04/07/2005

Government to play part in affordable housing - Woodward

Government should play a part in addressing Northern Ireland’s need for affordable housing, Regional Development Minister Shaun Woodward has said.

The Minister was speaking as he issued Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12), entitled ‘Housing in Settlements’, which he said is a guide to housing development in Northern Ireland for the foreseeable future. It also sets out the range of government policies that address affordability.

"We want to see more people own their own homes and, whilst it is not possible for Government to deal with all the issues which surround the provision of affordable housing, there are ways in which we can help,” Mr Woodward said.

"The key mechanism is obviously the co-ownership scheme but within PPS12 we outline some other means that can be used. For instance, the zoning of land for social housing will help Housing Associations get sites to build houses. Also, the Housing Growth Indicators contained in the Regional Development Strategy are in the process of being increased. This should increase the supply of housing, which may reduce house prices and thus also help affordability."

The Minister said that PPS12 set out the policies for housing in cities, towns and other settlements throughout Northern Ireland and will assist in the implementation of the Regional Development Strategy (RDS).

The RDS was published with the approval of the Assembly on 20 September 2001.

(MB/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
06 May 2004
Spellar announces review of housing development
Regional Development Minister, John Spellar today launched a four-month consultation period on the distribution of future housing development across Northern Ireland.
07 July 2011
Builders Get Major House Building Boost
A substantial Co Antrim housing scheme has been launched this week proving much needed good news for the beleaguered construction sector. Stormont Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland has officially started the new £18.5m family housing development in Lisburn.
14 December 2009
Brewery To Become New Homes
A new £25m housing scheme has been approved for the old Bass Brewery in west Belfast. Some 166 new homes will be built in what is being billed as one of the largest social housing schemes undertaken in Northern Ireland. It will also create much needed employment - with some 200 on-site jobs boosting the beleaguered construction industry.
08 August 2007
Minister Praises North Belfast Housing Project
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has officially handed over keys to the first residents of a £7.3million housing development on Belfast’s Antrim Road today. Built on the site of the former Milk Marketing Board headquarters, the project was led by Oaklee Housing Association and funded by the Department for Social Development.