Ballyhornan looks to future housing needs

Ballyhornan looks to future housing needs

18 January 2017

THE Housing Executive wants to hear from people who have ever thought about living in Ballyhornan as part of an exercise to determine the need for more social housing in the village.

The organisation is undertaking an in-depth examination of the area’s housing need and as part of the initiative is hosting an event in the Ballyhornan Family Centre next Wednesday night, January 25.

The event — which takes place between 6.30pm and 8.30pm — is being organised in partnership with Ballyhornan and District Community Association and provides an opportunity to discuss the potential for a new housing development in the area and a chance to find out more about living in social/affordable homes.

For existing residents, members of the Housing Executive’s grants team will be on hand at the Family Centre to discuss the availability of the disabled facilities grant which will help people remain in their own homes for longer. 

In addition, members of the grants team will also advise on the availability of the boiler replacement and so-called affordable warmth schemes which are aimed at improving the energy efficiency of eligible homes.

The Executive’s South Down area manager, Mr Owen McDonnell, said the organisation recognised the growing pressures from rural communities for local, affordable homes and the need to address increasing levels of unfitness and fuel poverty in rural areas.

“As part of the process to determine housing need in Ballyhornan, we will carry out a so-called latent demand test,” he explained.

“The test is undertaken to identify any hidden demand for social housing which may exist and to encourage those in housing need to register. This then helps decide where new housing might be required.

Ballyhornan Community Association chairwoman Mrs Patricia Curran said the group was pleased the Housing Executive was helping to host the event, which, she said, was a sign of its commitment to the Ballyhornan area. 

She added: “We would like to encourage anyone with an interest in living or returning to live in Ballyhornan to get in touch with the Housing Executive (03448 920 900) to express an interest and complete a simple housing form.”