Threatened historic buildings protected from demolition

Part of the former Liddell’s Mill complex in Donaghcloney, Co Down has been ‘spot listed’ by the application of a Building Preservation Notice (BPN)

The Mill complex is the oldest industrial site in Donaghcloney, dating from the eighteenth century, and has been the centre of village life from its expansion in the early nineteenth century to its closure a few years ago. A number of the industrial buildings including the chimney and also the cricket pavilion have been identified as important structures likely to be of special architectural and historic interest.

The Minister of the Environment Edwin Poots MLA said: “Our built heritage is important and should be protected. Early indications are that these buildings are particularly noteworthy. They represent a significant part of the development of Donaghcloney and have a social history linked to many of the local families. They are now protected from alteration or demolition and my department has six months to consider all of the information and carry out its statutory consultations before issuing a final decision on the listing of the buildings.”

Some of the other buildings on the site have been agreed for demolition through the planning process and though the buildings included in the Building Preservation notice are currently proposed for retention they were not formally protected. Given their potential importance it has been considered prudent to protect these buildings and fully research their interest.

Notes to editors:

1. Building Preservation Notices were introduced for the first time in 2003 to protect historic buildings which are in danger of demolition or major alteration for a period of up to six months as a listed building. This allows the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) of the Department of the Environment time to carry out detailed research and consultation. At the end of the period it must decide if the structure should be permanently listed.
2. Under the terms of a 2003 amendment to the Planning Order a building must satisfy two criteria to be temporally listed in this way: In the view of the Department the building must be of special architectural and historic interest; and it must be in danger of demolition or of alteration in such a way as to affect its character as a building of such interest.
3. Upon the evidence gathered to date the view of Northern Ireland Environment Agency Built Heritage is that the buildings identified are likely to meet the special interest test.
4. NIEA now has six months to consider these buildings in detail before deciding whether to proceed with permanent listing. The Historic Buildings Council and the local council will be formally consulted during this time.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.