As part of a Rural Housing Need test primary school children in Darkley took part in the Housing Executive’s ‘My Dream Home’ art competition.
Pupils from Darkley Primary School designed their fantasy homes as part of a programme of events to determine if new social or affordable housing is needed in the village.
The Housing Executive also held a housing information event in the school, where residents had the opportunity to register their interest in social or affordable housing.
They were also able to speak to their staff about the application process and get advice on a range of housing issues.
The winners of the ‘My Dream Home’ art competition were revealed just before the children went off on the summer holidays.
John McCartan, the Housing Executive’s South Area Manager, explains why the organisation is assessing the need for housing in Darkley: “This competition is part of our housing need test which will hopefully allow us to gain an understanding of the housing needs of those interested in living in the village.
“There was a fantastic response to the competition and I was really impressed with the level of creativity in the drawings. As well as a drawing sheet, each child was given a leaflet to take home to their parent or guardian encouraging anyone in genuine housing need to come forward.
“If we identify a demand for social or affordable housing then we will examine the potential for a housing association to deliver a new build scheme.”
Those interested in seeing more affordable or social housing Darkley should contact the Housing Executive’s Rural and Regeneration Unit on 028 9598 2502 or rural.housing@nihe.gov.uk
