Concern over new housing scheme

Concern over new housing scheme

22 February 2012

CONCERN has been expressed at a public meeting in Newcastle about plans to provide new social housing at the Donard Street area in the town.

The Oaklee Housing Association wants to redevelop a former building owned by the South Eastern Regional College to provide apartments and a three-storey house.

Opposition to the proposal was outlined at a meeting in the Newcastle Centre on Monday night attended by local politicians and several residents.

South Down Assemblyman Willie Clarke suggested the style of accommodation proposed at Donard Street is a “recipe for disaster” as it is close to the town’s Main Street, public houses, off licences and taxi ranks. He said the Oaklee scheme is “out of character” with other housing in the area,

Mr. Clarke added: “The current proposal would be a magnate for anti social behaviour, especially during the summer. To house young families in this type of accommodation at this location will create major difficulties for the safety of children.”

Councillor Patrick Clarke said the former college building is “totally unsuitable for social housing” due to Donard Street’s location in the centre of a busy retail and residential area.

He said the Oaklee Housing Association seems “clearly intent” on acquiring the Donard Street building for social housing, irrespective of local business and residential opposition.

Councillor Clarke added: “I totally support social housing being built in the right location with the proper space and amenities such as green and recreational areas. Donard Street site is not the right location to house families in block style apartments.

“I am very surprised that given there are quite a number of empty properties lying vacant

in Newcastle as well as the  construction of 149 new social homes at the Castlewellan Road in the town that Oaklee still feels there is a such major need for social housing at Donard Street.”