Former army homes to provide social housing in North

More than 100 homes used by soldiers during the Troubles are to be converted for people in housing need, it was announced today.

The 112 British Ministry of Defence properties in Pond Park, Lisburn are being purchased by Stormont’s department of social development.

They will be refitted before being made available to those currently on waiting lists to be rehoused.

North Social Development Minister Margaret said there was an acute need for extra homes in the area.

“There are currently 2,578 people on the waiting list for social housing in Lisburn, 1,587 of them in Housing Stress,” said the SDLP South Down representative.

“These former MOD homes are in very good condition and can be quickly converted to bring them up to social housing standards.

“I am delighted that agreement has now been reached with Defence Estates to purchase these homes, particularly given the acute need for housing in Lisburn.

“When I launched the New Housing Agenda last year, I said that I would leave no stone unturned in my desire to address housing need. I am sure that the 112 families who will now move into these homes will welcome this creative approach to help them off the waiting list much sooner than they could ever have imagined.”

Oaklee Housing Association has been appointed to take ownership of the 112, three bedroom, semi-detached family homes.

It will work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The homes will start to be allocated from April this year once minor repairs and renovations have been completed.

Within the development, there is also the capacity to build another 15 family homes.

Meanwhile, the minister today attended the launch of a new energy efficient social housing development in Newtownards.

The 40 apartments on the town’s Donaghadee Road will be built by Sky Developments using state of the art insulation techniques.

After cutting the first sod on the site, Ms Ritchie said: “I am delighted to see construction of this new scheme under way. The delivery of high quality energy efficient and sustainable social housing is a key priority for my department.”