upperlands - Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment

2 Site and surroundingsThe siteThe application site extends to approximately 34.7 hectares,the largest portion of site relates to the commercial/industrialcomplex on the northern side of the Kilrea Road. The complexis set in a mature landscape and consists of a number ofcomponent elements: heavily wooded river corridor; areas ofmeadow/pasture land; tree lined avenue; large open bleachgreen; four man made dams extending to approximately 8.9hectares; and an industrial core with approximately 27,870 sqmetres of building floor space in both old and modern structures(a number of these buildings are listed).The site is located off the Kilrea Road, Upperlands, approximately4.5km from Maghera. The main vehicular access point to the siteis from the Kilrea Road, although there is a second (underused)access point from the Macknagh Road which crosses theKnockoneill River.Ampertaine Primary SchoolTwo main uses have been established on the site sincethe mid 18th century; namely industrial and residential use.Approximately 27 workers are currently employed manufacturinglinen and technical textiles. Processes include dyeing, finishing,coating, laminating and beetling. Currently, only 16% of theindustrial floorspace within the complex is still in active use andthe majority of buildings are underutilised due to their poor stateof repair.In terms of residential development, there are a number ofresidential properties throughout the site which previouslyhoused mill workers and managers. The site also provides forrecreational activities, primarily angling and walking.Energy from the four dams is harnessed to power the hydroelectricgenerator, which is owned and operated by the UpperlandsCommunity Association. Power from the generator is then usedwithin the village, with the balance sold on to Northern IrelandElectricity (NIE).Linenhall Business CentreResidential properties on Kilrea RoadPage 6UPPERLANDSNON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY, MARCH 2009