Plans for 111 new social and affordable housing at a former school site in Rathcoole has been approved by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Apex Housing Association will develop these new homes on the former Newtownabbey Community High School site which have been vacant since 2015.
The space will be transformed into a thriving neighbourhood of 76 houses and 35 apartments - eight will be sold as affordable homes, with the remainder delivering quality social housing in the Rathcoole area.
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Among the housing mix proposed for the development is a cul-de-sac of apartments specifically designed for residents aged 55 and over, to meet the significant need for appropriate housing for older people in the Rathcoole area.
The development will benefit from outdoor space, including a new children’s play park with the approved plans also seeking the retention of the majority of the existing trees on the site, and the planting of 2,800 additional trees.
In addition, following constructive dialogue with local Macedon Councillors, Apex Housing Association has committed a further £55,000 community contribution to redress open space lost when the school was demolished.
While no final use for this has yet been set, it is anticipated that it will be put towards enhancing community space in the area.
Commenting on the approval, Barry Kerr, Apex Housing Association’s Director of Development, said: "We’re thrilled to receive planning approval for this scheme, which will make a significant contribution to meeting housing need in the area.
"The provision of high-quality social and affordable housing is a fitting use for what is an important site within the local community.
"As a development team, we’re particularly grateful to local representatives in the Macedon District Electoral Area."
He continued: "Thanks to their constructive engagement with us, we are pleased to be able to deliver substantial additional benefits to people in Rathcoole, including £64,500 for a new children’s play park on site and a £55,000 community contribution.
"We look forward to strengthening this already positive relationship with local councillors and the community in the years to come."
Sam McKee, Director at Turley, the project’s planning consultancy, added: "This is a high-quality scheme that will make a very positive contribution to the local area. It offers a variety of housing types and tenures specifically designed to meet the area’s needs.
"We’re very proud to have worked on this project and to have secured planning permission, which will allow these homes to be delivered as part of the 2021/22 social housing programme."
Councillor Sam Flanagan, the Chairman of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council’s Planning Committee welcomed the developments.
He added: "I am absolutely delighted that permission has been granted for these large social housing projects within the Borough.
"These developments will assist in addressing the social housing deficit and provide homes for those most in need".
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