There was good news for the building trade this week as the NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood announced that over 140 new homes are to be built for the Lisburn area.

The development will be the largest social housing scheme to start this financial year, providing 124 family houses and 22 apartments for those in urgent housing need.

All are being built on land already owned by Lisburn City Council and the NI Housing Executive. Construction work is scheduled to commence in March.

The SDLP Minister said: "This is a major investment for the people of Lisburn. It will help house families and individuals who are in housing distress and in need of a safe, comfortable modern house.

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"These houses will be built to lifetime homes specification, ensuring that the youngest and oldest in our community can access safe and adequate housing.

"Unfortunately, future budgets are under pressure but I have been able to secure sufficient funding to allow this scheme to proceed. This level of new housing, altogether on one site, will make significant inroads into local waiting lists," he said.

The housing will be built to high levels of energy efficiency and will have Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes accreditation, giving added security and flexibility of adaptation for residents.

The Minister added that he very much welcomed the partnership approach that had made the scheme possible.

He said: "This development has been made easier with the support from Lisburn City Council, the Housing Executive, Ulidia Housing and the Planning Service who turned the planning application around in quick time. I commend all for their contribution in getting this much needed housing over the line.

"This will be an immediate major boost to the local construction industry and associated supply chain. That has to be good news for all concerned in these difficult times."

(GK/BMcC)