A much-needed social housing development in south Armagh has taken a step closer to fruition with confirmation of outline planning approval having been granted.
In all 15 properties are planned, just off the Newtownhamilton Road, near McCrink’s Loanin in Camlough.
The outline approval for has been welcomed by Slieve Gullion Councillor Oonagh Magennis, who said the homes – a number of which will be adapted to meet the need of families requiring disability access – will be of great benefit to the area.
The Sinn Fein representative said: “I am delighted to hear that Belnew Developments Ltd, a registered Newry company, has outline planning permission to build 15 residential social homes in association with South Ulster Housing.
“Three of these houses will be specifically adapted to meet the need of families with disability access, who have been on the housing list for an extensive period of time.
“The infrastructure of McCrink’s Loanin will be improved and adapted to facilitate this new development.
“It is hoped there will be very few issues with regards getting full planning permission and that the building of these homes will commence in the very near future.
“There is a dire need for social housing in the Camlough area and, indeed, throughout the district, and the Planning Department must realise this.
“The fact that outline planning permission has already been granted, and that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has agreed to the proposals, should mean little issues in the planning process.
“This development will go some way to alleviate the social and affordable housing crisis that is evolving at speed throughout areas like Camlough and further afield.
“Developments like this also act as a stimulant to the local economy in an already thriving village.”
