Newcastle
Newcastle is located 19 kilometres from
Downpatrick and 51 kilometres from Belfast.
The settlement originated at a bridging point
at the mouth of the Shimna River, once the site
of the Magennis Castle, which was demolished
in 1831 to make way for a hotel and is now the
Annesley Buildings.
Its early growth was related to the granite and
fishing industries centred on the Harbour and
foreshore at the southern end of the town in
an area known as The Ballagh. Its development
as a major holiday resort followed with the
extension of the railway to the town in 1869.
This period saw the construction of the late
19th Century Victorian stuccoed domestic
terraces now concentrated on the inland side
of Main Street.
Today Newcastle is a service centre for the
surrounding rural hinterland, a commuter
settlement and a holiday and retirement
resort. It remains one of the main centres for
tourism in Northern Ireland due primarily to
the beauty of it’s natural setting and provides a
range of tourist accommodation, in particular
caravan parks. Local service and recreation
facilities include churches, schools, a library,
golf courses, Gaelic football and soccer
pitches, outdoor swimming pools and playing
fields. The service sector is the main source of
towns
employment, much of which is associated with
the tourist industry and general professional
services.
The town and its setting contain a number of
listed buildings, archaeological monuments
and sites of nature conservation interest. It
retains many examples of late 19th Century
architecture, associated with its development
as a resort, particularly in Main Street and on
South Promenade and King Street.
The Northern Ireland Landscape Character
Assessment describes the town’s dramatic
mountain setting and the strong contrasts
between the mountains, the flat dune
landscape at the shore and the series of river
valleys which radiate inland from the town. It
refers to areas of locally distinctive landscape
within the town, including the Shimna valley,
Tipperary Wood and Donard Park and the
river corridors associated with the Glen, the
Tullybrannigan and the Burren rivers.
Flooding is a constraint to development
adjacent to some of the main rivers. Rivers
Agency has recently completed the Burren
River flood alleviation scheme which will
provide the opportunity to release land for
development within the Plan period.
71
Newcastle
Regional Policy Context
The Regional Development Strategy, (RDS),
identifies Newcastle as a local hub below
the level of Downpatrick, the main town in
Down District. The RDS aims to build up and
reinforce a network of main and local hubs
strategically located on the Regional Strategic
Transport Network which have the capacity
to accommodate and provide a wide range of
complementary services.
In the context of the RDS, Newcastle’s capacity
for additional development is determined
by its location, both within the District and
in relation to the strategic road network, the
quality of its environmental setting and the
scale of its local service role.
72
towns
Settlement
Proposal NE 01
Settlement Limit
A Settlement Limit is designated in
accordance with Policy SETT 1 in Volume
1 of the Plan and as indicated on Map No.
3/004a, Newcastle Settlement Map.
Newcastle’s distinctive location and natural
setting adjacent to the Mourne Mountains and
Dundrum Bay have influenced its urban form.
The designated Settlement Limit is intended
to protect the beauty of Newcastle’s natural
setting and to enable it to fulfil its role as a
local hub.
The limit protects the setting of the Mournes
and the quality of the landscape to the west
of the town. It also prevents further linear
development along Kilkeel Road to the south
and along Dundrum Road to the north.
The limit maximises the use of existing land
within the Settlement Limit.
73
Newcastle
Housing
Newcastle will provide local housing
opportunities commensurate with its strategic
role as a local hub. However its development
is constrained by the quality of its natural
environment, particularly towards the Mournes
to the south and towards the west.
It is considered that Newcastle should
accommodate in the order of 970 housing
units. A significant portion of this can be
accommodated within the existing urban
footprint and urban area, with minimal
additional greenfield sites required.
Sites have been selected to ensure minimum
impact on the environment. These lands will
be developed in accordance with all prevailing
regional planning policy on housing as referred
to in the preamble to the housing policies in
the Plan and with the relevant policies of the
Plan. In addition, key design considerations
are provided for each site in accordance with
Planning Policy 7 (PPS 7): Quality Residential
Environments, which should be taken into
account in the preparation of development
proposals. These key design considerations
may include infrastructure requirements and/
or requirements for local neighbourhood
facilities, to enable the comprehensive
development of zoned housing lands.
Housing lands are indicated on Map No.
3/004a, Newcastle Settlement Map.
74
Proposal NE 02
0.83 Hectares east of
Castlewellan Road
Key Design Considerations:
t B NJOJNVN HSPTT TJUF EFOTJUZ PG EXFMMJOHTQFSIFDUBSF
t QSPWJTJPO PG TBUJTGBDUPSZ BDDFTT BOE
WJTJCJMJUZTQMBZTPOUP$BTUMFXFMMBO3PBE
t BTVCTUBOUJBMQMBOUJOHCFMUUPCFQSPWJEFE
BMPOH BMM CPVOEBSJFT PG UIF TJUF BOE
XJUIJO UIF QSPQPTFE EFWFMPQNFOU UP
CSFBL VQ UIF IPVTJOH NBTT BOE SFEVDF
UIFWJTVBMJNQBDUPGUIFEFWFMPQNFOU
t BDDFTT BSSBOHFNFOUT BOE EXFMMJOH
MBZPVUUPFOTVSFUIBUUIFEXFMMJOHTGSPOU
POUP$BTUMFXFMMBO3PBEBOE
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
NBZ CF OFDFTTBSZ VOUJM TVDI UJNF BT
UIF SFRVJSFE VQHSBEF UP UIF 8BTUF
8BUFS5SFBUNFOU8PSLTGPS/FXDBTUMFJT
DPNQMFUFBOEGVMMZPQFSBUJPOBM
towns
Proposal NE 03
3.74 Hectares north of
Bryansford Road, adjacent to
Ashleigh House
Key Design Considerations:
t QSPWJTJPOPGTBUJTGBDUPSJMZTJUFEBDDFTTFT
onto Bryansford and Tollymore Roads
with appropriate sight visibility splays;
t UIF BSFB JOEJDBUFE PO .BQ /P B
shall be kept free from development and
retained as amenity open space within
the development, in order to protect
the setting of Ashleigh House, a Listed
Building;
t EFTJHO BOE MBZPVU PG UIF QSPQPTFE
development to consider and reflect the
character of the Listed Building;
t UIF FYJTUJOH WFHFUBUJPO BMPOH UIF
boundaries and within the “no
build” zone shall be retained and
supplemented by the planting of trees
and bushes of appropriate species to
provide screening for the development
and to facilitate its integration into the
urban fabric. Any trees removed for the
purposes of providing a safe means of
access shall be replaced by appropriate
indigenous species planted to the rear
of future sight visibility splays;
t UIFFYJTUJOHCPVOEBSZXBMMUPCFSFUBJOFE
or rebuilt to the rear of sight visibility
splays;
t BDDFTT BSSBOHFNFOUT BOE EXFMMJOH
layout to ensure that houses front onto
the Bryansford Road and Tollymore
Road; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
Proposal NE 04
0.76 Hectares adjacent to 29
Tullybrannigan Road
Key Design Considerations:
t UIF FYJTUJOH WFHFUBUJPO XJUIJO UIF TJUF
and on the boundaries shall be retained
and supplemented by the planting of
trees and bushes of appropriate species
to provide screening for the development
and to facilitate its integration into the
urban fabric. Any trees removed for the
purposes of providing a safe means of
access shall be replaced by appropriate
indigenous species planted to the rear
of future sight visibility splays;
t UIFFYJTUJOHCPVOEBSZXBMMUPCFSFUBJOFE
or re-constructed to the rear of access
sight lines; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
75
Newcastle
Proposal NE 05
1.30 Hectares at former
Boulevard caravan site,
Dundrum Road
Key Design Considerations:
t B NJOJNVN TJUF EFOTJUZ PG EXFMMJOHT
per hectare;
t BTBUJTGBDUPSZNFBOTPGBDDFTTWJTJCJMJUZ
splays and right turn facility if required,
to be provided onto the Dundrum Road;
t BDDFTT BSSBOHFNFOUT BOE EXFMMJOH
layout to ensure that houses front onto
the Dundrum Road;
t UIFFYJTUJOHWFHFUBUJPOPOBMMCPVOEBSJFT
should be retained and supplemented
by the planting of appropriate
indigenous species to provide screening
for the development and facilitate its
integration into the landscape setting;
t B MBOETDBQFE CVòFS N JO EFQUI VTJOH
appropriate indigenous species shall
be provided along the north western
boundary of the site to provide a natural
backcloth to the development and to
help integrate development into the
landscape; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
76
Proposal NE 06
Other Housing Sites
Lands identified for housing include
approved housing sites developed since
the commencement of the preparation of
the Plan, or now in the process of being
developed:
(1) 1.83 Hectares south of New Bridge,
Bryansford Road
(2) 1.36 Hectares at Shimna Wood
(3) 1.21 Hectares Rathcillan Fort, Bryansford
Road
(4) 1.01 Hectare at Lawnfield, South
Promenade/King’s Street
(5) 0.23 Hectares at Waterfoot House, Main
Street
(6) 0.13 Hectares at King Street
(7) 1.68 Hectares at Bryansford Meadow
towns
Proposal NE 07
3.74 Hectares west of
Dundrum Road
Key Design Considerations:
t B NJOJNVN HSPTT TJUF EFOTJUZ PG dwellings per hectare and a maximum
gross site density of 25 dwellings per
hectare;
t B TBUJTGBDUPSZ NFBOT PG BDDFTT BOE B
right turn facility to be provided onto
the Dundrum Road;
t BDDFTT BSSBOHFNFOUT BOE EXFMMJOH
layout to ensure that houses front onto
the Dundrum Road;
t UIFFYJTUJOHWFHFUBUJPOPOBMMCPVOEBSJFT
should be retained and supplemented
by the planting of appropriate
indigenous species to provide screening
for the development and facilitate its
integration into the landscape setting;
t B MBOETDBQFE CVòFS N JO EFQUI VTJOH
appropriate indigenous species shall
be provided along the north western
boundary of the site to provide a natural
backcloth to the development and to
help integrate development into the
landscape; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
Proposal NE 08
0.50 Hectares north of
Meadowvale, Tollymore Road
Key Design Considerations:
t B HSPTT NBYJNVN TJUF EFOTJUZ PG dwellings to the hectare;
t QSPWJTJPO PG B TBUJTGBDUPSJMZ TJUFE BDDFTT
onto Meadowvale Park;
t UIFFYJTUJOHWFHFUBUJPOPOBMMCPVOEBSJFT
shall be retained and supplemented by
planting using indigenous species to
provide screening for the development
and facilitate it’s integration into the
landscape setting; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
A maximum yield is specified in line with DRD
Roads Service Requirements.
Land is required on the site frontage adjacent
to the Dundrum Road to provide a safe means
of access.
77
Newcastle
Proposal NE 09
3.12 Hectares south east of
Tollymore Road
Key Design Considerations:
t B NJOJNVN HSPTT EFOTJUZ PG dwellings per hectare and a maximum
gross site density of 25 dwellings per
hectare;
t TBUJTGBDUPSZ NFBOT PG BDDFTT POUP UIF
Tollymore Road and Meadowvale;
t EFWFMPQNFOU TIBMM OPU CF QFSNJUUFE
below the 1 in 100 year flood level;
t DBSFGVM DPOTJEFSBUJPO PG UIF USFBUNFOU
and design of the eastern boundary of
the site adjacent to the proposed Burren
River Drainage Scheme. A development
layout will be submitted as part of any
future planning application on the site
and shall include details of finished
floor and ground levels in relation to the
Burren River and proposed boundary
treatments for approval by Planning
Service;
t SFUFOUJPOPGUIFFYJTUJOHIFEHFSPXTBOE
provision of an additional substantial
planting buffer to existing housing
using appropriate indigenous species
along the northern and southern
boundaries;
t QSPWJTJPO PG B MBOETDBQFE QFEFTUSJBO
link to the river corridor adjacent to the
Burren river, (see Proposal NE 17, LLPA
1); and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
78
Proposal NE 10
4.75 Hectares west of
Castlewellan Road
The proper development of these lands is
dependent upon the provision of a flood
relief scheme for the Burren implemented
by DARD Rivers Agency. In addition to
housing land, the Drainage Scheme will
also provide a wildlife amenity corridor,
(see Proposal NE 17, LLPA 1 below).
Key Design Considerations:
t B NJOJNVN HSPTT TJUF EFOTJUZ PG dwellings per hectare and a maximum
gross site density of 25 dwellings per
hectare;
t QIBTJOH PG IPVTJOH EFWFMPQNFOU JO
relation to infrastructural works;
t TJUF UP CF BDDFTTFE POUP $BTUMFXFMMBO
Road and a right turning lane to be
provided;
t BDDFTT BSSBOHFNFOUT BOE EXFMMJOH
layout shall be designed to ensure that
houses front onto the Castlewellan
Road;
t UIFFYJTUJOHNBUVSFWFHFUBUJPOBMPOHUIF
site boundaries shall be retained. Any
trees to be removed for the purposes of
providing a safe means of access shall
be replaced by appropriate indigenous
species planted to the rear of future
sight visibility splays;
t DBSFGVM DPOTJEFSBUJPO PG UIF USFBUNFOU
and design of the western boundary of
the site adjacent to the proposed Burren
River Drainage Scheme. A development
layout will be submitted as part of any
future planning application on the site
and shall include details of finished
floor and ground levels in relation to the
Burren River and proposed boundary
treatment for approval by Planning
Service; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
towns
Proposal NE 11
0.50 Hectares adjacent to
Marguerite Gardens
The proper development of these lands is
dependent upon the provision of a flood
relief scheme for the Burren implemented
by DARD Rivers Agency. In addition to
additional housing land, the Drainage
Scheme will also provide a wildlife amenity
corridor, (see Proposal NE 17, LLPA 1
below).
Key Design Considerations:
t QSPWJTJPOPGBTBUJTGBDUPSZTJUFEBDDFTTFT
onto Marguerite estate roads; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
Capacity remains for additional 10 units
adjacent to Marguerite Park.
Proposal NE 12
2.36 Hectares at Middle
Tollymore Road
Key Design Considerations:
t B NJOJNVN HSPTT TJUF EFOTJUZ PG dwellings per hectare and a maximum
gross site density of 25 dwellings per
hectare;
t TJUFUPCFBDDFTTFEPOUP.JEEMF5PMMZNPSF
Road, which will require to be upgraded
to the satisfaction of the Department for
Regional Development Roads Service;
t UIF KVODUJPO PG UIF .JEEMF 5PMMZNPSF
Road and Tollymore Road to be upgraded
to the satisfaction of the Department for
Regional Development Roads Service;
t BDDFTT BSSBOHFNFOUT BOE EXFMMJOH
layout to ensure that houses front onto
the Middle Tollymore Road;
t FYJTUJOH CPVOEBSZ WFHFUBUJPO BMPOH
eastern boundary to be retained;
t UIFXFTUFSOCPVOEBSZUPCFMBOETDBQFE
with an 8 -10 metre belt of trees of
native species to provide screening for
the development and help integrate it
into the surrounding countryside; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
79
Newcastle
Proposal NE 13
2.16 Hectares west of
Dundrum Road
Planning permission was granted on appeal
for 51 dwellings on this land in September
2005. These are now under construction.
Apartment Development
Newcastle has experienced a substantial
amount of apartment development, which has
included the demolition and redevelopment
of existing properties and which threatens
existing residential character. Whilst the
Department is supportive in principle of higher
density development in urban areas in order
to conserve greenfield lands, it is concerned to
promote quality residential environments and
to resist unsympathetic change to residential
character.
These requirements demand a design-led
approach tailored to the local context, and
the particular circumstances of the individual
site and its surroundings. The use of standard
house or apartment types will rarely provide
an acceptable design solution. A key
consideration is the protection of the privacy of
the occupants of residential properties, which
are adjacent to the proposed development. A
sensitive approach is also required in terms of
highway design and the siting of car parking
areas.
80
Situations can arise where developers
buy up several adjacent plots for more
comprehensive apartment developments.
