Plans unveiled for social housing in Ballyhornan

Plans unveiled for social housing in Ballyhornan

21 March 2018

PLANS have been unveiled to build 13 new homes in Ballyhornan.

A planning application paving the way for the social homes to be built close to the village’s family centre are due to be lodged shortly and it is hoped work on the development can start later in the year.

Three of the proposed new homes will be designed to accommodate the needs of disabled residents, with details of the Ark Housing scheme outlined during a community consultation event on Tuesday of last week.

News of the proposed social housing scheme has been welcomed by South Down MLA Colin McGrath, local councillors Gareth Sharvin and Dermot Curran, former South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and Mrs Patricia Curran, chairwoman of the Ballyhornan Community Association.

Mr McGrath said the recent consultation event was designed to showcase the proposed housing scheme which people in this part of the district have been waiting on for some considerable time.

“Bishopscourt is an area of need and not only is this scheme good in terms of addressing housing need, it will also provide a boost for the local construction industry,” he said.

Cllr Sharvin said all too often, new build schemes focus on larger towns, explaining demand for social homes in areas like Ballyhornan is high. 

“I look forward to the commencement of works on site and the long awaited allocation of the properties which will help with the continued social regeneration of the area,” he added.

Cllr Curran said there was a need for more social housing across the district, describing the proposal as a ”welcome step” towards reducing the number of families on the waiting list.

“I am delighted with the Ballyhornan proposal and am keen to see more social homes provided in the Ardglass and Downpatrick areas to meet what is a pressing need,” he continued.

Miss Ritchie said the social housing scheme will address local need and provide much-needed regeneration in the village.

“Ark will provide a new road and a footpath within the new estate which will eventually by adopted by the Department for Infrastructure and I hope the organisation will work with the local community to upgrade existing roads, street lighting and the water and sewerage infrastructure in this part of the village,” she added.

Mrs Curran praised everyone involved in securing the social housing scheme, including local politicians, Ark Housing, Housing Executive and County Down Rural Community Network.

She added: “We look forward to the planning application being submitted as the scheme will help address the need for social housing in the area. A lot of hard work and effort has got us to this stage and I look forward to seeing the new homes being built.”