Testing demand for social and affordable homes in Burnfoot

Pictured in Burnfoot, Co. Derry/Londonderry where the organisation is conducting research into local demand for social and affordable homes is (left to right) Eoin McKinney, Housing Executive Rural Officer and Roisin Hamilton Housing Executive Patch Manager, Causeway.
Pictured in Burnfoot, Co. Derry/Londonderry where the organisation is conducting research into local demand for social and affordable homes is (left to right) Eoin McKinney, Housing Executive Rural Officer and Roisin Hamilton Housing Executive Patch Manager, Causeway.

Research on the demand for social and affordable housing in Burnfoot, Co. Derry/Londonderry is now being conducted by the Housing Executive.

Potential residents are being urged to register their interest in living in the area before Friday December 8, 2023 by calling 028 9598 2502 or emailing rural.housing@nihe.gov.uk.

An online form has also been made available and can be accessed by visiting nihe.gov.uk.

Housing Executive staff are very keen to engage with any potential residents who would like more information.

Tim Gilpin, Rural and Regeneration Manager at the Housing Executive, explained: “A Rural Housing Needs Test is an opportunity for people in Burnfoot and the surrounding district to find out more about housing options in the area. 

“Quite often, especially when we have very few social homes in an area, people don’t see the value of coming forward to put their name on the waiting list. 

“But we use the local waiting list to determine housing need and to support housing associations in developing new homes, so it’s vitally important that people tell us there is a demand.                                                               

“If we find there is demand for new homes, then we can engage with a housing association to examine the potential for a new-build scheme in the district.”

Mark Alexander, the Housing Executive’s local Area Manager, is also urging local people to express an interest if they want to live in a social home. 

He said: “This exercise will help us to determine the need for new housing in this area and I’d encourage interested local residents to get in touch. 

“While the Rural and Regeneration Unit examines the potential for new housing, you will still be considered for any housing that might become available if you are already registered with us or a housing association.”