However, the assemblage of adjoining sites
to form single larger development sites will
normally be resisted, as it can result in the loss
of development patterns and can change the
character of an area beyond all recognition.
Policy NE 14
Apartments
Proposals for apartment development in
Newcastle shall respect the architectural,
streetscape and landscape character of
the area and shall be in conformity with its
established character in terms of:
t UIF TFU CBDLT PG QSPQFSUJFT GSPN UIF
street;
t UIFUSFBUNFOUPGCPVOEBSJFTCPUIIBSE
and soft;
t UIF TUSVDUVSBM MBOETDBQF JODMVEJOH UIF
retention of mature trees;
t UIF TDBMF PG CVJMU GPSN QBSUJDVMBSMZ JO
UFSNT PG UIF IFJHIU BOE NBTTJOH XIFO
viewed from the street;
t UIFBSUJDVMBUJPOPGUIFSPPGBOECVJMEJOH
lines; and
t UIF BSDIJUFDUVSBM EFUBJMJOH BOE VTF PG
materials.
towns
Industry
Employment
within
Newcastle
is
predominantly within the service sector,
consequently the demand for industrial lands
within the town has been very low.
The Down Area Plan 1982-1997 zoned areas
of land for industry within Newcastle and
some capacity remains within these areas.
Lands zoned for industry under Proposal IND
3 in Volume 1 of the Plan comprise the residue
of lands previously zoned and remaining
undeveloped
at
the
commencement
of preparation of the Plan. Applications
for development within this area will be
determined in accordance with prevailing
regional planning policy.
Proposal NE 15
0.33 Hectares adjacent to
Mourne View Avenue
Key Design Considerations:
t QSPWJTJPO PG B TBUJTGBDUPSZ BDDFTT POUP
the existing industrial estate road; and
t JOUFSJN TFXBHF EJTQPTBM NFBTVSFT
may be necessary until such time as
the required upgrade to the Waste
Water Treatment Works for Newcastle is
complete and fully operational.
Proposal NE 16
Existing Industrial Lands
The following area of existing industrial
lands is designated in accordance with
Policy IND 1 in Volume 1 of the Plan and as
indicated on Map No. 3/004a, Newcastle
Settlement Map:
Dundrum Road
81
Newcastle
Environment and
Conservation
Proposal NE 17
Local Landscape Policy Areas
The following Local Landscape Policy
Areas are designated in accordance with
Policy CON 2 in Volume 1 of the Plan and
as indicated on Map No. 3/004a, Newcastle
Settlement Map and Map No. 3/004b.
Those features or combination of features
that contribute to the environmental quality,
integrity or character of these areas are listed
below.
LLPA 1
Burren River Corridor
r SJWFS BOE TIPSFMJOFT QSPWJEFT MPDBM OBUVSF
conservation interest and potential for
public access linking countryside with
open space within the town centre; and
r JODMVEFT MBOET SFUBJOFE BT óPPE QPOEBHF
following implementation of flood
alleviation scheme.
LLPA 2
#SZBOTGPSE3PBEo&OOJTLFFO
Hotel and large houses and
Shimna River Corridor
r BSFBT PG XPPEMBOE BOE JNQPSUBOU USFF
groups - substantially wooded corridor
of high environmental quality and visual
amenity provides a good visual entrance
feature into town;
r PSJHJOBM DIBSBDUFS EFñOFE CZ MPX EFOTJUZ
housing and areas of fine wooded
landscape;
82
r
JNQPSUBOU BSDIBFPMPHJDBM TJUF GSPOUJOH
Bryansford Road - scheduled St Cillan’s
Fort;
r SJWFS TJHOJñDBOU GPS TBMNPO ñTIJOH BOE
breeding and local nature conservation
interest - river and trees support a range of
habitats and species;
r QVCMJD BDDFTT BMPOH SJWFS BMPOHTJEF
Tipperary Wood linking to Tipperary Lane
with potential for extension and linkage
with Tollymore Forest Park; and
r MBOEGPSNCBDLESPQUPSJWFSFNQIBTJTFTUIF
visual significance of the area.
LLPA 3
Ardaluin House and grounds
r MPDBMMZ JNQPSUBOU CVJMEJOH XJUIJO
substantial treed grounds, former walled
garden area and detached property with
surrounding important tree groups; and
r USFFT GPSN B TUSPOH FOUSBODF GFBUVSF JOUP
the town along Bryansford Road and
attractive backcloth to infill development
to the south and east.
