from them and linking flowing rivers which fan outwards from the main upland mass in directions ranging from them to adjoining fields. Settlements are scarce
south-west to east-west.
Cork County Council 103 Planning Policy Unit Type 14a Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
and small and include the village of o Fields comprise grassland, much of Pressure for Change Rockchapel. which is of marginal agricultural Forestry quality, while there are also some Statutory Designations areas of broadleaf woodland. Coniferous plantations dominate this Soils on these slopes and valley landscape. The majority of these plantations This landscape type has no designated sites i.e. o bottoms tend to be of poor quality and are found on more elevated lands but some are NHA’s, SAC’s or SPA’s. include blanket peat on upper slopes, also found in the valleys. In areas where large
which have resulted in intensive tracks of land are covered in forestry, the Scenic Routes commercial coniferous plantations. plantations add to the scenic beauty and sense There are three scenic routes within this of awe. For example some pleasant elevated landscape type. Built Environment views of a forested valley are available from the A18 Scenic Route north of Rockchapel. Landscape Character Areas o Houses and farmsteads are sparse and Thus large forested areas add to the sense of There is only one landscape character area in tend to be located on lower slopes and the wild and naturalistic. this landscape type: valley bottoms and usually fit well into However small isolated forested plantations o 24 - Rockchapel (Marginal Moorland the landscape due to their modest size usually follow field boundaries therefore they and Forested Hills), which covers the and form as well as by the use of have a more formal layout, which in turn entire landscape type. Rockchapel shelterbelts and hedgerows extending clashes with the rugged and wild appearance of village is attractive in its rural setting from them into adjoining fields. the landscape. with its hilly and forested surrounds. Socio Economic Windfarms Key Characteristics Existing windfarm development has made a Settlements are scarce and small and o strong imprint in this landscape type. This has Land use, field, boundaries, trees and include Rockchapel been recognised as a strategic area for wildlife There is a strong music tradition in the o windfarms and while further windfarm Sliabh Luchra area and this local developments in this area will have a lasting Includes the Mullaghareirk Mountains. distinctiveness contributes to a strong o influence on the landscape, their cumulative Topography of this landscape is one of sense of community and identity. o visual impacts should be thoroughly assessed. relatively steep and rolling
mountainous upland, fissured by Ecology The spread of windfarms may also have narrow river valleys and which slopes This landscape type has no designated o impacts on traditional practices, for example towards broad flat ground. sites i.e. NHA’s, SAC’s or SPA’s. the harvesting of turf on peat lands.
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 14a Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland
Population features such as hedgerows and ditches. More does contain a rustic ambience with a strong recently, with the introduction of schemes such natural character. Also there this is an Irish Population decline is associated with this area as the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme traditional music stronghold that could be and for the majority of areas the current (REPS), an attempt has been made to explicitly successfully marketed for cultural tourism. challenge is to retain the existing population. link farming activities to the environment. The dominance of commercial forestry and the However it remains to be seen how successful Natural resources number of derelict and unoccupied dwellings the second REPS programme will be in present evidence of population decline in rural The spread of windfarms may also have retaining and maintaining existing natural areas. Scrub invasion of agricultural lands is impacts on traditional practices, for example landscape features. evident, which emphasises the impression of the harvesting of turf on peat lands. an abandoned landscape. Rural Housing Further population decline will accelerate the Recommendations spread of scrublands and forestation, the loss Isolated dwellings are a feature of the Respect the remote character and of field patterns and the possible expansion of landscape but are by no means a dominant o existing low-density development in Windfarms. characteristic. The majority of the existing this LCT. stock of isolated dwellings are traditional and o Maintain the visual integrity of this Agriculture well established which reflects the lack of LCT, which has retained a dominantly development pressure in this area. However The decline of agriculture is likely to impact undisturbed landscape. some ribbon development is evident on the on the character of the area as further lands Recognise the value of the upland Rockchapel to Newmarket road. o may give over to forestry and scrub. If a level areas (Mullaghareirk Mountains) in of agricultural activity is not encouraged then this LCT particularly as a tourism further scrub invasion and forestry could Infrastructure resource for hill walking etc. obscure the existing field patterns, however Plantations and re-plantations should This landscape contains no major roads or o minimal they may be. be planned and managed in a way that other main transportation routes thus it is not enhances the landscape and should be envisaged that significant infrastructural Associated with the changes in the agricultural set back from peaks and ridges. projects will take place in the future thus this sector within the County as a whole, are an Encourage Broadleaf Planting and will not be a force of change. o increase in part time farmers and the protect existing areas of broadleaf accompanying decline in farm employment. woodland. Tourism This loss of labour is often particularly acute o Guidelines on the design of woodlands with regard to the traditional maintenance and This landscape has no outstanding features that and forestry and their management are management of key agricultural landscape would sustain a vibrant tourist economy but it produced by the Forest Service under
Cork County Council 105 Planning Policy Unit Type 14a Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
the Department of Agriculture and Food and should be used. o Have regard to the impact of windfarms on the landscape. Such developments will need to be located and laid out in a sensitive manner.
o Encourage rural diversification particularly in areas which have suffered from a decline in agricultural activity. o Discourage ribboning of development along roads particularly between the settlements of Rockchapel to Newmarket. o Recognise the potential role of tourism in this area where there is a remote rustic ambience and a Traditional Irish music stronghold, particularly in the
Sliabh Luchra area.
