£8m investment plan for 30 new social housing units at Antrim's Newpark estate approved
Permission has been granted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee for the construction of new social housing in Antrim’s Newpark estate.
The committee, which met at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, on Monday evening, gave the go-ahead for 30 proposed social/affordable flats and demolition of the existing Hazeldene Flats.
A committee report said: “The proposal comprises the erection of two three- storey apartment buildings connected at ground level by a covered entrance area. The proposal provides a variety of apartment sizes, comprising one three-bed apartment, nine one-bed apartments and 20 two-bed apartments.”
The proposal includes the demolition of two existing blocks of flats.
Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told members planners received 21 letters of objection highlighting concerns of over-development, impact on residential amenity, road safety, insufficient parking and being out of character with the area.
The officer said the principle of development is “acceptable”, the level of open space is considered “sufficient” and car parking is “adequate”. She added there would be “no adverse impact” on residential amenity”, road safety or flood risk.
Addressing the committee, Antrim Ulster Unionist Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, who is not a member but had speaking rights, said she welcomed a housing development on the site but objected to its proposed size and scale. She added she is a resident of Newpark.
She went on to say she was concerned over the objection from NI Water and the potential impact of additional homes on the network.
“Parking is also a massive concern,” she stated. “There is a shortfall of 18 spaces. That is incredibly significant. The need for parking is consistently increasing. The main road through Newpark is incredibly busy. It is also a bus route.”
She suggested the planned development could result in “overlooking, loss of privacy and dominance”.
The committee report noted: “It is considered that the proposed development would not significantly impact the amenity of the neighbouring properties by way of overlooking, loss of privacy, dominance, and loss of light/overshadowing.”
Planning consultant Thomas Bell said he wanted to offer reassurance the scheme is “parking compliant”. He indicated the proposed density will be a “modest increase” and spoke of a “real opportunity to regenerate the site” with an investment of almost £8m.
Macedon Ulster Unionist Cllr Robert Foster asked about the separation distance of the proposed properties and 18 parking spaces being “sub-standard”. Mr Bell responded that the proposal is replacement of two-storey blocks of apartments.
Higher Ratio
Richard Agus, a transport planning consultant, said when DfI (Department for Infrastructure) refers to sub-standard parking, it means it is “below the maximum”. “We are providing more parking, a higher ratio than for the original number of flats.”
In response to a query from Cllr Foster, he said that disabled parking is included.
Barry Diamond, the council’s head of planning, commented: “We recognise there is a shortfall in parking but also a shortfall in parking at the existing scheme which has 18 apartments and 12 spaces.”
Cllr Foster insisted: “We are not comparing like with like.” Mr Diamond replied: “We recognise the shortfall but, on balance, we think it is acceptable in order to provide social housing in the area.”
Glengormley Sinn Fein Councillor Rosie Kinnear proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, seconded by Antrim SDLP Cllr Roisin Lynch. Planning permission was approved after 10 councillors voted in favour with two against.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter