The development will see Apex provide 76 houses and 35 apartments in the Rathcoole area - eight of these being sold as affordable homes, with the remainder delivering much-needed quality social housing in the area.Plans approved for 111 new homes in Newtownabbey
Approval has been granted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for the development of 111 new social and affordable homes on the former Newtownabbey Community High School site.
The Apex development will see the former school grounds, which have been vacant since 2015, transformed into a thriving community of 76 houses and 35 apartments. Of these, eight will be sold as affordable homes, with the remainder delivering much-needed quality social housing in the Rathcoole area.
Among the housing mix proposed for the development is a cul-de-sac of apartments specifically designed for residents aged 55 and over, to meet the significant need for appropriate housing for local older people.
The development will benefit from quality outdoor space, including a new children’s play park; will retain the majority of the existing trees on the site and also see the planting of around 1,200 additional trees.
Following constructive dialogue with local Macedon Councillors, Apex has committed a further £55,000 community contribution to redress open space lost when the school was demolished. While no final use for this has yet been set, it is anticipated that it will be put towards enhancing community space in the area.
Barry Kerr, Apex’s Director of Development, commented:
We’re thrilled to receive planning approval for this scheme, which will make a significant contribution to meeting housing need in the area. The provision of high-quality social and affordable housing is a fitting use for what is an important site within the local community.
We’re grateful to local representatives in the Macedon District Electoral Area for their constructive engagement with us. As a result, we are pleased to be able to deliver substantial additional benefits to people in Rathcoole, including £64,500 for a new children’s play park on site and a £55,000 community contribution. We look forward to strengthening this already positive relationship with local councillors and the community in the years to come.
