Targetting housing need in rural areas
Published: Tue, 29 Nov 2011
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We have just published our annual programme of surveys to examine the need for housing in smaller rural locations.
These studies help us decide where new housing is required and involve local campaigns to encourage those in housing need to register on the housing waiting list.
This year we are targeting ten villages commencing in November with Lack and Ballinamallard in Fermanagh and Derrymore in Craigavon. We are responsible for identifying where housing may be required and we regularly examine our waiting lists to help assess this.
- If you are interested in living in Derrymore call Maureen Kerr on 028 9031 8563
- If you are interested in living in Attical, Glassdrumman, Ballinamallard or Lack call 028 3831 5870
We are however aware that some people in rural locations do not register their interest for their local area because housing to rent may be in short supply or low cost housing to buy may be unavailable. This is an opportunity for those who need a house to put their names on the housing waiting list, this will allow us to take their interest into account when assessing the need for housing in the area.
This is part of an ongoing co-ordinated programme to examine housing need in rural settlements which we carry out under our ‘Rural Homes and People’ strategy. We recognise that housing in rural communities cannot only provide homes for those in need but can help sustain the local shop, school and other local services.
Other areas which will be examined this year include Attical and Glassdrumman (Newry and Mourne), Drumaghlis (Down), Kilrea (Coleraine), Moneymore (Cookstown), Ballymaguigan (Magherafelt) Moneyreagh (Castlereagh) and Clady (Strabane).
We will set out our findings in the relevant District Housing Plans which are presented to District Councils each year. Final results of the studies will be published once all of the surveys have been completed.