106 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 14b Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland
Type 14b: Fissured Marginal and main upland mass in directions ranging from south-west to east-west. Forested Rolling Upland (Lyre and Nad)
The elevation of this landscape provides fairly open vistas, though these can be curtailed by
the interweaving of slopes as well as by the
coniferous plantations when viewed at close quarters. Due to the relatively high elevation
and poor soil conditions, this landscape appears to be undergoing a process of abandonment. This reinforces the sense of the
naturalistic and remoteness expected of such mountain moorland areas. Nevertheless, the remains of earlier farming activity along with
the existing farms and expansive coniferous Landscape Value: Medium plantations provide a reasonably strong human presence. Landscape Sensitivity: Medium
Landscape Importance: Local Houses and farmsteads are sparse and tend to be located on lower slopes and valley bottoms
and usually fit well into the landscape due to Landscape Description their modest size and form as well as by the The topography of this landscape is one of use of shelterbelts and hedgerows extending relatively steep but rolling mountainous from them into adjoining fields. Settlements upland, which is fissured, in places quite are scarce and small and include Rockchapel deeply, by narrow serpentine rivers but also and Nad. which includes some broad flat ground. The
Boggeragh Mountains are located in this area. Statutory Designations The higher ground is part of a larger mountain This landscape type has no designated sites i.e. range comprising old red sandstone and NHA’s, SAC’s or SPA’s. mudstone. The area is characterised by fast
flowing rivers which fan outwards from the
Cork County Council 107 Planning Policy Unit Type 14b Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Scenic Routes o This landscape comprises rolling hills Pressure for Change There are two scenic routes within this and forestry (active planting and Forestry Landscape Type. cutting) and marginal land (moorland / forestry). Poor soils, combined with modest shelter Landscape Character Areas o There are some areas of agricultural provided by the hills and mountains have This section of Landscape Type 14b - Fissured land on more fertile slopes in the resulted in intensive commercial coniferous marginal and Forested Rolling Upland includes valleys. plantations. the following Landscape Character Areas: These forests are laid out in blocks over a Built Environment significant area of this landscape, dramatically o 3 - The Boggeraghs (Moorland and o Houses and farmsteads are sparse and contrasting with the otherwise mottled colour Forested Mountain Upper Valley and tend to be located on lower slopes and and varied texture of the surrounding moorland fissued Hilly Mosaic Farmland) valley bottoms, and usually fit well of heather, semi-natural grassland and bracken. into the landscape due to their modest Key Characteristics size and form, as well as by the use of Some of the steeper slopes are articulated by shelterbelts and hedgerows extending heavy swaths of broadleaf and conifers. Fields Land use, field, boundaries, trees and from them into adjoining fields. comprise grassland, much of which is of wildlife o A large scale housing development has marginal agricultural quality, being suited o Contains the Boggeragh Mountains. recently been built in Lyre village more to sheep than cattle. Some improved o Topography of this landscape is one of fields are located along valley bottoms and relatively steep and rolling Socio Economic interweave with swaths of broadleaf woodland mountainous upland, fissured by o Settlements are scarce and small and and copses. narrow river valleys and which slopes include Lyre and Nad. towards broad flat ground. The elevation of this landscape provides fairly o Fields comprise grassland, much of Ecology open vistas, though these can be curtailed by which is of marginal agricultural o The Boggeragh Mountains are in this the interweaving of slopes as well as by the quality, while there are also some area. coniferous plantations when viewed at close areas of broadleaf woodland. o The higher ground is part of a larger quarters. o Soils on these slopes and valley mountain range comprising old red bottoms tend to be of poor quality and sandstone and mudstone. Windfarms include blanket peat on upper slopes, This area is not regarded as a “Strategic Search which have resulted in intensive Area” or a “Strategically Unsuitable Area” for commercial coniferous plantations. windfarm developments however the
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 14b Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland
landscape to the east of this area has been landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design o Guidelines on the design of woodlands identified as a ‘Strategic Search Area’ for Guidelines are however a positive step forward and forestry and their management are windfarm development under the County in addressing the issues of design, siting and produced by the Forest Service under Development Plan. overall approach to building dwellings in the the Department of Agriculture and countryside. Food and should be used. The visual impact of windfarm development in o Have regard to the impact of adjoining areas may become more prominent Infrastructure windfarms on the landscape. Such in the future. developments will need to be located This area is relatively close to the city and laid out in a sensitive manner. therefore it may come under pressure if road Agriculture Encourage rural diversification improvements and the proposed northern ring o particularly in areas which have The decline of agriculture is likely to impact road come on stream in the future. suffered from a decline in agricultural on the character of the area. activity. Recommendations Discourage ribboning of development Due to the relatively high elevation and poor o Protect the existing rural character and along main roads. soil conditions, this landscape appears to be o setting of Nad and Lyre by preventing Maintain the visual quality of the hill undergoing a process of abandonment. o large-scale development that would slopes by appropriate siting of new
undermine the attractiveness of these development on visually unobtrusive Rural Housing villages. Maintain the visual integrity sites. It is important to protect the existing rural of this LCT, which has retained a o Minimise the disturbance of character and setting of Nad and Lyre by dominantly undisturbed landscape. hedgerows in rural areas. Encourage preventing large-scale development that would o Recognise the value of the upland appropriate landscaping and screen undermine the attractiveness of these villages. areas (Boggeragh Mountains) in this planting of proposed developments by LCT particularly as a tourism resource using predominantly indigenous/local There has been some inappropriate ribboning for hill walking. species and groupings. of development on approach roads to main o Plantations and re-plantations should settlements. be planned and managed in a way that enhances the landscape and should be Whilst the new dwellings are subject to set back from peaks and ridges. development management, problems have o Encourage Broadleaf Planting and arisen in relation to the use of certain design protect existing areas of broadleaf styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate woodland.
Cork County Council 109 Planning Policy Unit Type 14b Fissured Marginal and Forested Rolling Upland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
110 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 15a Ridged and Peaked Upland
Type 15a: Ridged and Peaked Upland inclined towards the rugged whereas the southern slopes of the Boggeragh Mountains (Mullaghanish to Millstreet) further to the north in type 15B are a somewhat smoother example, thus adding to the openness of the moorland. These are often delineated by
tight gorse hedgerows, walls, banks or post and
wire fencing and punctuated by coniferous or broadleaf shelterbelts around small farmsteads.
The landscape, with its rapid and steep rising and falling, seems to tumble down along the
valleys. The rugged and diverse landcover, involving moorland, heath and scrub, lends a strong sense of the naturalistic.
Landscape Value: High Urban settlements tend to be located on lower ground and include Ballingeary, Inchigeelagh. Landscape Sensitivity: High
Landscape Importance: County Statutory Designations There are two pNHA’s and one cSAC within this Landscape Type. These are Lough Allua Landscape Description (NHA) and Derryclogher Bog (NHA and The ridged, peaked and forested upland SAC). Lough Allua on the Lee is an acidic landscape type flanks much of the mid-western lake with associated peaty wetlands, wet boundary of County Cork, from the vicinity of grassland, interesting alluvial woodland and Bantry in the south to Millstreet in the north. acid woodland. It supports the protected plant This landscape type has been glaciated and the pale dog-violet and a good diversity of comprises a fairly rugged and rolling wildfowl. mountainous topography at a relatively high
elevation. Scenic Routes
There are 9 Scenic Routes within this The area around the Cousane Gap provides a Landscape Type. good example of this landscape type which is
Cork County Council 111 Planning Policy Unit Type 15a Ridged and Peaked Upland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Landscape Character Areas o Comprises a rolling mountainous Socio Economic topography at a relatively high o The main agricultural practice in these This section of Landscape Type 15a - Ridged elevation which includes the Shehy upland areas is sheep farming. and Peaked Upland includes the following Mountains. o Údarás na Gaeltachta promotes Landscape Character Areas: o Soil is of low fertility and experiences employment opportunities within this relatively high levels of rainfall due to Gaeltacht area and has a number of o 33 - Lough Allua (composite middle its elevation, resulting in poor growing industrial premises within the village valley of rugged scrub, mosaic and conditions and limited vegetation of Ballingeary. marginal land) including moorland, heath and scrub. o Inchigeelagh is located on a popular o 18 - Cousane Gap East (Serrated Ridge o Isolated or clusters of fields, are tourist route between Macroom and and Upper Moorland Valley) scattered along lower slopes, giving Bantry. Future development in this o 37 - Pass of Keimaneigh (Rugged this landscape type a small scale area will support the economic vitality Rocky Pass with forest and scrub) dimension, to the otherwise open of this area. o 73 - Owvane Valley (Serrated Ridge moorland. and Upper Moorland Valley) o Large tracks of coniferous forestry o 76 - Cousane Gap West (serrated evident particularly in upland areas. Ecology Ridge and Upper Moorland Valley) o Patches of fertile land within the o There are two pNHA’s and one cSAC o 72 - Mealagh Valley (Serrated Ridge landscape within this Landscape Type. These are and Upper Moorland Valley) o The main agricultural practice in these Lough Allua (NHA) and Derryclogher o 71 - Coomhola Valley Lower upland areas is sheep farming. Bog (NHA and SAC). (Glaciated Cradle, Serrated Ridge and o Field boundaries are mainly stonewalls o The primary physiographic Middle Valley of Ridges and and lowland hedges. components are the underlying patchwork moraines) geology of old red sandstone as well as o 36 - Priests Leap (Glaciated Cradle Built Environment the peaty podzols and a thin layer of Valley) o The farmsteads are typically located blanket peat at higher elevations. on lower ground, especially along river Key Characteristics plains, and comprise a cluster of small buildings formed by a cottage and Pressure for Change Land use, field boundaries, trees and some out buildings. Forestry wildlife There is a remote feel to the area with o Coniferous plantations dominate this few houses, mainly farm buildings. landscape. The majority of these plantations
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 15a Ridged and Peaked Upland
are found on more elevated lands but some are development supports the linguistic, cultural Infrastructure found in the valleys also. and rural heritage of the area. The majority of roads in this area are narrow
