Ballynahinch housing appeal

Ballynahinch housing appeal

7 March 2012

HOUSING Association officials have been asked to consider alternative locations for a proposed new development in Ballynahinch.

The suggestion was tabled during a special meeting last week to discuss plans by Apex Housing to build 27 new social homes at a site originally earmarked for private housing at Riverside Road.

Existing private residents argue the Apex scheme will have a major impact on property values and exacerbate sewage problems in the area.

Last month, 120 residents packed into the town’s Market House to outline their concerns about the Apex proposal, making it clear that while they are not opposed to social housing, the Riverside Road location is inappropriate.

A delegation of residents joined by local politicians met senior officials from Apex last week to outline their concerns and suggest alternative locations for the proposed social homes.

They include the former Edengrove halls site at the top of Main Street, land at the Crossgar Road and an area known locally as Weir’s Yard in Dromore Street.

South Down Assemblyman Jim Wells pledged support for efforts to find a suitable location for social housing in Ballynahinch and has welcomed a willingness by Apex officials to look at alternative sites.

“During the meeting, local residents outlined many reasons why the Riverside Road is not a suitable location for social housing, while councillor Garth Craig and I pointed out numerous planning difficulties with the Riverside Road site,” he said.

Mr. Wells added: “I welcome the fact that Apex chief executive Mr. Gerry Kelly listened carefully to the arguments so clearly put by the objectors, but would urge everyone to remain vigilant and maintain their campaign to stop a second social housing development at the Riverside Road.”

Councillor Craig said residents used last week’s meeting to articulate their concerns and suggest that the value of around 80 private homes at the Riverside Road could be devalued by several million pounds.

“The private residents at the Riverside Road have put a lifetime investment into their homes and don’t want this jeopardised,” he continued.

Councillor Craig said another issue raised by residents was that the Apex proposal included a number of two-bedroomed homes which they argued would not be suitable for young families.

He continued: “There is a concern that people who may suffer from a variety of addiction problems for example could be allocated homes if the Riverside Road

development proceeded. That is a worry for residents. There is also concern that the construction of a second social housing scheme could lead to anti-social behaviour issues.”