Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has cut the first sod of a new £2.2 million social housing scheme on the Antrim Road in Glengormley.

The development when completed, will consist of 21 apartments and is being built by Clanmil Housing Association with part funding from the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development.

The one and two bedroom apartments will accommodate the needs of active older people with completion planned for January 2015.

Speaking during a visit to the site, Minister McCausland said: "One of my key objectives as Housing Minister is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access good quality accommodation appropriate to their needs. I welcome the construction of these new homes which are being developed in response to a demand for this type of more easily managed accommodation."

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The Minister continued: "Clanmil is to be congratulated for the excellent design and delivery of this project including the added benefit of secure car parking. This feature in itself will be welcomed by the new tenants. I look forward to seeing the finished scheme in due course."

The five storey apartments will be built to high energy efficiency standards. All have been designed to Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes standards, ensuring added security for tenants and flexibility of adaptation if required at a later date. Features of the new building include lifts, underground car parking and a roof terrace for use by the tenants.

(CD)