Commenting on the proposed Bessbrook Mill redevelopment Nicola Grant said while more housing is always welcome there remains several questions to be answered. Will there be public housing included in the development? Will they be available at public housing rents?
If there are public housing rents is there a commitment to maintain the rents at public housing rates. