Residents opposed to Ballynahinch housing

Residents opposed to Ballynahinch housing

22 February 2012 - by DAVID TELFORD

PRIVATE residents at the Riverside Road in Ballynahinch have expressed major opposition to a proposed social housing scheme in the area.

Around 120 people packed into the Market House in the town for a public meeting on Monday night to express concern at the proposal by the Apex Housing Association.

Residents made it clear they are not opposed to the provision of social housing, but vehemently argued the Riverside Road — where there is an existing social housing development — is the wrong location.

Representatives from Apex Housing did not attend Monday night’s meeting, but have confirmed they will meet with local politicians and a delegation of residents to discuss their concerns.

Politicians are also seeking talks with Northern Ireland Water, the PSNI and the Planning Service to discuss other residents’ concerns.

It was claimed on Monday night that the proposed social housing scheme will exacerbate sewage problems at the Riverside Road and that objections lodged in opposition to the Apex scheme have not been formally registered by local planners. Existing residents are also concerned the construction of a second social housing scheme will further devalue their properties.

The site earmarked by Apex Housing for 27 new homes was originally intended for a private development but given the current economic situation, the land was subsequently offered for social housing.

“We have no objection to social housing in Ballynahinch, but the Riverside Road is simply the wrong location,” declared one resident. “Our major concern is that we objected to a previous application for social housing in our area but our concerns fell on deaf ears.

“We are concerned about the calibre of people who will be allocated these homes if this application proceeds. The crime figures we have been told about for the Riverside Road are alarming.”

South Down Assemblyman Jim Wells said he was “totally opposed to the imposition of social housing on people who don’t want it in their area” and suggested the huge turnout at Monday’s meeting will send a clear message to Apex Housing officials.

Mr. John McCallister MLA said while social housing is needed in Ballynahinch, the Riverside Road “is not the appropriate location.” He said the genuine concerns of residents opposed to the Apex scheme cannot be ignored.

Councillor Garth Craig suggested “if Apex has any sense at all, we will get the right result,” while Councillor Anne McAleenan said she got the impression from speaking to Apex officials that they will “pull away from the scheme if there are major objections.” But she warned there is nothing to prevent another Housing Association from stepping in to run with the Riverside Road proposal.

Councillor Billy Walker, representing Strangford MP Jim Shannon, said it is “abundantly clear” there is major opposition to the proposed social housing development, suggesting there are more suitable sites in Ballynahinch.

He also claimed that during an eight-month period, police were called around 100 times to deal with various issues at an existing social housing development at the Riverside Road.

Councillor Walter Lyons said the Stormont administration had to deal with residents’ concerns about chosen locations for social housing and suggested Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland or members of the DSD Committee should meet with Riverside Road residents.