Wilson revels in rich architectural heritage of Glens of Antrim

Communities looking to develop tourism should look at the role traditional buildings could play, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson argued today.

The Minister was commenting after he took part in a one day indoor and outdoor seminar in Cushendall on traditional architecture in the Glens of Antrim. The event, which was organised by the Federation for Ulster Local Studies, was targeted at individuals interested in the history of traditional buildings, concerned about their future and interested in the regeneration of local communities.

Mr Wilson said: “My department’s draft Planning Policy Statement 21 encourages the retention and re-use of non listed vernacular dwellings in the countryside rather than their replacement.

“In order that this can be achieved we all need to be aware of how this can be done and how easy it is to do. We also need information on the important features that should be retained and on why this route is important not just for rural dwellers, architects and developers, but also for the wider community.

“Events like today’s are therefore of the utmost importance if we are to retain our rich heritage of traditional buildings and to encourage tourism in our rural areas.”

The event includes a seminar on built heritage and the ‘clachan project’ – aimed at raising awareness of and restoring clachans in North Antrim. Clachans are rural settlement clusters of vernacular dwellings.

The Mourne Heritage Trust’s award-winning Mourne Homesteads Scheme, which demonstrates how dwellings can be restored and upgraded to provide comfortable 21st century living accommodation was also discussed.

Notes To Editors:

1. The Federation for Ulster Local Studies Ltd is the umbrella organisation for the Historical Societies in Ulster.

2. The event has been organised in partnership with the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, as part of its ‘Home and Dry’ series, and the Glens of Antrim Historical Society.

3. Cushendall village was designated a Conservation Area in 1975 in recognition of its special architectural and historic interest and boasts over 50 listed buildings.

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