News

Plans approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for 111 new social and affordable houses at former Newtownabbey High School site

We provided expert Planning and Strategic Communications services to Apex Housing Association for the development of 111 new social and affordable homes on the former Newtownabbey Community High School site.

The development will see the former school grounds, which have been vacant since 2015, transformed into a thriving neighbourhood of 76 houses and 35 apartments. Of these, eight will be sold as affordable homes, with the remainder delivering much-needed quality social housing in the Rathcoole area.

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 quality outdoor space, including a new children’s play park. The approved plans also sought the retention of the majority of the existing trees on the site, and the planting of c.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. 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.”

Planning Director, Sam McKee 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.”

23 March 2022