Lambeg residents voice concerns over housing plans

The meeting was chaired by Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, who said there was a “tremendous turn out”. As well as local residents and politicians, representatives from Clanmil Housing Association and the MoD attended the meeting.

Mr Donaldson said the message from the meeting was clear - that the residents did not want the houses to be sold for social housing.

“Very strong views were expressed by many people from across the community at the meeting and it is evident there is consensus that these houses should be made available to first time buyers rather than for social housing,” explained Mr Donaldson.

“As an MP I am aware there are two major housing needs at the moment, one being social housing and the other being affordable homes for first time buyers.

“On this occasion I believe the best option for the MoD would be to make these houses available for young families, for whom an affordable home would be a very attractive proposition.”

Mr Donaldson said he believed this option would have widespread support in the local community.

A spokesperson for the local residents, who are forming a working group, thanked the school for allowing the meeting to be held. He continued: “At the meeting it was very evident there was a lot of hurt, anger and genuine concern in the community and a very clear message came out that we do not accept the proposals for these houses as it stands and the community believe they should be released to first time buyers.

“We also hope that Clanmil will open dialogue and we are looking forward to the response from them following the meeting.”

Speaking after the meeting, Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig said: “Resident after resident spoke with one voice expressing fears that the character and community spirit that has been the ethos of the area would be eroded if this proposal by Clanmil were to go ahead.”

Lisburn Councillor Mrs Yvonne Craig made her maiden speech at the meeting and proposed Lisburn council write to both Clanmil Housing and the MoD asking them to clarify their positions. She also reminded everyone that local residents had always been supportive of the military and had welcomed military personnel into the community.

At the end of the meeting a collection was taken and raised £241 for charity.

Local politicians also met with Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland this week to discuss the issue.

Speaking after the meeting with the Minister, MLA Jonathan Craig said: “At the meeting with the Minister, I stated that these houses should be purchased by first-time buyers and/or through co-ownership schemes which would be a more suitable outcome for everyone concerned and would help many young families in the wider Lisburn area climb on to the property ladder.

“Monday’s Public Meeting and the meeting with the Minister will be the first of many meetings that myself working with the local community groups and residents will have in resolving this very serious issue in a way that will have the support of all the community.”

Following the meeting a spokesperson for Clnmil Housing Association said: “In line with current Government housing strategy, Clanmil is continually seeking opportunities to make available affordable high quality homes in areas where the demand for housing is high. Refurbishing existing empty houses provides homes more quickly than through the new build programme and also helps combat the potential blight on a neighbourhood that can be caused by empty homes.

“The homes at Mountview offer an opportunity to do this and Clanmil is keen to take this forward and make these houses available for families.”