PPS 21 Sustainable Development in the Countryside·Page 14·4.4
Special Countryside Areas Designation
Areas with exceptional landscapes and unique amenity value, such as the High Mournes or stretches of coast or lough shores, are designated as Special Countryside Areas where development is only permitted in exceptional circumstances.
In addition there are some areas of the countryside with exceptional landscapes, such as the High Mournes, stretches of the coast or lough shores, and certain views or vistas, wherein the quality of the landscape and unique amenity value is such that development should only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Based upon the Countryside Assessment, these areas will be identified and designated as Special Countryside Areas in development plans and local policies brought forward to protect their unique qualities.
Source — /Users/richardhill/Documents/planning-arch-project/data/documents/regional/PPS 21 - Sustainable Development in the Countryside.pdf