Housing group again seeking permission for Crossgar scheme

Housing group again seeking permission for Crossgar scheme

8 February 2012

A FRESH attempt is being made to build a number of social homes at the Downpatrick Road in Crossgar.

The Trinity Housing Association’s initial bid to develop 14 homes at the site of a derelict house on Downpatrick Road was refused permission and two months ago a revised application for 10 homes was also vetoed by planners.

Now the Housing Association has submitted plans to build seven social homes at the site.

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker has welcomed confirmation of the fresh application to provide four townhouses and three apartments and hopes the planning application will be given the green light.

He said there has been a long history to the Downpatrick Road site with previous plann-

ing applications initially approved and then subsequently refused.

“There is a need for new social homes in Crossgar and indeed right across the Rowallane area,” said Councillor Walker.

“While only seven homes are now being proposed by the Trinity Housing Association, their construction will be warmly welcomed by those on the waiting list for homes.”

Councillor Walker said Trinity Housing is committed to the Crossgar site and hopes planners will give it the go-ahead.

He added: “It’s now some considerable time since an initial planning application was lodged for this particular site. Two previous Environment Ministers have examined earlier proposals for the Downpatrick Road and I hope there will be no need for the amended application to also be discussed at Stormont.

“There is a clear need for new social housing in Crossgar and the Trinity Housing Association’s plans are designed to help meet that in the short term. I hope the amended proposal secures across-the-board political support.”