Crossgar housing plan to be aired at public meeting

Crossgar housing plan to be aired at public meeting

26 July 2017

REPRESENTATIVES from Clanmill Housing will be in Crossgar this Saturday to speak with local people about plans for a major new social housing development in the village.

Clanmill is proposing to redevelop a derelict site at the Downpatrick Road and it is hoped building work can start shortly to meet a pressing need for social homes in the area.

The social housing provider said the scheme’s quality architectural design will ensure the new homes are a “positive addition” to the village, adding vibrancy to a site that has lain vacant for some time. 

Clanmill officials will be in the village at the request of the Crossgar Community Association to provide local people with an opportunity to meet with them.

Proposals for the Downpatrick Road scheme will be on display and Clanmill officials are keen to talk with local people about the organisation’s plans for the village.

Community Association chairwoman, Roisin Erskine, is appealing to elderly people in particular to speak with housing officials who will be at the War Memorial Hall between noon and 4pm.

“There is a specific need for social housing in the Crossgar area with Clanmill planning a mixed development featuring family homes and single bedroom accommodation,” said Roisin. “We are also keen to hear from people across the village in relation to housing need.”

Mrs Erskine said the Clanmill event has been organised to coincide with this Saturday’s 10K event, and housing officials will be on hand to not only answer questions, but help people complete paperwork to submit to the Housing Executive to demonstrate local need. 

“Many older people in the community have raised the need for specific accommodation in order for then to downsize and free up family homes,” said the community group chairwoman. “This will be a great opportunity to influence the allocation of these houses and I would encourage anyone with an interest in housing need in Crossgar to come and chat to the specialists.”

A spokesperson for Clanmill Housing added: “Proposals for new homes to be built at Downpatrick Street will be on display and our representatives will be on hand to talk to anyone who would like to know more about the plans.”