Housing on Drumaness playground?

Housing on Drumaness playground?

4 July 2012

A NUMBER of new social homes could be built in Drumaness.

Residents who live at Mullamore Drive are to be asked for their views on the possible redevelopment of a disused play area behind their homes.

Down Council chairman Mickey Coogan believes the council-owned site could be developed for social housing and wants local authority officials to discuss the idea with the Housing Executive and social housing providers.

He said any new housing scheme could also include an ultra-modern playground which could be used by young people in the village.

Councillor Coogan said the area where the disused playground is located has been targeted by illegal dumpers and believes its redevelopment would bring this to an end.

He raised the issued at a recent meeting of Down Council’s Building and Estates Committee and suggested that while the possibility of a new social housing scheme is being debated, work to improve drainage at the rear of Mullamore Drive should commence.

“The drain at this part of the village was replaced over four years ago and a new soakaway was constructed to address flooding problems in the area,” he explained. “However, This issue has raised its head again and there is a need to resolve it.”

Councillor Anne McAleenan said a drainage scheme for this part of Drumaness has been included in a minor works programme and explained the area in question has been zoned as “open space” in the Down Area Plan.

She suggested that in order for it to be resdesignated for housing, a persuasive case would need to be made to local planners.

Councillor McAleenan added: “Residents would also need to support rezoning this area for housing and would need to be asked for their views. If they are supportive, it would strengthen the council’s case to have the land at the rear of Mullamore Drive rezoned.”