MoD looks at releasing land for new homes in Ballykinlar

MoD looks at releasing land for new homes in Ballykinlar

13 September 2017

A NUMBER of new homes could be built at the former Ballykinlar army base, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

While military chiefs are to press ahead with a controversial plan to bulldoze almost 200 homes at the Abercorn Barracks base at the camp despite appeals not to, they have confirmed land could be released for new housing with the designated area located a safe enough distance away from military training facilities including firing ranges.

The MoD had been asked to consider allowing the 200 former army homes to be made available to help ease the district’s social housing waiting list but, following a review of the security position at Ballykinlar, this option has been ruled out.

The homes have been lying empty since 2 Rifles moved from Ballykinlar to Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn over two years ago. Military officials say turning over the former service family accommodation for either social or private housing “would compromise security.”

However, the MoD has confirmed it is to begin discussions with the Department for Communities to identify its housing requirements after a review carried out at the former army base identified the potential release of land to the northern end of the dry training area.

In a letter to former South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, MoD Minister Mark Lancaster said the land is a “safe enough distance from important military training undertaken across the Ballykinler site.”

He confirmed his officials have been asked to begin discussions with Stormont representatives to identify their requirements, and Mr Lancaster said any work will be undertaken in line with normal Treasury rules for disposals.

“When releasing military land it is our desire, where possible, to support local communities, but this cannot be at the expense of delivering military capability which must remain our primary objective,” said the MP.

Mr Lancaster also referred to ongoing discussions with Down GAA to develop a new centre of excellence on land at the former army base which he said will provide a “significant boost” to the local economy, whilst providing a national resource.

The proposed multi-million pound facility will include five floodlit pitches, changing facilities, a gymnasium, handball courts, an auditorium and a new administrative base which will become the main hub for Down GAA in the county. Access to the proposed development on land adjacent to Ballykinlar GAC’s Commons Road base will be via the club’s existing ground.

Miss Ritchie said while the decision not to retain the 200 former army homes “is a matter of regret,” she hopes the potential release of other land for new housing will materialise.

In addition, she is keen to see the training centre at the former army base extended and is confident it has the potential to become an all-island facility used by various arms of the emergency services.

“The MoD has confirmed Ballykinlar will remain a valuable asset for both the regular and reserve forces and I believe this offers the opportunity to further develop the asset as a major training facility,” she continued.

An MoD spokesman confirmed that in February this year, the organisation announced its intention to demolish 605 surplus service family accommodation properties, including 199 at the Abercorn Barracks in Ballykinlar.