Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced the release of additional land for housing development in Antrim town.

This will ensure an ongoing supply of housing land for the foreseeable future to meet continuing demand. The opportunity for development will assist the growth and prosperity of Antrim town.

The sites are located at various locations around Antrim town, including the Niblock Road, Belmont Road and lands off Stiles Way.

This is the release of the last tranche of Phase 2 housing sites contained in the Antrim Area Plan. Land has been released in a phased approach to ensure the planned and orderly growth and development of Antrim town. All of the Phase 1 sites have received planning approval and are either built or are currently under construction.

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Mr Attwood said: "This will provide a boost for Antrim town. It will support economic and social development in the wider Antrim area, promote additional infrastructure links, such as the upgrading of Niblock Road in the town and bring much needed local construction jobs.

"Opening up this land for future development will mean that local housing needs can continue to be met whilst providing a greater choice of sites. My announcement marks full implementation of the Antrim Area Plan and will provide a strong foundation for a new Local Plan. This will be taken forward by the new Antrim/Newtownabbey Council following the transfer of planning powers to local councils after the Reform of Local Government."

(CD/JP)