Delay in supported living scheme at Greenisland House

The project, which was due to commence construction in March, has been pushed back to the 2014-2015 financial year.

Carrick Ulster Unionist councillor Andrew Wilson has called for ‘urgent clarification’ on the progress of the scheme.

This followed last week’s announcement that the admissions policy of statutory care homes, including Joymount House in the borough, is now under review.

Cllr Wilson added: “I have also recently been in contact with Trinity Housing, who are working to transform Greenisland House into 32 bed supported housing. They advise that issues with a number of agencies have resulted in the scheme slipping into the next financial year.

“I would urge the agencies to work in partnership to get the work at Greenisland House started as soon as possible.”

In a statement, the housing association indicated the scheme was originally scheduled to be on site by March 31 2014.

“Unfortunately the Northern Trust was advised by DFP [Department of Finance and Personnel] that they were not permitted to dispose of the land and receive a capital receipt in this financial year (2012-13),” the statement added.

“Trinity Housing has continued to work diligently to progress this scheme and have recently obtained Planning Permission for the 32 bed unit.

“Documents are prepared and ready to go to tender in March 2014; however, due to DFP restrictions and the difficulty obtaining a Land Valuation from the Northern Trust, this scheme will now slip to 2014/15.

“Trinity Housing has met all their key milestones for this project but cannot proceed as they have to be in ownership of the land and this is not possible.”