4 November 2004
NEW PLANNING GUIDE STRENGTHENS HOLYWOOD CONSERVATION
Planning Service Chief Executive, David Ferguson, announced the publication of a new planning guide for Holywood today.
David Ferguson said: "Earlier this year, Environment Minister, Angela Smith, designated a Conservation Area in Holywood. This recognised the area’s distinctive character and appearance and its special landscape quality.
"Today, we are publishing new guidance for this area that is aimed at anyone who intends to undertake work on its buildings, landscape, streets and spaces. This includes a character appraisal that sets out what it is that makes the area special and distinguishes between the thriving commercial centre and the quieter residential surroundings.
"Everyone involved in the development of the area has a role to play in ensuring a very high standard of design that will respect, and hopefully enhance, the distinctive qualities of the area.
"I am confident that the new guidance will be an important tool in helping to achieve this so that the area’s special architectural or historic interest is protected both now and in the future."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Holywood Conservation Area was designated on 12 May 2004 following public consultation.
- DOE produced a short report to accompany the public consultation exercise, which was used as an interim measure by Planning Service in discharging its planning functions in the Conservation Area. This report has now been superseded by the new publication.
- The report and other relevant planning documents can be viewed at www.planningni.gov.uk.
Copies of the report can also be obtained, free of charge, from
Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office
Rathkeltair House
Market Street
Downpatrick
BT30 6EA.
- For further news media information contact
Brian Kirk
DOE Press Office
Tel: 028 9054 0013
mobile 07767 362605
e-mail press.office@doeni.gov.uk
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