Housing Executive will consider backing green field sites

THE Housing Executive says it could be willing to back social housing schemes built on green-field sites that would normally be ruled out-of-bounds by planners.

News of a potential relaxation of rules in Causeway Coast and Glens was delivered by NIHE officials to councillors during their annual visit to Cloonavin's chamber last Tuesday.

It came as members sought action from the Executive to address lengthening waiting lists for social homes – particularly in rural areas. Currently NIHE will only back new-build schemes on land within settlement development limits.

These are the boundaries separating towns and villages from the surrounding countryside, drawn up to prevent urban sprawl, protect landscape character and promote sustainable land use.

Last Tuesday senior NIHE official Carita Coulter explained to councillors her team regularly explores site opportunities across Causeway Coast and Glens.

But in many areas of identified housing need they have been unable to secure land for new social homes

That’s why there has been NIHE “engagement” over a greenfield site at Ballyvoy outside Ballycastle that was adjacent to, but outside the village’s development limits.

Read the full story in this week's Coleraine Chronicle