LLPA 4
Tullybrannigan River Corridor
r
r
r
SJWFSWBMMFZDPSSJEPSQSPWJEFTMPDBMXJMEMJGF
habitat and nature conservation interest;
NBUVSF USFFT BOE SJWFSTJEF WFHFUBUJPO BSF
of local amenity value; and
XBUFSRVBMJUZJTJNQPSUBOUGPSñTIJOH
towns
LLPA 5
St Colman’s Church and
Graveyard
LLPA 7
Slieve Donard Hotel and
shoreline
t
t QSPNJOFOUMJTUFEIPUFMBOEJUTMBOETDBQFE
TVSSPVOEJOHTBOEHSPVOET
t QVCMJD BDDFTT BMPOH TIPSFMJOF XBMLXBZ
CFUXFFO4MJFWF%POBSE)PUFMUPUIFOPSUI
BOE CFZPOE BOE (MFO 3JWFS UP UIF TPVUI
BOEBTTPDJBUFEQVCMJDBNFOJUZPQFOTQBDF
BU %PXOT 3PBE BOE $FOUSBM 1SPNFOBEF
BOE
t DPOUSJCVUFT UP UIF EJTUJODUJWF DPBTUBM
TFUUJOHBOEDIBSBDUFSPGUIFUPXO
TNBMM MJTUFE DIVSDI BOE TVSSPVOEJOHT o 4U
$PMNBOT $IVSDI PG *SFMBOE $IBQFM BOE
JUT TFUUJOH DPNQSJTJOH UIF DFNFUFSZ BOE
BUUSBDUJWF MBOETDBQFE HSPVOET XJUI B
CBDLDMPUIPGGPSFTUFETMPQFT
t GSPOU CPVOEBSZ XBMM SBJMJOHT HBUFT BOE
QJFST BSF BMTP MJTUFE PG BSDIJUFDUVSBM PS
IJTUPSJDNFSJUBOE
t QSPWJEFTBWJTVBMCSFBLXJUIJOEFOTFMZCVJMU
VQBSFB
LLPA 6
Donard Park, Donard Lodge
and associated planting and
Glen River Corridor
t
JNQPSUBOU USFF HSPVQT XJUIJO TVSWJWJOH
BSFBPGQMBOOFEMBOETDBQFBTTPDJBUFEXJUI
%POBSE -PEHF GPSNT B CVòFS CFUXFFO
IFBWJMZ XPPEFE NPVOUBJO TMPQFT BOE UIF
UPXO
t SJWFSDPSSJEPSXJUINBUVSFUSFFTBMPOHSJWFS
BOE XJUIJO %POBSE 1BSL BSF JNQPSUBOU JO
WJTVBMBNFOJUZUFSNTBOE
t HSFFO BSFB PG MPDBM BNFOJUZ JNQPSUBODF
XJUIJO FBTZ SFBDI PG UIF UPXO DFOUSF JT B
QPQVMBSSFDSFBUJPOBOEUPVSJTUBUUSBDUJPO
83
LLPA 2
LLPA 1
LLPA 3
LLPA 2
LLPA 2
LLPA 7
LLPA 4
LLPA 4
LLPA 7
LLPA 5
LLPA 6
Based upon Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland's data with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's
Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database rights EMOU206.1(2008). Unauthorised reproduction
infringes © Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Ards and Down Area Plan 2015
Map No. 3/004b - Newcastle Local Landscape Policy Areas
Settlement Limit
Local Landscape Policy Area
0
300
600 Metres
Newcastle
Built Heritage
The historical development of Newcastle
and its evolution through various stages of
economic development to the present day is
mirrored in the character of its townscape. The
principal elements in the townscape include
the harbour area, The Rock, The Promenades,
Annesley Mansions and Downs Road where
the new Chapel stands in stark contrast
to the hotel, station and a fine terrace of
Victorian boarding houses. In the main body
of the town, encroachment of commercial
uses and redevelopment has weakened the
fundamental relationships between town,
open space, beaches and sea; this is especially
so of Downs Road area. In contrast, the area
south of Bryansford Road including The Ballagh
and The Rock still reflects earlier phases in the
development of Newcastle.
towns
Proposal NE 18
The Harbour, The Rock and
King Street Area of Townscape
Character
The Harbour, The Rock and King
Street Area of Townscape Character is
designated in accordance with Planning
Policy Statement 6 (PPS 6): Planning,
Archaeology and the Built Heritage and as
indicated on Map No. 3/004a, Newcastle
Settlement Map and Map No. 3/004c.
The Harbour
The Harbour, by virtue of its location and
function, has a singular sense of place quite
distinct from its immediate environs. Its
distinctive character, appearance, key features
and intrinsic qualities and the basis for its
designation derive from:
r UIF SPCVTUOFTT TJNQMJDJUZ BOE VUJMJUBSJBO
nature of harbour structures and
buildings;
r UIF HFOUMFS TUZMJTFE BSDIJUFDUVSF PG UIF
Harbour Inn with its Dutch Gables and the
stuccoed Georgian terrace of dwellings
and business houses forming the building
cluster straddling the coast road;
r UIF $PBTUHVBSE #VJMEJOHT BOE 8JEPXT
Row on rising ground to the south and to
the west; and
r UIF PQFO TQBDF PWFSMPPLJOH UIF IBSCPVS
area between the coast road and King
Street.
The Harbour Area in general appears underused
and in need of regeneration. The harbour is an
important local resource but it and its environs
are vulnerable to development pressures. To
sustain and enhance the distinctive character
and sense of place generated by the harbour
and its surroundings, new development in the
harbour should reflect its scale, its maritime
and local vernacular and style in form, detail
and materials, and be compatible in terms of
85
Newcastle
use. The largely Georgian buildings forming
the cluster on either side of the coast road
are integral to the harbour scene but of more
sophisticated architectural style. They are a
significant group and emphasis should be
placed on conservation of the existing fabric
and character with particular attention given to
massing, scale, detailing and materials. Beyond
the immediate harbour area, the pattern of
development becomes fragmented and better
examples are listed. Nevertheless, the policies
outlined should be seen as exemplars for the
wider area.