third class routes, many of which can be Small isolated forested plantations usually Agriculture described as boreens or “one car roads”. follow field boundaries therefore they have a The decline of agriculture is likely to impact more formal layout, which in turn clashes with on the character of the area as further lands Recommendations the rugged and wild appearance of the may give over to forestry and scrub. landscape. Protect the unique setting and o character of villages like Ballingeary If the level of agricultural activity is not Windfarms and Inchigeelagh. encouraged then further scrub invasion and Continue to promote the Gaeltacht in Windfarms can be seen off in the distance from forestry could obscure the existing field o Ballingeary as a cultural resource. certain elevated views within this landscape patterns, however minimal they may be. Recognise the scenic value of the type. While their presence is noted, their Cousane Gap as a valuable tourist visual impact is not major but an accumulation Rural Housing attraction in this LCT. of more windfarms could have a more Isolated dwellings are a feature of the Recognise the value of Lough Allua as intolerable visual impact in the future. o landscape but are by no means a dominant a valuable amenity for tourism and
characteristic. The majority of the existing recreational activities. Population stock of isolated dwellings are traditional and o Recognise the value of the upland Population decline is associated with this area well established which reflects the lack of areas (Shehy Mountains) in this LCT and for the majority of areas the current development pressure in this area. particularly as a tourism resource for challenge is to retain the existing population. hill walking. Settlements such as Ballingeary and Whilst the new dwellings are subject to o Continue to protect and preserve Inchigeelagh can play a vital role in stemming development management, problems have Derryclogher Bog which is an population decline. The dominance of arisen in relation to the use of certain design important habitat with a rich and commercial forestry and the number of derelict styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate diverse natural heritage. and unoccupied dwellings present evidence of landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design o Plantations and re-plantations should population decline in rural areas. Guidelines are however a positive step forward be planned and managed in a way that in addressing the issues of design, siting and enhances the landscape and should be While it is important to reverse decline in this overall approach to building dwellings in the set back from peaks and ridges. area it is also important to ensure that future countryside. o Promote introduction of deciduous edges to existing plantations to soften
Cork County Council 113 Planning Policy Unit Type 15a Ridged and Peaked Upland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
their appearance. New plantations should respect landscape pattern. o Guidelines on the design of woodlands and forestry and their management are produced by the Forest Service under the Department of Agriculture and
Food and should be used. o Promote best practice in design and layout through the use of the Cork Rural Design Guide.
114 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 15b Ridged and Peaked Upland
Type 15b: Ridged and Peaked Upland Soils are of low fertility and experience (Millstreet) relatively high levels of rainfall due to its elevation and location in the southwest of Ireland, resulting in poor growing conditions and limited vegetation including moorland, heath and scrub.
The landscape, with its rapid and steep rising and falling, seems to tumble down along the valleys. The rugged and diverse landcover, involving moorland, heath and scrub, lends a strong sense of the naturalistic
Landscape Value: Medium The ridged, peaked and forested upland Landscape Sensitivity: Medium landscape type flanks much of the mid-western boundary of County Cork, from the vicinity of Landscape Importance: County Bantry in the south to Millstreet in the north. This landscape type has been glaciated and
comprises a fairly rugged and rolling Landscape Description mountainous topography at a relatively high
elevation. The area around the Cousane Gap in The ridged, peaked and forested upland Type A provides a good example of this landscape type which is located south of landscape type which is inclined towards the Millstreet town, includes much of the rugged whereas the southern slopes of the Millstreet to Macroom road (R582) and swings Boggeragh Mountains further to the north are a south west towards the county boundary west somewhat smoother example, thus adding to of Ballyvourney. This landscape type has been the small scaled patchwork to the otherwise glaciated and comprises a fairly rugged and openness of the moorland. These are often rolling mountainous topography at a relatively delineated by tight gorse hedgerows, walls, high elevation. The area around the Boggeragh banks or post and wire fencing and punctuated Mountains provides a good example of this by coniferous or broadleaf shelterbelts around landscape type. small farmsteads.
