PPS 6 Planning Archaeology and the Built Heritage·Page 14·2.21, 2.22
Areas of Townscape or Village Character
Settlements may have distinct character areas based on historic built form or layout, which can be designated as conservation areas or defined as areas of townscape or village character. Development plans should designate such areas and provide local policies and guidance for them.
While all settlements in Northern Ireland have their own unique identity, there are certain areas within our cities, towns and villages which exhibit a distinct character normally based on their historic built form or layout. Some of these have merited statutory designation as conservation areas by virtue of their special architectural or historic interest, but for others it may be more appropriate to define areas of townscape or village character. Development plans, where appropriate, will designate areas of townscape or village character. Local policies or proposals and guidance for such areas will also be included in the plan or where appropriate in supplementary planning guidance.
Source — /Users/richardhill/Documents/planning-arch-project/data/documents/regional/PPS 6 - Planning Archaeology and the Built Heritage.pdf