Contentious Newcastle social housing plan gets green light

Contentious Newcastle social housing plan gets green light

6 July 2016

A CONTROVERSIAL social housing scheme in the heart of Newcastle has finally been given the green light.

Members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee backed a planners’ recommendation to approve plans by Oaklee Housing to demolish two former further education buildings to construct 15 apartments and a bungalow on land at Donard Street, despite vehement opposition from residents, business owners and elected representatives.

While the decision taken last week to approve the scheme wasn’t unanimous, councillors were told that Oaklee’s proposal did not contravene planning policy. 

A series of meetings have been held to discuss the proposed social housing scheme since the planning application was lodged in 2012, with residents who live closest to the development site insisting the area is not appropriate for public sector housing.

Politicians had argued that given the weight of opposition to the Donard Street proposal, Oaklee should seek an alternative site for its scheme. They say while they are not opposed to social housing, Donard Street is simply the wrong location.

The planning application was initially discussed by the former Down Council when responsibility for planning was under the control of the Department of Environment. 

As a result of the reorganisation of local government, Newry, Mourne and Down Council is now in charge of local planning with the decision to approve the Donard Street proposal passed by seven votes to one at a meeting in Newry last Wednesday.

Councillor Patrick Clarke was opposed to the scheme’s location given its proximity to residential housing, a busy street, taxi depots, bars and other businesses and is disappointed it has been given the green light. Making it clear he is not opposed to social housing, he argued Donard Street is “unsuitable for young families.”

He continued: “I’m disappointed that despite many concerted efforts by myself and other elected representatives over the past four years and the many public concerns raised by residents and businesses that planning permission has finally been granted.

“As a former Newcastle councillor on the legacy Down Council I held a number of meetings with Oaklee Housing to discuss this scheme since the application was lodged in 2012. I argued that given the sheer weight of local public concern and opposition it should seek a more suitable site in Newcastle which would have enough space for car parking and recreation space.”

Councillor Clarke said he has been contacted many times over the past four years by residents and businesses “deeply concerned” about the Donard Street proposal.

He continued: “I remained totally unconvinced that the decision to build social housing in an area which includes a taxi rank, bars, off licences, fast food outlets and a busy road is the best option.

“Despite the best efforts of residents, councillors and planning consultants to persuade planners not to approve this scheme, it has been given the green light.

“Those opposed to the Donard Street proposal believe the scheme’s design is totally out of character with the area. Despite further submissions of objection by councillors and planning consultant in a bid to have the approval recommendation overturned, it has been approved.”