The Rock
The distinctive character, appearance, key
features, and intrinsic qualities and the basis
for its designation within an Area of Townscape
Character derive from:
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clustered a number of listed buildings,
including St. John’s Parish Church;
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the public garden below;
r ,JOH 4USFFU IJTUPSJDBMMZ UIF BQQSPBDI UP
Donard Lodge (now demolished), and its
environs, characterised by large Victorian
Villas in their own landscaped grounds;
r UIF QSFWBJMJOH CBDLESPQ PG UIF 7JDUPSJBO
seaside terraced boarding houses,
stuccoed, two and three storeys and bay
windows; and
r UIF QVODUVBUJPO PG UIJT FYQBOTJWF CVU
prosaic esplanade by buildings of an earlier
age and of quality.
The Rock Area derives its name from the
physical prominence dominating the shoreline
between The Harbour Area and the junction
of Bryansford Road with Central Promenade. It
retains more of Newcastle’s historic character
than any other section of the ‘old’ town.
This townscape has a significance and
architectural style similar to elsewhere in
Newcastle and other seaside resorts of the
86
same era. It is therefore likely to experience
similar development pressures prejudicial
to its present character and distinctiveness.
These could variously include redevelopment,
multiple-occupancy, apartments, changes
of use, fragmentation of sites and minor but
cumulative alteration. To protect the special
character of the area there will be a clear
presumption in favour of conservation and
re-use of existing buildings. Proposals should
value and respect the physical characteristics
and artefacts of existing development and
pattern of land use, be subordinate in terms
of massing, form, style and function, and be
accurate in matters of detail, material and
finishes.
King Street
The distinctive character, appearance, key
features and intrinsic qualities and basis for
its designation within an Area of Townscape
Character derive from;
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to Donard Lodge ( now demolished);
r UIFTVCTUBOUJBMEFUBDIFEWJMMBTTUBOEJOHJO
their own landscaped grounds;
r UIF OVNCFS PG PMEFS HSBOEFS IPVTFT
of distinct character such as “Woodside
Cottage”, “Bay View”, “Bright View” and
“Chez Noel”;
r TUFFQMZ SJTJOH HSPVOE CFIJOE 'PSHF
Row forms a backdrop to the harbour
and links with the Demesne. Insensitive
development of this land could have
a very serious negative impact on the
environmental character of the Harbour;
r UIF (SBOJUF 5SBJM #PHJF -JOF
JT BDDFTTFE
from, King Street adjacent to Forge Row
where several methods were employed
to convey the undressed granite to the
stonemasons yard on South promenade,
the harbour and the railway station on
what is now Railway Street
towns
In 1824 John Lynn opened a quarry on
Millstone Mountain and laid a mineral railway
line to King Street. By 1859 the railway was
diverted to the more productive quarry on
Thomas’s Mountain and the Granite Trail
follows the route of this funicular (cable)
railway, known locally as the Bogie Line.
The street has a sense of place with buildings
and groups of buildings which display a
distinctive character. The older buildings
and groups are dispersed with more recent
developments inserted into the spaces
between.
Within the area, development will be expected
to conform to the prevailing residential use and
applicants will be expected to demonstrate
how development proposals respect the
overall character and topography and preserve
the local environmental quality.
Proposal NE 19
Area of Archaeological
Potential
An Area of Archaeological Potential is
designated in accordance with Policy CON
5 in Volume 1 of the Plan and as indicated
on Map No. 3/004a, Newcastle Settlement
Map and Map No. 3/004c.
The area identified reflects the area of the late
medieval settlement and the former castle
where, on the basis of current knowledge, it
is likely that archaeological remains will be
encountered in the course of development.
87
Sand and Shingle
Sh
im
na
R
iv
er
Sand and Shingle
Castle Park
Castle Bridge
Sa n d a n d S h i n g l e
Newcastle
Centre
Newcastle
Sa n d
Sand
C E NT RAL
Baptist
Church
Donard Park
Sa n d a n d S h i n g l e
DE
Sand
River House
Glenfold
Lawnfield Court
Mary
Murray
House
Donard
Fold
Black
Rock
St John's Church
(C of I)
All Children's
Integrated
Primary School
Annesley Memorial Hall
and Court House
SHIMNA
INTEGRATED
COLLEGE
Donard
Bridge
Holiday Home
(DCF)
Glenada
Edgewater
S
O
Sa n d
U
T
H
O
M
E
N
AD
E
Craignagore
Sa n d
Harbour
Based upon Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland's data with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's
Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database rights EMOU206.1(2008). Unauthorised reproduction
infringes © Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Ards and Down Area Plan 2015
Map No. 3/004c - Newcastle Area of Townscape Character
and Area of Archaeological Potential
Settlement Limit
Area of Townscape Character
Area of Archaeological Potential
0
200
400 Metres
towns
Open Space and
Recreation
Newcastle has a wide variety of both outdoor
recreation and amenity open space. Donard
Park is the major facility and provides both
active and amenity open space. Down District
Council provides recreation facilities linked
to the seafront and the promenade. Down
District Council recently finished upgrading the
promenade and was awarded the prestigious
Public Realm Award for its Newcastle
Promenade Scheme in 2007.
Existing and proposed recreation and open
space facilities will cater for residents and
visitors alike.
The town has developed adjacent to a number
of rivers which contribute to the setting of the
urban area. The opportunity exists to protect
and enhance the recreational potential of the
river corridors by protecting and providing
natural pedestrian links through the town,
particularly from the Town Centre, to other
attractions for example, Tollymore Forest Park
and the seafront.
