Social housing proposal axed over residents’ objections

LISBURN residents have thwarted a developer’s bid to build social housing near their homes.

The application for 79 social housing units on Brokerstown Road was axed after more than 1,000 people signed a petition against it.

Dingles Builders had planned to sell the Brokerstown Road units to the Clanmil Housing

Association. But residents said the development would bring anti-social behaviour and lower property values. The petition read: “These are very often people who have been removed from other areas… potential tenants of this calibre would prove extremely damaging to the area.”

Brian Thompson, a community worker in the area, said residents weren’t against social housing but had been put off by previous developments. He added: “The area definitely needs social housing — it’s who’s getting the housing that’s the problem.”

One petition signatory said the development would “destroy” their security, adding: “I am signing this because I purchased a home this year in the estate.”

A further 181 objections were lodged with Lisburn and Castlereagh Council. Clanmil Housing Association said the area had a high demand for social housing. A spokeswoman said: “It is very disappointing that the development of these much-needed homes has been met with so much local opposition.”

But councillor Paul Porter, welcomed the decision. He said: “There was massive outcry from local residents who bought their homes without knowing this might be an option.”

The proposal was put before the council’s planning committee last week with the support of planning chiefs.