More social homes needed for Newtown

WITH 63 people currently on the waiting list for homes in the Newtownstewart area, it has been described as “disappointing,” that no social housing schemes are currently on the horizon.

Figures from the Housing Executive showed that of those 63 waiting, some 36 are categorised as being in ‘housing stress.’

“It is deeply disappointing that there are no plans for new social homes in Newtownstewart town,” SDLP councillor, Steven Edwards said.

“This is especially the case when looking at the current waiting lists with 63 people on the waiting list, 36 of those in housing stress.

“These figures mean (with only 18 people being allocated homes in the area per year) even if waiting lists weren’t added to, it would take three and a half years to deal with the waiting lists.

“This is unacceptable as these numbers relate to individuals in hardship and families who are struggling for a home.

“The SDLP has written to the Minister for Communities and the Housing Executive to produce a social housing plan for Newtownstewart. It’s not fair that other towns are receiving investment and Newtownstewart is not.”

In recent weeks it was revealed that a major housing development consisting of up to 180 new homes  has been proposed for Newtownstewart. However this plan remains at the consultation stage and is only set to go before planners later this year.

If given the green light, the new development, planned for lands fronting the Baronscourt Road and Old Castle Road, would be completed in six phases, with phase one expected to begin construction in 2022 and  the final phase completed by 2029.