Proposal NE 20
Existing Amenity Open Space
and Recreation
The following areas of existing amenity
open space and recreation use are
designated in accordance with Planning
Policy Statement 8 (PPS 8): Open Space,
Sport and Outdoor Recreation and as
indicated on Map No. 3/004a Newcastle
Settlement Map.
Active Open Space
Central promenade
Tourist Information
and Leisure centre
Island Park
Playground
Old Regal Factory
Site
Kick about Pitch
Castle Park
Playing Fields
Castlewellan Road
Gaelic Football
Pitches
Donard Park
Playing Fields
Slieve Donard Hotel
Tennis Courts
Amenity Open Space
Island Park
Recreation Area
Castle Park
Recreation Area
Black Rock
Recreation Area
Bogie Hill
Recreation Area
South Promenade
Recreation Area
Donard Park
Recreation Area
89
Newcastle
Proposal NE 21
Proposed Amenity Open
Space and Recreation
The following area of proposed amenity
open space and recreation use is designated
in accordance with Planning Policy
Statement 8 (PPS 8): Open Space, Sport
and Outdoor Recreation and as indicated
on Map No. 3/004a Newcastle Settlement
Map.
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0.69 hectares of land around Ashleigh
House is identified as recreation, amenity
and open space to protect the setting of
this listed building and to provide an area of
local amenity space. This will be provided in
conjunction with the housing proposed under
Proposal NE 03.
90
towns
Commerce
Newcastle town centre is linear in form,
stretching along Main Street to either side
of the Shimna Bridge. It suffers from a lack of
cohesion comprising two separate retail areas
interspersed largely by housing areas, one of
which is centred to the north of Main Street
and the other adjacent to Shimna Bridge.
Prevailing regional planning policy for town
centres and primary retail cores is currently
contained within Planning Policy Statement 5
(PPS 5): Retailing and Town Centres.
The main commercial uses reflect its
primary function as a tourist resort with a
high percentage of hot food takeaways,
amusement arcades, gift shops, public houses
and a variety of tourist accommodation.
Amusement Arcades are concentrated to the
south of the Shimna Bridge. The town centre
is characterised by houses interspersed with
small offices and shops, many of which are in
seasonal use.
In addition to a number of small independent
shops, there is a food retail outlet at Railway
Street within the town centre and a local edge
of town centre retail unit on the Castlewellan
Road.
All of Newcastle’s local and through traffic use
the town centre streets and may give rise to
congestion particularly at peak tourist times.
The environment of the main streets therefore
suffers and the attraction of the shopping area
is diminished. There are no pedestrianised areas
in the town apart from a coastal walkway. The
Department for Regional Development, Roads
Service will examine new traffic management
and environmental measures, in conjunction
with Down District Council and in consultation
with all interested parties.
The bus station, to the north of the town centre
at Railway Street, provides a local and express
public bus service. There are three car parks in
the town centre which are convenient to the
shops and one car park further south.
91
Newcastle
Proposal NE 22
Town Centre
A Town Centre is designated for Newcastle
as indicated on Map Nos. 3/004a, Newcastle
Settlement Map and 3/004d, Newcastle
Town Centre Map.
Development proposals within the Town
Centre will be assessed in the context of
all prevailing regional planning policy and
relevant policies in the Plan.
The Town Centre includes Main Street, Central
Promenade, Castle Place, Donard Street and
part of Railway Street, Donard Place, Savoy
Lane, St Mary’s Lane, Downs Road, Beach
Avenue, Causeway Road, Post Office Lane, Park
Lane, Bryansford Avenue, Bryansford Road,
Park Avenue and Valentia Place.
A large number of upper floors of buildings in
the Town Centre, particularly Main Street, are
vacant or underused as storage for ground
floor shops.
There are opportunities to introduce residential
use into existing commercial properties
through conversion of such upper storeys.
Proposals for conversion will be judged on
their merits taking into account the nature
of the development and the circumstances
of each particular case but future alterations
should be sympathetic to character of the
existing building. The upper storeys of many of
Newcastle’s town centre buildings retain many
of their attractive original architectural features
and should be retained where practicably
possible.
It is accepted that in some situations little or
no car parking can be provided but it may
still be desirable to permit conversion to
residential use in order to increase stock in the
Town Centre, and bring disused or underused
accommodation into productive use.
92
Proposal NE 23
Primary Retail Core
A Primary Retail Core is designated within
Newcastle Town Centre as indicated on Map
No. 3/004d, Newcastle Town Centre Map.
Newcastle’s retail area is dispersed along Main
Street into two pockets of independent shops
and commercial uses.
A Primary Retail Core is drawn to consolidate
those areas considered to be the core areas
of retail activity. It is important to facilitate
a strong retail presence in order to provide
a focus for retail activity in Main Street. This
would help to create a more vibrant town
centre attractive to shopper and visitor alike.
These areas are attractive and accessible for
retail development.
towns
Policy NE 24
Amusement Arcades
Amusement Arcades will only be permitted
to the south of the Shimna River in that area
identified on Map No. 3/004d, Newcastle
Town Centre Map.
Amusement Arcades are a traditional
recreational and commercial use often
found in established seaside resorts, such as
Newcastle. They often appear as a dominant
use in the local streetscape and can interrupt
the cohesion of the retail frontage particularly
if dispersed along the street frontage.
Amusements Arcades in Newcastle are focused
on one major area to the south of the Shimna
Bridge. In this way their impact on the main
shopping frontage in Newcastle has been
minimised. It is appropriate to allow for the
increase of this type of use but in a controlled
manner in order to protect the retail function
of the Town Centre.
