Write a commentPlanning approval for a major housing development at Watson's Road in Newry has been welcomed by local politicians who have promised to work with local groups to deal with any remaining concerns they might have.
Local Councillor Liz Kimmins says it will help alleviate the dire housing situation in the area.
Councillor Kimmins commended the local residents, Watsons Road Residents Group,Barcroft Community Association and Corrinshego Football Club who engaged with developers MJM Marine to bring the project to the successful Planning approval. She also praised the efforts of the developers to listen to and address the residents concerns.
The local Councillor explained how a previous application had caused local concern "A Planning application was submitted in 2013 for residential housing development of 200 houses entailing a mixture of private and social housing.
"Many from the local community raised concerns with me mainly in relation to stretch of road from the top of Barcroft to the junction at Watsons Road. This stretch of road is seen by most as very unsafe for pedestrians and motorists and it was felt that the problem would be further compounded by the increase of traffic if this project was allowed".
Cllr Kimmins explained how she had worked with local groups to help aleviate concerns.
"I have facilitated numerous meetings between the community and planners, Transport NI and the developer, MJM.Community engagement has ensured today's approval and I am confident that the new development will help alleviate some of the current housing challenges that many of our community are facing. The outstanding issue of the creation of a footpath link from the greater Barcroft Area including the local primary schools, to the new housing development and Thomas Davis’ planned sports development, has at this stage not been resolved, mainly due to the developer being unable to the peice of property necessary from the owner, that option is still being pursued. Project developers MJM Marine who have shown a great willingness to work with the local community, have given a firm commitment to try and resolve this and to continue to liaise with local residents and the community"
Highlighting the benefits of the major project Cllr Kimmins added "This development adjacent to the main Dublin/Belfast economic corridor facilitates a viable commute to industry centres for citizens of Newry. The construction phase(s) will span circa 5/6 years providing stable local employment for the construction industry".
Newry City Councillor Michael Savage also welcomed the planning approval and has vowed to work to resolve any outstanding concerns of local residents .
Councillor Savage said: "I have been a strong advocate for the need to tackle the housing crisis in Newry and build new homes for young families across the city and this scheme will go some way to alleviate the problem. I am also conscious of some unresolved local concerns but I am confident they can be addressed in the coming months.
"My colleague, SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, has been taking our party's lead in working with the developer and local residents on this development and I welcome today's announcement that the scheme now has planning approval."
Councillor Savage added: "I appreciate that there are still a number of unresolved issues relating to the concerns of residents in the area and I welcome the positive signals from the developer to continue to work with local residents to address concerns, particularly relating to footpath provision.
"I can assure both the residents and the developer of my full support and assistance at all times to try and bring any outstanding issues to a satisfactory conclusion."