Cork County Council 115 Planning Policy Unit Type 15b Ridged and Peaked Upland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
this landscape type. Mullaghanish Bog at the o The main agricultural practice in these The landscape, with its rapid and steep rising summit of Mullaghanish Mountain is an upland areas is sheep farming. and falling, seems to tumble down along the excellent example of an undamaged intact o Field boundaries comprise mainly valleys. The rugged and diverse landcover, growing blanket bog, one of the few in the stonewalls and low hedges. involving moorland, heath and scrub, lends a country which has not been damaged by o With forestry over the landscape (not strong sense of the naturalistic. overgrazing, fire or other erosional pressures. blocks as in other areas). Delineated by tight gorse hedgerows, walls, banks Urban settlements tend to be located on lower Key Characteristics or post and wire fencing and ground and include Carriganimmy and punctuated by a coniferous or Millstreet. Land use, field boundaries, trees and broadleaf shelterbelts around small wildlife farmsteads. Scenic Routes o Comprises a rolling mountainous There are five scenic routes in this Landscape topography at a relatively high Built Environment Character Type. elevation and includes the southern o The farmsteads are typically located slopes of the Boggeragh Mountains. on lower ground, especially along river Landscape Character Areas o Soils are of low fertility and plains, and comprise a cluster of small This section of Landscape Type 15b - Ridged experience relatively high levels of buildings formed by a cottage and and Peaked Upland includes the following rainfall due to its elevation, resulting some out buildings. Landscape Character Areas: in poor growing conditions and limited o There is a remote feel to the area with vegetation including moorland, heath few houses mainly farm buildings. 1: Carraiganimmy (undulating Rugged and scrub. o Individual houses are scattered around and Forested Upland Valley) o Isolated or clusters of fields, are the town of Millstreet. 2: Derrynasaggart Pass (Composite scattered along lower slopes, giving Moorland Upper Valley) this landscape type a small scale Socio Economic 25: Millstreet (Composite Upper Valley) dimension, to the otherwise open o The main agricultural practice in these 26. Ballynagree West (Upper Moorland moorland. upland areas is sheep farming and Forested Valley) o Large tracks of coniferous forestry o Urban settlements tend to be located evident particularly in upland areas. on lower ground and include, for Statutory Designations o There are patches of fertile land within example, Carriganimmy and the landscape. Millstreet. There is one proposed Natural Heritage Area and one Special Area of Conservation within
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Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 15b Ridged and Peaked Upland
o There is some quarry activity in this However small isolated forested plantations Agriculture area. There is a large quarry located on usually follow field boundaries therefore they The decline of agriculture is likely to impact the main Macroom to Millstreet Road. have a more formal layout, which in turn on the character of the area as further lands clashes with the rugged and wild appearance of may give over to forestry and scrub. Ecology the landscape.
This landscape is valued as an o If the level of agricultural activity is not important example of undamaged Windfarms encouraged then further scrub invasion and intact growing blanket bog at Windfarms can be seen off in the distance from forestry could obscure the existing field Mullaghanish. certain elevated views within this landscape patterns, however minimal they may be. The dominant pressure is forestry and o type. While their presence is noted, their there is an issue in relation to forestry visual impact is not major but an accumulation Rural Housing management. of more windfarms could have a more The primary physiographic Isolated dwellings are a feature of the o intolerable visual impact in the future. components are the underlying landscape but are by no means a dominant
geology of old red sandstone as well as characteristic. The majority of the existing Population the peaty podzols and a thin layer of stock of isolated dwellings are traditional and blanket peat at higher elevations. Population decline is associated with the more well established which reflects the lack of rural parts of this area and for the majority of development pressure in this area. However Pressure for Change areas the current challenge is to retain the ribbon development is evident on the approach existing population. The dominance of roads to Millstreet. Forestry commercial forestry and the number of derelict Coniferous plantations dominate this and unoccupied dwellings present evidence of Whilst the new dwellings are subject to landscape. The majority of these plantations population decline in rural areas. development management, problems have are found on more elevated lands but some are arisen in relation to the use of certain design found in the valleys also. In areas where large On the other hand the development of sizable styles, ranch-style fencing and inappropriate tracts of land are covered in forestry, the housing estates on the fringes of some of the landscaping of curtilage. The Cork Design plantations add to the scenic beauty and sense larger settlements represent a particular force Guidelines are however a positive step forward of awe. For example some stunning elevated for change and may have an adverse impact on in addressing the issues of design, siting and views of a forested valley are available from the quality and character of some of the areas overall approach to building dwellings in the the Scenic Route at Mullaghanish. most distinctive local landscapes. countryside.
