Derelict buildings to be demolished

Derelict buildings to be demolished

31 May 2017

SEVERAL derelict Downpatrick properties are to be demolished following a 10-year campaign by disgruntled residents.

Residents of Hunter’s Mill, off Stream Street, have welcomed news that several properties will be knocked down following a 10-year campaign.

Members of the Stream Street Residents’ Association have been campaigning for the demolition because of concerns over subsidence.

The group, which put together a petition calling for the removal of the potentially dangerous properties, said it is delighted to learn the affected section of the development would now be removed after being acquired by the home building insurance company NHBC.

They said this brought their campaign to a welcome end following a long “saga” during which owners of other properties affected by subsidence have been compensated or had their buildings repaired.

Peter Smyth, chairman of the residents’ association, confirmed the campaign was “finally bearing fruit”.

“We have been campaigning to have 17 to 21 Hunters Mill bought by the home-building insurance company NHBC and demolished,” he said.

“Many other houses in the area have been repaired or owners compensated. But this block of houses has been our biggest problem.

“To speed things along, Councillor Cadogan Enright applied to have the council’s building control department look at the building with a view to getting it condemned. 

“We took up a petition for this to be done to create pressure for a settlement, as the building is in a dangerous state and we are worried about children getting into the site.”

Local resident Nicola Reynolds said she was relieved with recent progress.

“The ugly sight of these derelict properties had brought down the area, attracted anti-social activity, and was having an adverse effect on house prices for those wanting to sell,” she said.

Mr Enright said the issue had been resolved thanks to pressure from local people.

He said it was hoped the buildings would be demolished within months following the completion of legal work.

“As the council is now in charge of planning, including demolishing and rebuilding, we can hopefully ensure that this is done in such a way that will cause the minimum trouble to other residents in the area,” he said.

A spokesman for Newry Mourne and Down Council has confirmed that planning consent will not be required for the demolition of the properties at Hunter’s Mill.