SITE VISIT OFFICE MEETING TELEPHONE NOTES Our Reference: Assigned to HB12 15 012 Date of meeting and site visit: 03/11/2016 Present: Edith Logue: HM Development and Change Branch Terence Reeves Smyth: Architectural Historian Records and Designation Branch Philip Smith: Architectural Historian Records and Designation Branch Alan Turkington: Senior Architect: Designation Branch Anne Menary: Senior area Architect HB Development and Change Branch Orlagh Finnegan: Area architect Development and Change Branch History: There are 6 Listed structures on the Necarne estate which includes: 1. HB12/15/010 Gate screen (B) 2. HB12/15/011 Gate Lodge (B1) 3. HB12/15/018 Bridge (B) 4. HB12/15/012 Necarne Castle (B+) 5. HB12/15/013A Outer Courtyard (B1), 6. HB12/15/013B Inner Courtyard (B1) The site is also on the register of parks, gardens and demesnes of special historic interest for Northern Ireland. An extract from the Garden s File is attached for further information and a more detailed history of the site and gardens is included. Page 1 of 19
Necarne Demense 4,5,6 3 1, 2 No s 1-6 Pink Circles =Listed buildings Industrial Heritage Record Necarne Castle demesne contains one recorded industrial heritage feature. IHR 00883 Viaduct: In a planning context this feature would be considered as a locally important feature of industrial archaeology and afforded the same policy protection as the archaeological sites. The location is highlighted with a blue circle. Page 2 of 19
The following five archaeological sites and monuments are recorded within Necarne Castle demesne on the NISMR (see site plan): FER 173:036 Enclosure Shown only on the 1834 OS 6" map as a tree-ring & designated "Dromore". No visible trace now remains of this site, which was on a SW facing slope of a drumlin at the edge of Dromore wood, commanding an extensive view to S & W in Castle Irving demesne. FER 173:048 Cassidy rath On the summit of a prominent ridge commanding a good view of Cassidy's Wood to E. This subcircular rath, 38.5m N-S x 29.5m E-W, slopes gradually down to S & is crossed by cultivation ridges. It is enclosed by a large earthen bank & by a well defined outer ditch which has been cleared in recent times. Material from this clearance forms a low bank outside the ditch at E. The inner bank is 6.8m wide, 1m high internally & 2.3m above the ditch, which is 3.9m wide & 0.8m deep. An original entrance was at SSE. FER 173:051 Rath In a decayed deciduous plantation on an ESE facing slope of a ridge. Shown as a tree-ring on the 1834 OS 6" map, but marked as an antiquity on all subsequent ed.s. The almost circular interior of this rath, 42m NE-SW x 40m NW-SE, is enclosed by an earthen bank, 5m wide, 1.2m above the interior & 3.5m above an outer ditch, which is 5m wide & 0.8m deep. An original entrance to the SE sloping interior was most likely at the NE, where there is a 3m wide gap in the bank & a causeway, probably modern, across the ditch. FER 173:066 17 th Century House & Bawn: Necarne Castle The castle was described in 1619 as "a strong Bawne of Lime & Stone, & a House in it". A survey of 1622 also mentioned "two smale flanckers cast out on top of the wall.". Little is known of the castle's history. An old print of the Castle shows a cruciform house. There is no sign of a bawn in this picture & it may be that this vanished at an early stage of the castle's history. However, the picture may not be accurate, for when Castle Irvine was built on this site, the old castle is recorded with round towers. FER 173:079 AP site- Circular cropmark In rough grazing on a S facing slope of a small hill, 500m S of Necarne Castle & 70m W of Mullach Moss Wood. This irregular clump of Scots pine & oak trees, with no visible trace of an accompanying earthwork, was identified as a circular cropmark on an AP Page 3 of 19
Register of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest F-007 Necarne Castle The demesne dates from the 17 th century, shortly after the foundation of the adjacent town of Irvinestown. The house is also known as Castle Irvine. With the original tower house at the core, the dwelling was enlarged c.1833 by the architect, John Keane (listed HB 12/15/12). The south front of the house faces onto parkland studded with fine mature specimen trees, with views of clumps and shelter belts further away. In the middle distance there is a classical bridge over a stream, which is both an eye-catcher and practical access to the other parts of the demesne. This landscape was laid out to compliment the early 19 th century alterations to the house. Pleasure grounds to the east of the house retain flowering shrubs and trees. Walks Page 4 of 19
through the garden connect with the walled garden, which is no longer planted with fruit, vegetables and flowers but has become the focal point of the Equestrian Centre, for which the demesne was adapted during the 1990s. Many of the out-buildings are listed and have been converted for present-day use. One of three gate lodges, by Farrell of c.1850, survives. The parkland is an excellent example, possibly one of the best in N.Ireland of an informal naturalised designed landscape. Fences and event jumps are visible but easily reversible. Photo of Necarne Demense Taken 03/11/16 Page 5 of 19
There are 6 Page 6 of 19
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Current Condition from visual inspection: 1. HB12/15/010 Gate screen (B) One of the most impressive entrance gates in N.Ireland, on examination it may have been designed by William Morrisson around 1840 s. There are echoes in the Egyptian detailing and wreaths around the frieze. The entrance pillars and gates appear in sound condition. Some isolated stonework repairs are required. See Photograph below taken 03/11/16 Page 8 of 19
2. HB12/15/011 Gate Lodge (B1) This gatelodge dates back to around 1850 and was designed by William Farrell. It was extended and upgraded in the 1990 s. It appears in sound condition but is uninhabited. See Photograph below taken 03/11/16. Page 9 of 19
3. HB12/15/018 Bridge (B) The bridge appears in sound condition, foliage/ivy could be removed and mortar is missing in several sections. See photograph below taken on 03/11/2016 Page 10 of 19
