Concern over large number of ‘eyesore’ buildings in Killyleagh

Concern over large number of ‘eyesore’ buildings in Killyleagh

18 May 2016

THE increasing number of derelict properties in Killyleagh has prompted a call for a strategic development plan to be drawn up for the town.

Concerned about the increasing number of vacant properties, the Killyleagh Development Association is fearful of the negative image the various buildings are portraying.

The Association has revealed a recent survey indicated there are 26 properties which require repair or complete refurbishment, a number of which the group has described as “eyesores.”

During the Development Association’s recent monthly meeting, members voiced concern about the number of “vacant, unsightly and run-down properties” and a lack of investment in the buildings.

The group has claimed the owners of the properties are quite content to sit on what it has described as “severely rundown sites,” allowing them to become eyesores and creating an extremely bad image to our village.

With the Assembly election now concluded, the Development Association believes that in consultation with newly elected MLAs, councillors and like-minded people in the town should meet to discuss a strategic development plan covering the next five to 10 years.

A spokeswoman for the Killyleagh group said it is imperative there is support from various agencies to address the number of buildings in need of repair in order to create “a much better image of our wonderful town.”

She continued: “With the proper legal infrastructure and planning laws to encourage more rapid redevelopment of these eyesores, Killyleagh would become an even more enjoyable place to reside, live and work whilst, at the same time, encouraging tourists to visit the many heritage sites in the village and giving them a more pleasant place to visit. 

“Killyleagh is not the only area which has fallen foul of this situation. We also believe planning and development laws must be changed in order that the owners of all derelict sites no longer be allowed to sit on them for long periods of time, thus creating a bad image of towns and villages in Northern Ireland.”