Demolition plan for Newtownabbey tower block 'cannot be justified' claim amid 'longest' wait for business case decision
Antrim and Newtownabbey councillors were given an update on the proposed demolition of a block of high rise flats at a recent meeting of the borough council attended by Housing Executive officials to present the Housing Investment Plan update.
Speaking after the presentation, Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster said the proposed demolition of Abbotscoole House tower block in Newtownabbey “cannot be justified”.
Cllr Foster stated the borough has a “chronic need” for housing and the tower block should not be demolished.
He asked for an update on the proposed demolition plan, insisting the building “should not be knocked down”. “We are just putting more people on this growing waiting list,” he commented.
There were 3,474 people on the Housing Executive’s waiting list in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough during the last financial year. Of these, 2,729 were in housing stress.
The proposed removal of the tower block and the construction of new social housing on the site was submitted to the Department for Communities by the Housing Executive in December 2024.
Darren Cameron, the Housing Executive’s tower blocks delivery manager, replied: “We would typically have expected an answer to the business case by now. This is the longest period of time than for any decision on tower blocks within the Department which shows considerable consideration is being given to the case.”
In response to a query from Macedon DUP Cllr Matthew Brady over the duration of a wait for a decision on Abbotscoole House, Mr Cameron indicated the Housing Executive’s business case has been with the Department for Communities since December 2024 and an update was sought last month.
Threemilewater DUP Cllr Mark Cooper BEM noted 1,526 housing applications from single people across the borough with 1,163 in housing stress.
However, he welcomed a projected spend on cavity wall insulation by the Housing Executive for 182 homes in Monkstown.
The Housing Executive reported spending £15m on energy efficiency improvements during 2024/25. New heating installation was carried out in 453 properties in the borough and 74 double-glazing installations.
Cllr Foster said he finds the reduction in ‘Affordable Warmth’ funding from £8.01m to £7.5m as “concerning”.
The Affordable Warmth scheme funds energy efficiency measures for low income private sector households by assisting with measures such as heating system replacement and loft/cavity wall insulation.
Cllr Foster went on to say the proposed expenditure of £11m by the Housing Executive for response maintenance during 2025/26 “shows the vastly ageing” housing body’s estate, which, he stated, is “only going to get worse”. He added that a property survey of Housing Executive stock is “long overdue”.
Airport Sinn Fein Cllr Annemarie Logue told Housing Executive officials of concern over domestic violence in the borough and asked if there is any action being taken to provide women-only support hubs.
She also highlighted incidents of racial hate in Housing Executive neighbourhoods and asked what council can do to raise awareness. She was told the Housing Executive has a domestic abuse action plan.
Threemilewater DUP Alderman Stephen Ross asked if concerns over the waste water infrastructure would affect social housing development plans in the borough.
He was advised this would be considered on “a scheme by scheme basis” but it was not considered there were any not feasible due to the waste water system.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter