upperlands - Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment

Fig 2. Aerial Photo within indicative site boundary3 The SurroundingsMature vegetation, including substantial areas of designedlandscape, along the Knockoneill River defines the characterof the settlement and enhances its setting. The area aroundthe mill complex is dominated by open countryside, and thesite itself is well screened by mature trees and woodlands. Thewoodland area and the area around the dams contain valuablenature conservation habitats.For the most part the William Clark and Sons’ Linen Mill complexis obscured from view, although there are a few limited viewsof the 1736 thatched beetling mill from Boyne Row, a listed millworkers terrace that abuts the complex.In terms of the area surrounding the mill complex it is worth notingthat the Clark family also built two large family homes. One ofthe homes, Ampertaine House (listed building) adjoins the mainmill building complex. With its gate-lodge (listed building), itlieswithin a designed landscape setting which includes the rivercorridor and dominates the Kilrea road through the settlement.The second home built by the family, Ardtara House, is situatedalong the eastern boundary of the mill complex.The surrounding outlying area is dominated by small villages,the closest of which are Tamlaght, Culnady and Clady.Outside of the mill complex, the village is dominated byresidential properties, with the exception of the communitycentre (developed by the local community group) together witha small complex of commercial units, which is home to the PostOffice and a local village shop.Page 7TURLEYASSOCIATES