A "groundbreaking" housing development in Co Antrim has been lauded for its emphasis on community cohesion.

Clanmil Housing Association, which developed Shared Futures at Causeway Meadows, picked-up the overall accolade at this year's UK Housing Awards.

The Lisburn scheme is made up of owner occupied homes, privately rented homes and social housing.

From the outset it was designed as a 'Shared Housing' scheme and integrates people regardless of community background and race.

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Shared Future is the Government’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland, and mixed tenure housing is a key theme in Stormont's new housing agenda.

Paddy Gray, Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), said: "This development is groundbreaking and it gives people in Northern Ireland the opportunity to live in an integrated, safe and welcoming community."

The UK Housing Awards from the Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing magazine are now in their thirteenth year.

UK Minister for Housing and Planning John Healey congratulated all the award winners, who he said are "showing what can be achieved despite the recession" and delivering the very best housing and services where they are needed.

(PR/BMcC)