Cork County Council 117 Planning Policy Unit Type 15b Ridged and Peaked Upland Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Infrastructure o Recognise the potential of Millstreet ensure that the approach roads to town as a relatively strong tourist Millstreet are protected from The main Macroom to Millstreet regional route destination due to the presence of the inappropriate development which (R582) runs through the eastern and northern Green Glens Arena. The rural area would detract from the setting of this section of this landscape type while a small contains the widely known Millstreet settlement. part of a national route (N22) transects the Country Park and also the Duhallow Current quarrying sites require a southern and western section. o way for hikers. rigorous monitoring regime to ensure
Promote introduction of deciduous that agreed mitigation measures are The majority of roads in this area are narrow o edges to existing plantations to soften fully implemented. third class routes, many of which can be their appearance. New plantations Minimise the disturbance of described as boreens or “one car roads”. o should respect landscape pattern. hedgerows in rural areas. Encourage
o Forestry plantations and re-plantations appropriate landscaping and screen Tourism should be planned and managed in a planting of proposed developments by Millstreet town provides a relatively strong way that enhances the landscape and using predominantly indigenous/local tourist destination due to the presence of the should be set back from peaks and species and groupings. Green Glens Arena. The rural area contains the ridges. o To protect and preserve Mullaghanish widely known Millstreet Country Park and also o Encourage broadleaf planting and Bog which is a growing blanket bog. the Duhallow way for hikers. protect existing areas of broadleaf o Protect the high ridges and woodland. mountainous peaks, particularly to the o Guidelines on the design of woodlands south west of Millstreet town (Claragh Recommendations and forestry and their management are Mountain). These upland areas are produced by the Forest Service under predominant components of this Promote the scenic value of the LCT o the Department of Agriculture and landscape type. as a visitor attraction and provide Food and should be used. sensitively designed and located Aim to retain the existing population facilities such as parking, picnic areas, o in this area where there has been a way marked trails, driving routes and decline in the population in recent signage. years. Recognise the value of the upland o Discourage ribboning of development areas (Boggeragh Mountains) as a o along roads. Ribbon development is valuable tourism resource for hill particularly evident on the approach walking. roads to Millstreet. It is important to
118 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 16a Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley
Type 16a:Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley (Gougane Barra) At lower levels scrub typically comprises gorse as well as stunted broadleaf trees and shrubs. Rush and willow are quite common on lower wetter areas, especially in small patches of previously improved land and along water courses. Coniferous plantations occupy a significant portion of these valleys, introducing a patchwork landcover. In certain instances small groups of conifers are strung out as they ascend to the ridge tops.
Buildings and other structures are few and far between in this landscape type. Gougane Barra is the most noteworthy exception, where the Landscape Value: High historical remains of the stone buildings used Landscape Sensitivity: High by the seventh century hermit and monk, St. Finnbar, remain along side a nineteenth Landscape Importance: National century stone oratory as well as contemporary tourist facilities. Landscape Description Notwithstanding the coniferous plantations, This is a landscape formed by intensive glacial these landscapes are distinctly remote with a erosion, leaving armchair–like forms gouged strong sense of the naturalistic. The relatively out of the mountain side. Gougane Barra tight containment of valleys and passes (such provides an excellent example of these. The as the Pass of Keimaneigh) by lofty ridges mountain sides are steeply scarped, falling to a generates a spatial flow up their serrated slopes flat but limited valley floor which typically to their peaks and beyond to the skies. This accommodates a small lake and/or river. In the vertical dynamic is complemented by a case of Gougane Barra, the river in question is horizontal spatial release from the armchair the Lee, which rises here meandering its way containment of the valley down-slope, to the sea at Cork Harbour in the east. following the course of the river and revealing
Cork County Council 119 Planning Policy Unit Type 16a Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
something of the geological history involving Key Characteristics the river in question is the Lee, which glacial action of bygone eras which had such a rises here meandering its way to the formative influence on these landscapes. Land use, field boundaries, trees and sea at Cork Harbour in the east. wildlife Statutory Designations o Some forestry but located on the side Built Environment of the elevated area. o Buildings and other structures are few Though small in area, this landscape type has o At the centre of this LCT is Gougane and far between in this landscape type. two areas of high ecological value that are Barra a scenic area. It is evident why Gougane Barra is the most noteworthy proposed for designation. Gougane Barra this is a tourist area due to its historical exception, where the historical remains Lake, renowned for its scenic value, is also and picturesque setting with the lake of the stone buildings used by the important from an ecological point of view, and dramatic background. seventh century hermit and monk, St. being a good example of a large nutrient poor o To the south is the more enclosed Finnbar, remain along side a glacial lake with some associated rare plants. Gougane Barra Forest Park. nineteenth century stone oratory as The cliffs surrounding the lake are a nesting o To the south the valley is very lush well as contemporary tourist facilities. site for the Peregrine Falcon. Derryclogher with evidence of farming and farm o There are some tourist facilities in this Bog is a good example of an intact actively buildings. area including a hotel, public house, growing blanket bog with other associated o The roadside is lined with ditches and craft shop and convenience shop. habitats including heath, upland grassland, bushes. exposed rock and flushes. o The area is very dramatic to the west Socio Economic as the road climbs slowly up the area o Due to the extraordinary beauty of the Scenic Routes towards the Kerry border. landscape, tourism is an important There are two scenic routes within this This is a landscape formed by o industry. Landscape Type. intensive glacial erosion, leaving Significant concentrations of conifer armchair–like forms gouged out of the o and mixed forestry are important to the Landscape Character Areas mountain side. Gougane Barra local economy as well as contributing Made up of the following Landscape Character provides an excellent example of to the local environment. Areas: these.
65: Gougane Barra: (Glaciated Cradle The mountain sides are steeply o o Ecology and Serrated Moorland Ridge) scarped, falling to a flat but limited The primary geological component 70: Coomhola Valley Upper valley floor which typically o o determining the appearance of the (Glaciated Cradle and Serrated accommodates a small lake and/or landscape is old red sandstone which Moorland Ridge) river. In the case of Gougane Barra, supports both peaty podzols at lower
120 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 16a Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley
elevations and a thin layer of blanket Infrastructure o Explore the potential to create way peat higher up. The rock is layered marked walking trails that facilitate Gougane Barra is located adjacent to the R584 diagonally, thus giving rise to a jagged interpretation and appreciation of regional route connecting Bantry and profile on higher ridges and an angular historic landscapes features. Macroom. ripple across the steep slopes Safeguard the visual amenity of the o articulated by strips of green where area. Rural Housing flora has found a place to root. o Have regard to the archaeological o Gougane Barra Lake is a pNHA and There is some evidence of pressure for one-off importance and richness of the area. Derryclogher (Knockboy) Bog is a dwellings to the south of the area. o Promote best practice in design pNHA and SAC. through use of the Cork Rural Design Tourism Guide. Ensure the continued protection of the It is important that the continuation of tourism o Pressure for Change Derryclogher Bog for its natural as an economic activity in this area does not heritage. Forestry impact on the natural and built heritage of the Guidelines on the design of woodlands area. o Coniferous plantations occupy a significant and forestry and their management are portion of these valleys, introducing a produced by the Forest Service under patchwork landcover. In certain instances Recommendations the Department of Agriculture and small groups of conifers are strung out as they Food and should be used. Ensure the continued protection of ascend to the ridge tops. o Gougane Barra for its wildlife and
unique natural heritage while also Windfarms ensuring its continued use as a popular This LCT has great landscape sensitivity hence amenity attraction. the area is identified as “Strategically o Promote the scenic value of this LCT Unsuitable” for windfarm development. Such as a visitor attraction and provide developments would dominate the surrounding sensitively designed and located landscape. facilities such as parking, picnic areas, way marked trails, driving routes and signage. Agriculture o Respect the remote character and There is some sheep grazing in the area existing low-density development in however it is not a force for change. this LCT.
Cork County Council 121 Planning Policy Unit Type 16a Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
122 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 16b Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley
Type 16b: Glaciated Cradle Valleys particularly evident on ridges, peaks and scarp slopes where heather, bracken and wild grasses (Cullenagh Lake) interweave with clumps of scrub between jagged rocky outcrops, giving a mottled appearance. At lower levels scrub typically
comprises gorse as well as stunted broadleaf
trees and shrubs. Rush and willow are quite common on lower wetter areas, especially in
small patches of previously improved land and along watercourses. Coniferous plantations occupy a significant portion of these valleys,
introducing a patchwork landcover. In certain instances small groups of conifers are strung out as they ascend to the ridge tops.
Landscape Value: Low Buildings and other structures are few and far between in this landscape type however Landscape Sensitivity: Medium Gougane Barra does contain historical remains
Landscape Importance: Local of medieval stone buildings along side a nineteenth century stone oratory as well as Landscape Description contemporary tourist facilities. This is a landscape formed by intensive glacial
erosion, leaving armchair–like forms gouged Landscape Character Areas out of the mountain side. The mountain sides Landscape includes the following Landscape are steeply scarped, falling to a flat but limited Character Area: valley floor which typically accommodates a 68. Cullenagh Lake (Glaciated Cradle, small lake and/or river. o Serrated Forested Ridge and Middle
Valley) The predominance of blanket peat allied with
the relatively high level of rainfall experienced Statutory Designations due to elevation and location in the southwest There are no pNHA’s, cSAC’s or cSPA’s of the country, result in poor growing within this Landscape Type. conditions and limited vegetation. This is
Cork County Council 123 Planning Policy Unit Type 16b Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Scenic Routes more rigorously to glaciation, are Tourism There is one scenic route within this rounder in form, they also maintain the Cullenagh Lake and Forest with walks etc. Landscape Type. generally prevalent roughness of the though not a major facility could be used as a area. The predominance of blanket local resource however it is important that Key Characteristics peat allied with the relatively high tourism as an economic activity in this area level of rainfall experienced due to does not impact on the natural heritage of the Land use, field boundaries, trees and elevation and location in the southwest area. wildlife of the country, result in poor growing
Coniferous plantations occupy a conditions and limited vegetation. o Recommendations significant portion of these valleys, introducing a patchwork landcover. In Socio Economic o Respect the remote character and certain instances small groups of o Due to the extraordinary beauty of the existing low-density development in conifers are strung out as they ascend landscape, tourism is an important this LCT. to the ridge tops. industry. o To develop amenity walks around o Scrub and marshy areas can be seen o Significant concentrations of conifer Cullenagh Lake and forest while also along road sides in this area. and mixed forestry are important to the continuing to protect it for its wildlife local economy as well as contributing and natural heritage value. Ecology to the local environment. o Explore the potential to create way o Cullenagh Lake is the source of the marked walking trails that facilitate River Bandon. Pressure for Change interpretation and appreciation of The primary geological component historic landscape features. o Forestry determining the appearance of the o Promote best practice in design landscape is old red sandstone which Coniferous plantations occupy a significant through use of the Cork Rural Design supports both peaty podzols at lower portion of these valleys, introducing a Guide. elevations and a thin layer of blanket patchwork landcover. In certain instances o Guidelines on the design of woodlands peat higher up. The rock is layered small groups of conifers are strung out as they and forestry and their management are diagonally, thus giving rise to a jagged ascend to the ridge tops. produced by the Forest Service under profile on higher ridges and an angular the Department of Agriculture and ripple across the steep slopes Rural Housing Food and should be used. articulated by strips of green where Buildings and other structures are few and far flora has found a place to root. While between in this landscape type. lower hills, having been subjected
124 November 2007
Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy Type 16c Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley
Type 16c: Glaciated Cradle Valleys conditions and limited vegetation. This is particularly evident on ridges, peaks and scarp (Foilanumera) slopes where heather, bracken and wild grasses interweave with clumps of scrub between jagged rocky outcrops, giving a mottled
appearance. At lower levels scrub typically
comprises gorse as well as stunted broadleaf trees and shrubs. Rush and willow are quite
common on lower wetter areas, especially in small patches of previously improved land and along watercourses. Coniferous plantations
occupy a significant portion of these valleys, introducing a patchwork land cover. In certain instances small groups of conifers are strung
out as they ascend to the ridge tops. Landscape Value: Medium Buildings and other structures are few and far Landscape Sensitivity: Medium between in this landscape type however
Landscape Importance: Local Gougane Barra does contain historical remains of medieval stone buildings along side a nineteenth century stone oratory as well as Landscape Description contemporary tourist facilities. This is a landscape formed by intensive glacial erosion, leaving armchair–like forms gouged out of the mountainside. The mountainsides Statutory Designations are steeply scarped, falling to a flat but limited There are no pNHA’s, cSAC’s or cSPA’s valley floor which typically accommodates a within this Landscape Type. small lake and/or river.
Scenic Routes The predominance of blanket peat allied with There are two scenic routes within this
the relatively high level of rainfall experienced Landscape Type. due to elevation and location in the southwest of the country, result in poor growing
Cork County Council 125 Planning Policy Unit Type 16c Glaciated and Forested Cradle Valley Cork County Draft Landscape Strategy
Landscape Character Areas rounder in form, they also maintain the Recommendations This type is made up of the following generally prevalent roughness of the Respect the remote character and Landscape Character Area area. The predominance of blanket o existing low-density development in 57. Foilanumera (Glaciated Cradle and peat allied with the relatively high o this LCT. Forested Valley) level of rainfall experienced due to o Explore the potential to create way elevation and location in the southwest marked walking trails that facilitate Key Characteristics of the country, result in poor growing interpretation and appreciation of conditions and limited vegetation. historic landscapes features. Land use, field boundaries, trees and o Promote best practice in design wildlife Socio Economic through use of the Cork Rural Design There are few field boundaries mostly Significant concentrations of conifer o o Guide. post and wire. and mixed forestry are important to the Guidelines on the design of woodlands There are rocky outcrops on the local economy as well as contributing o o and forestry and their management are hillside to the local environment. produced by the Forest Service under There is some commercial forestry and o the Department of Agriculture and evidence of extensive felling Pressure for Change Food and should be used.
Forestry Ecology Coniferous plantations occupy a significant The primary geological component o portion of these valleys, introducing a determining the appearance of the patchwork land cover. In certain instances landscape is old red sandstone which small groups of conifers are strung out as they supports both peaty podzols at lower ascend to the ridge tops. elevations and a thin layer of blanket
peat higher up. The rock is layered diagonally, thus giving rise to a jagged Rural Housing profile on higher ridges and an angular Buildings and other structures are few and far ripple across the steep slopes between in this landscape type. articulated by strips of green where
flora has found a place to root. While lower hills, having been subjected more rigorously to glaciation, are
126 November 2007