Planners give approval for latest phase at housing site

Planners give approval for latest phase at housing site

10 June 2020

PLANNERS have given the green light for the latest phase of building work at the former Downe Hospital site in Downpatrick to proceed.

Contractors were forced to abandon construction in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, but are now back building much-needed homes on behalf of Clanmil Housing.

An initial 37 homes are being built part as part of the major social housing project at the sprawling site where around 100 new homes could eventually be constructed at a huge area which borders four main roads.

The redevelopment of the former hospital site includes a range of housing types including apartments, two and three storey homes and bungalows.

The former hospital and canteen building behind it — which are both listed buildings —have been incorporated into the development plan as apartment blocks, with the development proposals for these formally approved this week.

Planners have given the green light for 41 apartments and two semi-detached homes with construction work involving the partial demolition of the former hospital infirmary and administration buildings which will be extended to accommodate the proposed new-build.

The planned development includes provision for open space, landscaping access and parking.

Planning permission has also been granted for 23 new dwellings, comprising 19 homes and four apartments, on a pocket of land south of Pound Lane and west of John Street.

It is understood that as part of the development of the entire site, the main entrance into the former hospital complex off Pound Lane will remain, while a new entrance is also proposed on the Ardglass Road side.

Downpatrick councillor Dermot Curran said the work at the former hospital site will be “instrumental” in helping address the need for more social homes in the town.

In addition, he said that the construction of the new homes can assist with the social and economic regeneration of this particular area.

“The redevelopment jigsaw is taking shape and it is great see new houses springing up from the ground at part of the town that was an eyesore after the old hospital closed in 2009. It is hard to believe that it has taken 11 years to get to the stage we are at now at, but the sight of new homes going up is welcome,” he continued.

“While the regeneration of this part of Downpatrick is vital, so is the impact the new homes project will have on addressing a critical shortage of social housing. Many of those in need of a new home are in the urgent need category and the sooner tenants can start to move in, the better.”

Cllr Curran explained that those in the urgent need category are the priority as far as housing providers are concerned.

He also hopes that given the progress that is being made at the former hospital site that families may be able to move in before December.

The councillor said the new social housing project will benefit the wider community by providing construction jobs and boosting builders’ suppliers and hopes that those on the waiting list for homes in the town will be offered the new properties.

He added: “This eagerly-awaited scheme is ridding Downpatrick of a derelict site which will be transformed to deliver modern homes in an area of high demand.”

Local SDLP MLA Colin McGrath also welcomed the planners’ approval.

He said: “The housing development at the old Downe site has been a protracted and drawn out process.

“Having been in regular contact with Clanmil to see what were the outstanding issues holding this development back to hear that council planners are to approve the next stage of the development at long last is very welcome news.

“I look forward to seeing how this scheme progresses and how quickly we can get people into these developments.”

Mr McGrath added: I’m grateful for the engagement with Clanmil and look forward to continuing this into the future.”