4. HB12/15/012 Necarne Castle (B+) Described in its listing record as a large mansion house in decorated castellated style with stone walls partly rendered, the castle is a two-four storey Tudor Gothic Mansion built in c. 1830-33 around a house believed to be of early 17 century Construction. It has lain empty for a considerable period of time, having not been occupied since the second world war. The building is on the BHARNI register. Access inside the castle was not possible. The building is well secured and openings have been blocked up however the roof to the main building has been lost for many years and the building is in poor condition. Foliage covers most of the rear elevation and trees are growing internally. Given that the current castle was built on the site of a 17C house, archaeology would be a major consideration in any proposed development. A long term solution would be required. Page 11 of 19
Photos of Necrane Castle taken 03/11/16 Page 12 of 19
Photos of Necrane Castle taken 03/11/16 Page 13 of 19
5. HB12/15/013A Outer Courtyard (B1), 6. HB12/15/013B Inner Courtyard (B1) The substantial courtyard buildings were restored for use as part of an agricultural college over the last 15 years. This use has now ceased. These buildings appear to be in good order and are not in use. View of courtyards and rear of Necarne Castle Page 14 of 19
Access was not possible from this point into the courtyards. Photos of courtyard taken 03/11/16 Page 15 of 19
General There is a long and complicated planning history on this site, the veterinary centre was built in 1990 s without planning consent. There was considerable criticism from built heritage at that time. The pleasure grounds have in the past been damaged and trees have been removed. The equestrian centre also dates back to the early 1990 s and this included the building of a large indoor arena, remodeling of the stable yards and conversion of part of the park land to a 3 day event course. Photograph of Veterinary Centre taken 03/11/16 Page 16 of 19
The walled garden is unique and in good condition, being constructed in stone, the potting sheds still remain. Photos taken 03/11/16 Page 17 of 19
Development and Change In assessing any proposed changes to the heritage assets in Necarne (protected under the Planning Act N.I 2011), we would make reference to the following: Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement for N.I Listed Buildings PPS6 includes: BH7: Change of use on a listed building BH8: Alteration or extension of a listed building BH9: The control of advertisements on a listed building BH10: Demolition of a listed building BH11: Development affecting the setting of a listed building. SPPS extract: Listed Buildings 6.12 Listed Buildings8 of special architectural or historic interest are key elements of our built heritage and are often important for their intrinsic value and for their contribution to the character and quality of settlements and the countryside. It is important therefore that development proposals impacting upon such buildings and their settings are assessed, paying due regard to these considerations, as well as the rarity of the type of structure and any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. 6.13 Development involving a change of use and / or works of extension / alteration may be permitted, particularly where this will secure the ongoing viability and upkeep of the building. It is important that such development respects the essential character and architectural or historic interest of the building and its setting, and that features of special interest remain intact and unimpaired. Proposals should be based on a clear understanding of the importance of the building/place/heritage asset, and should support the best viable use that is compatible with the fabric, setting and character of the building. Applicants should justify their proposals, and show why alteration or demolition of a listed building is desirable or necessary. 6.14 Consent for the display of advertisements or signs on a listed building should only be forthcoming where these are carefully designed and located to respect the architectural form and detailing of the building, and meet the requirements of strategic policy on the Control of Outdoor Advertisements. Page 18 of 19
6.15 Proposals for the total demolition of a listed building or any significant part of it must not be permitted unless there are exceptional reasons why it cannot be retained in its original or a reasonably modified form. Where consent to demolish a listed building is granted, this should normally be conditional on prior agreement for the redevelopment of the site and appropriate arrangements for The following planning policy includes protection for Archaeological sites, industrial heritage and parks and gardens. PPS 6 Policy BH2 The Protection of Archaeological Remains of Local Importance and their Settings Development proposals which would adversely affect archaeological sites or monuments which are of local importance or their settings will only be permitted where the Department considers the importance of the proposed development or other material considerations outweigh the value of the remains in question. Policy BH 6 The Protection of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest SPPS 6.9 Development proposals which would adversely affect archaeological remains of local importance or their settings should only be permitted where the planning authority considers that the need for the proposed development or other material considerations outweigh the value of the remains and/or their settings. Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes 6.16 Planning permission should not be granted for development that would lead to the loss of, or cause harm to, the overall character, principal components or setting of Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes. 6.17 In assessing applications for development in or adjacent to Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes, particular account should be taken of the impact of the proposal on the archaeological, historical or botanical interest of the site. The integrity and overall quality and setting of the site including its original design concept and other associated features, including contribution to local landscape character, should where possible be maintained. In cases where approval is to be granted, the planning authority should seek to ensure the accurate recording of distinctive features that will be lost as a result of the development, by way of planning conditions. Page 19 of 19