Caledon Conservation Area Booklet September 2003

Regional Policy context
The Department's regional planning policies for conservation areas and
other features ofNorthern Ireland's built heritage are currently set out in
a Planning Policy Statement, PPS6 'iPlanning,Archaeology and the Built
Heritage"published in March 1999, The foflowing advice has been
prepared to supplementthese poIides, to help ensure that the individual
characteristicsof Caledon ConservationArea are not affected detrlmentalIy
by development and that any works compIement the best of the
existing towllscape.
The design guidelineswill therefok be applied to all new development
and to the renovation and refurbishment of all existing buildings within
the Conservation Area. They emphasise the importance of having a
consistentlyh@~standard of design and the use of appropriate materials.
The design of new buildings, or the extension or repairlalterationof
existing ones In the Conservation Area, should be carried out with
sensitivity,
The design solution can be approached horn three different directions,
each of which is valid in given circumstances. Thought shodd be given
to the most appropriate approachbefore working drawingsare prepared.
The REPRODUCTION approach is the most obvious way of maintaining
the character of an original building. When hfjlling a terrace of unified
composition,where any other approach would destroy Its homogeneity,
the reproductionapproach is essential. Attention to detail is vid,
including correct matdls, colours, finishes and external joinery
detailing.
The TRADlTIONALapproach is frequently regarded as the best,
particularlywhere the development is domestic in character as in
Caledon. As in the reprduction approach, detailing important, as is
the study of the characteristics of existing adjoining buildings. The end
product should be a building that respectsthe local character preserofng a
measure of the uniqueness,which the area has wolved and avoid- the
blandness often assodatedwith present-daybuildings.
The CONTRAST approach is arguably the most subjective and
controversial. There may be instances, however,where it is possible to
design an uncompromisingly modern buildingthat can be satrsfactority
integrated intothe urban fabric. To do this, the new building should
respect and not threaten the mass and design of the existing adjoinhg
buildings or wider setting.
Listed Buildings have special architectural qualities and historic
interest and are protected shtutorily under Article 44 of the Planning
(NI)Order 1991.
Once a building is listed, consent fs requiredfor its demolition and
for any works of alteration or extension that would affect Its
character as a building of specid architectural or historic interest.
Thls h referred to as "listedbuilding consent" and it is a criminal
offenceto carry out such works without consent.Planning
permission Is also required in addition to listed building consent if
the works involve Udevelopmentn.
The Environment and Heritage %mice (Built Heritage) should be
consultedon such matters, before any work is commfssioned.