The Housing Executive

The development of 27 houses and six apartments by Fold Housing Association, on the site of former playing fields, has been allocated to families from the social housing waiting list. The two and three bedroom properties have been built to high energy efficiency levels and include a range of eco features fitted as standard.

Minister McCausland said: “The importance of good housing in people’s lives cannot be underestimated. Fold Housing Association is to be congratulated for providing these much needed houses and apartments in an area that continues to have a high housing need.

“My Department requires that all new social housing is built to high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency. Having a warm, comfortable home to call your own is something we all aspire to. This new development certainly fits the bill and I have been most impressed by what I have seen.”

The new houses have the latest developments in eco technology including rainwater harvesting to re-cycle water for use in flushing toilets and roof solar panels to assist water heating.

The Minister praised the partnership between Fold Housing Association, Ards Borough Council, the Housing Executive and the local community that has facilitated part of the site being retained for a playground.

The Minister said: “The development team are to be applauded for responding positively to the local communities request for a playground area to be included. It is good we could take on board the aspirations of local people and build in added sustainability to create an even better and safer living environment for our youngest people.”

Billy Cameron, Chairman of Fold Housing Association said: “We are very pleased to see the tenants of Dunsy Green settling well into their new homes. We are grateful for the support of the local community and the assistance of the local representatives, the DSD and the Housing Executive.

“Dunsy Green will doubtless provide local people with much needed social housing in Comber and we at Fold are proud to be their partner of choice.”

The contractor, O’Hanlon and Farrell, picked up the 2011 ‘Northern Ireland Social Housing Development of the Year’ award from Premier Guarantee for the quality and workmanship employed on the site throughout the construction period.