Planning

Under the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, the Department of the Environment is able to designate areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve. These are called Conservation Areas and to date over fifty have been designated. If you wish to carry out works to an unlisted building which lies within a Conservation Area, you must contact your Divisional Planning Office to see if the works you propose to do are acceptable.

You must not demolish a building within a Conservation Area without the necessary permission to do so and approval for its replacement.

Areas of Townscape and Village Character are being designated through the Area Plans and again consent is required for demolition.

Most Conservation Area should have a published design guide. Your local library should have copies for reference purposes. Check with Planning Service to see if the booklet for your Conservation Area is still available for purchase or can be copied.

Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage sets out policies for the protection and conservation of the built heritage. Copies are available online or can be obtained from Planning Service. It is advisable to read this policy before undertaking any works to your building.

PLANNINGNI.gov.uk