New social housing development for 14 homes – Photo 1 of 1

A NEW social housing project has been announced for Strabane.

Fourteen new social homes are to be built on lands at Patrician Villas, Fountain Street, under plans being brought forward by Arbour Housing Association alongside local firm, Maguire Brothers Contracts Ltd and with the support of the NI Housing Executive.

The planning application, which have been submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council, consists of six pairs of semi-detached and two detached properties, with associated landscaping, in-curtilage parking and boundary treatments.

The scheme will be located on lands adjacent to the play park at Patrician Villas, and provide a mix of two and three bedroom general needs family homes, along with a wheelchair accessible property.

News of the scheme has been welcomed, with local elected representatives saying it will go some way in addressing the current social housing need in the town.

West Tyrone SDLP MLA., Daniel McCrossan, said the develpment has has been designed to reflect local housing need.

“This is very welcome news for Strabane,” he said. “Too many families are under pressure due to a shortage of suitable and affordable homes, so any investment that helps ease that pressure is positive and necessary.

“The mix of homes proposed reflects the real needs that exist locally, including provision for accessibility.

“That kind of thoughtful planning is essential if we are serious about delivering housing that works for people at different stages of life.”

He added: “I will continue to support initiatives that deliver high quality social housing and help ensure that people in Strabane have access to safe, secure and affordable homes.”

A site inspection for the scheme has been completed and the application is expected to come before a future meeting of council’s Planning Committee.

Strabane Sinn Féin councillor, Brian Harte, said the scheme has faced many obstacles, and commended the developers.

“This scheme has faced numerous obstacles,” he said. “As a councillor for this area I was happy to assist Maguire Brothers Construction along with councillor Raymond Barr in navigating some of the issues that arose during the design and planning process.

“Social Housing is a key priority for Sinn Féin and any project that can alleviate the need for housing can only be welcomed.

“We are hopeful that it will progress through the planning process soon, a huge credit to Maguire Brothers Construction for their ambitions on delivering more housing in the town.”

Councillor Barr added: “I am pleased to be working with Maguire Bros and councillor Barney Harte on the Arbour Housing Project at Patrician Villas, Fountain Street, Strabane.

“The development will consist of six two bedroom, seven three bedroom and one three bedroom wheelchair access houses and will hopefully go some way to alleviating the shortage of social housing in Strabane.”