Voluntary group’s home plan blocked

MEMBERS of a voluntary housing organisation have expressed “dismay” and “disquiet” at a decision by county councillors to halt their plans to build more than 20 homes.

Carbery Housing Association (CHA), which had been working on the project for five years, was ready to seek planning permission for the development on a 2.4-acre site at Slip, Bantry, Co Cork, which is owned by the local authority.

However, councillors have instead ordered their officials to carry out a local authority housing project on the land, claiming that CHA hasn’t the experience necessary to complete its project.

CHA chairman Patrick O’Donovan said considerable investment had already been made. “We are also concerned at the precedent being set which could create long-term obstacles for Carbery Housing Association and other voluntary housing projects in the county,” Mr O’Donovan said.

He said it was his understanding that the council should be committed to encouraging and supporting voluntary groups developing social and affordable housing under the terms of the Cork Joint Housing Strategy.

CHA, which was founded in September 2001, raised funds in the community for the project and identified single people, single parents and childless couples as being most affected by the shortage of houses.

Two years later, CHA identified the site in Bantry and held a number of meetings with council officials.

Last month the group’s architect made a detailed presentation to councillors at a meeting in Clonakilty.

“To our surprise and dismay this presentation was followed by two resolutions from county councillors from each of the majority parties (FF and FG), effectively blocking our proposals,” Mr O’Donovan said.

He added that CHA believed it was pursuing the council’s own policies.

He pointed out that CHA’s project manager has over 25 years experience of rehabilitation and new-build project management as well as several years housing management experience.

In addition, CHA has proposed joining the Gwalia Housing Group based in Wales, a voluntary organisation which has built in excess of 7,000 houses.