Social housing targets in north Armagh could be about to receive a boost with confirmation of plans for 24 new units.
The development has been earmarked for land at Sloanhill, Hill Street, Lurgan.
For North Lurgan the projected housing need to March 2023 is 80 units.
South Ulster Housing Association intends to award a land, design and build contract for 24 properties.
A non-material change planning application has been made for social housing on the Sloanhill site adjacent to McDonalds.
The site has planning permission and the developer has agreed to bring the site forward for much needed social housing.
It is understood that the scheme for six houses and 18 apartments has been included in this year’s Social Housing Development Programme and South Ulster Housing Association are currently preparing the scheme design submission to send to NIHE in order to receive approval.
This would allow a start on site this financial year.
The news has been welcomed by SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly.
She said: “The SDLP has been at the very front of efforts to deliver more social housing in the Lurgan area.
“The planned provision of nine one-bed apartments, eight two-bed apartments, six three-bed houses and one one-bed apartment with wheelchair access is very much welcome and it has my full support.
“With the housing crisis only deepening, this will offer some hope to those on waiting lists but more still needs to be done to address housing inadequacies.
“There is a compelling need for social housing given the high demand in this area and low turnover of housing.
“This will to some degree help to alleviate the social housing shortage.”
