The Agency issued a Building Preservation Notice (BPN) to protect the structures for a period of up to six months. The spot listing will enable NIEA to carry out detailed research and consultations with a view to permanent protection.
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson welcomed the move. He said: ‘I am pleased to see this decisive action by my Department in response to a threat to this largely untouched historic coastguard complex.
“I commend the local residents and their elected representatives who brought these buildings to our attention. It is important the best parts of our collective heritage are protected for the appreciation of present and future generations.
“These buildings, tucked away on a side street in one of our premier holiday resorts, were not previously recorded and appear to be a strong and well preserved reminder of our maritime history and the resources which were deployed to protect our seas in past times.”
The cottages appear to have been little changed both externally and internally retaining all boundary walls, outbuildings with original fittings and associated gardens within an enclosed space which imparts great character to the whole.
Work which was due to start last week would have destroyed part of the original boundary wall and significantly altered the enclosed nature of the site and character of the group.
Notes to Editors:
1. 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.
2. Upon the evidence gathered to date the view of NIEA Built Heritage is that the group is likely to meet the special interest test.
3. The evidence of the attempt to carry out demolition has demonstrated a threat to their character.
4. NIEA now has six months to consider the group at Causeway View Lane, Portrush in detail before deciding whether to proceed with permanent listing. The Historic Buildings Council and the local district council (Coleraine) will be formally consulted during this time.
5. For media inquiries please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 0769971 5440 and your call will be returned.