Applications for additional Arcades or for
the expansion of existing Arcades will also
be considered in the context of all prevailing
planning policies.
Proposal NE 25
Town Centre Housing
The following areas of town centre housing
are designated in accordance with Policy
HOU 3 in Volume 1 of the Plan and as
indicated on Map No. 3/004d, Newcastle
Town Centre Map. They include parts of:
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A number of terraces in Valentia Place are
currently occupied while others are in need of
rehabilitation or redevelopment and residential
use would secure their refurbishment and
reuse. They are accessible to Main Street via a
series of pedestrian linkages.
These housing areas provide an opportunity
for those wishing to live close to Main Street
and the Seafront, particularly the elderly and
young single people and for those without
cars.
Planning policy will resist the spread of
commercial uses into these housing areas on
the periphery of the Town Centre which have a
useful longer term life.
93
Newcastle
Proposal NE 26
Development Opportunity
Sites
Development Opportunity Sites are
designated in accordance with Policy SETT
3 in Volume 1 of the Plan within Newcastle
Town Centre as indicated on Map No.
3/004d, Newcastle Town Centre Map.
Main Street runs almost parallel to the
Seafront separating the Promenade from the
main residential area adjacent to the Town
Centre. Linkages between the Promenade and
residential areas through the Town Centre are
provided by a series of pedestrian accesses
running from Valentia Place to the Seafront.
These perform a valuable role within the
Town Centre and provide the opportunity for
enhanced access to the Seafront as part of
an attractive network of pedestrian walkways
to include the proposed river corridors and
linking the outer areas of the town to the
seafront.
The opportunity exists to facilitate pedestrian
movement and to create interest within the
Town Centre for the shopper and visitor
alike by the enhancement of these linkages
through environmental improvements and the
provision, for example of covered archways.
Where feasible, new development should
provide traditional shop fronts to replace
existing dead frontages. Appropriate uses
would include retail, office, civic with housing
on the upper floors, in accordance with
prevailing planning policy.
94
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Slieve Donard Hotel
RO
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PA
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5.3
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Car Park
N
Foot
V
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P A R
Bridge
Ramp
ESS
N
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Ramp
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PAR
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Depot
Car Park
A
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BEE
CHF
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PA RK
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Primary School
H
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S
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Gospel Hall
ESS
PH
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6.6
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BRY
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Post
Car Park
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Car Park
Toilets
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PL
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Newcastle
Presbyteria
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Church
Car Park
Seahaven
Church of our Lady
Sa
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Playground
of the Assumption
Ban k
7.8
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Car Park
Bank
RO
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Downs Par k
Hall
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Offic es
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&
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Elim
St Mar y's Youth Centre
Church
Sand
&
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Downs
Court
Bank
DO WN
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PH
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Hall
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Posts
SHI M NA
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Miniature
Golf Course
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HW
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8.1
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Grave Yard
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Fire
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Playground
Station
BRY
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SHIMNA MILE
Picnic
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SHIMNA
FB
Hotel
Hall
GAR
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SHIM
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Islands Park
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Shimnacarra
Miniature Golf Course
7.4
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PH
Shimna
Groyne
Bridges
LWMMT
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Footbridge
NE 06 (5)
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Boating Lake
Tennis Courts
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Car Park
Craze
Golf
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Miniature Golf Course
Castle Park
P
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Weir
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LW
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Sand
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GR OV
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B
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Sand and Shingle
Groyne
Post
Playgrounds
FS
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BRYA
NE 19
MT
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Pa
Castle Bridge
ESS
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1
Bowling Green
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Bowling Green
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Council
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Methodist
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Bo
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10
Newcastle
Centr e
Sand
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1
Newcastle
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Surgery
Path
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Slieve Dhu
(Private Nursing Home)
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Adventure
Playground
3
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Posts
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HW
Health Centre
CE
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Toilets
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Park
Avenue
Apartments
Car
Park
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PARK
PR
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Swimming
Pool
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LB
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38
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Hall
DR
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Hotel
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4.5
St Mary's Girls'
15
Primary School
5.3
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Baptist
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Sa nd
Church
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4.5
6.6
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In the interests of clarity, only those designations
within or straddling the Town Centre boundary are
shown. Please refer to Map No. 3/004a for details
of other designations outside the Town Centre.
LW
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24
Court
Posts
56
7
Sand and Shingle
Iveagh
Hotel
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BM 4.96
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HW
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Newcastle College
NS
BEEC
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YA
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Pipeline
Car Park
Pos ts
BR
O
SF
R
Car Park
R
ST
Tank
(covd)
5.1
N
YA
BR
Based upon Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland's data w ith the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, © Crown copyright
and database rights EMOU206.1(2008). Unauthorised reproduction infringes © Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Shopping Centre
Newcastle
AY
IE LD
ILW
HF
RA
LA RC
5.5
RD
FO
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AC
PL
4.8
Posts
6.6
nd
Sa
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Sh
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ingl
All Weather
Playing Field
NE 18
Ards and Down Area Plan 2015
Map No. 3/004d - Newcastle Town Centre
0
50
100 Metres
Town Centre
Area of Archaeological Potential
Primary Retail Core
Area of Townscape Character
Protected Housing
Land Zoned for Housing
Area reserved for Amusement Arcades
Development Opportunity Site
Protected Route
Local Landscape Policy Area
Existing Amenity Open Space and Recreation
Archaeological Site and Monument