Public square could be used for parking

Public square could be used for parking

8 February 2012

ONE of Downpatrick’s two public squares could become a car park.

The Clanmill Housing Association wants to purchase De Courcy Square in English Street from Down Council to provide car parking and access to a new social housing scheme.

Clanmill intends to redevelop a former veterinary surgery opposite Denvir’s Hotel to provide a number of new houses and apartments and while council officers have agreed in principle to Clanmill’s request to buy De Courcy Square, councillors want to see the Housing Association’s plans on paper.

The issue was debated at Monday night’s meeting of Down Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee when councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe said he understood Clanmill’s plans could only proceed if existing flats in English Street were sold for redevelopment as the Housing Association also required this land.

He said plans were also unveiled a number of years ago for the council land to be developed into a car park for people visiting Denvir’s Hotel.

“We are talking about a town centre site and while there have been problems at the flats in the area in the past, things have settled down. I was under the impression that selling these flats was central to the social housing scheme proceeding and this is an issue we need to clarify,” added councillor Mac Con Midhe.

Councillors John Doris and Anne McAleenan said the council should only agree to sell its land once it has seen Clanmill’s plans on paper and discussed it with housing officials.

Councillor Doris said given the “prominence of the council site,” it has to be treated with a great deal of respect, suggesting Clanmill’s proposal did not strike him as the best use of the De Courcy Square area.

He added: “I believe there is much more potential for this area than what’s currently being proposed. We have to ensure that whatever is developed at this location is up to a standard which satisfies us.”

Councillor Terry Andrews expressed concern about potential parking problems associated with the new development, explaining spaces at Church Avenue and at the rear of the existing flats are often at a premium.

It was agreed at Monday night’s committee meeting to invite representatives from the Housing Association to address councillors on their plans for new social homes in English Street.