Co Antrim: 30 new social housing units plan includes demolition of flats
A planning application has been lodged with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for a proposed new social housing development in Antrim’s Ballycraigy estate.
The application for full planning permission has been made by an agent on behalf of 10 Main Street Ltd for the demolition of Hazeldene Flats at Newpark Road South and the construction of 30 new units.
These will consist of nine one-bed units, 20 two-bed units and one three-bed unit, if approved. The proposed new residential development will include private and communal amenity spaces, access, car parking, cycle bays, landscaping and bin storage.
The proposed new flats will be accommodated in two three-storey flat-roofed blocks with 12 self-contained flats in block A and 18 self-contained units in block B. Three have been designed to provide wheelchair access.
An amended design and access statement submitted with the application, which has been re-advertised, said that the Hazeldene Flats complex consists of 23 units housed in two two storey blocks.
It noted: “Substantial individual and communal amenity spaces will be created through the provision of enclosed garden spaces to the ground floor accommodation and communal garden amenity space.”
It stated the development proposal will “respect and enhance the established character of the Ballycraigy estate”.
“The established development pattern within the surrounding area and along the Newpark South Road is predominantly that of short terraces of two storey dwellings and blocks of two storey maisonettes,” it was noted.
A supporting statement said: “The proposal provides a mix of apartments for social housing. The scheme has been informed via engagement with a housing association which has selected the apartment types based on housing need for this area.
“Overall, the lay-out of the site has been cohesively designed to ensure an appropriate mix of unit sizes, private amenity space, manoeuvring space, landscaping and parking.
“The pattern of development is in keeping with the overall character, environmental quality and residential amenity of the established residential area.”
The Housing Executive has said 311 social housing units will be needed in the Antrim town area between 2024 until 2029. In September 2025, there were 905 applicants on the Housing Executive’s waiting list in the Antrim town area. Of these, 115 were elderly, 360 were families and 430, singles. A total of 712 were in housing stress.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter