Councillor says Middletown housing project “falls short” of need

by
Micheal McKenna
December 9, 2014

A new house building project in Middletown has “fallen short” for many seeking new homes.

That was the view of local Sinn Fein Councillor Darren McNally, as he confirmed the Ulidia Housing Association was to construct six new homes.

But he said that he shared the disappointment of many that 14 housing units were not proceeding on site.

“I spoke to Ulidia Housing Association today and they confirmed that they are to build six new units in the village,” said Councillor McNally.

“It is planned to go to tender early in the new year with contractors hopefully being on site in March.

“Ulidia currently have a number of units in the village built on the old police station site; these new houses will be built to the rear of the existing properties.

“I am disappointed that the Housing Executive only granted permission for six homes on the basis of need, when planning permission was granted for 14 properties.

“It is my view that housing need across the Armagh district is higher than recorded with the Housing Executive, as a lot of young couples live in private rented accommodation and these figures are not taken into account.

“I plan to raise this issue with the Executive, as it makes sense to build 14 units now in one go, rather than six in March and perhaps eight more at a later date in the future which would cause greater disruption to residents.”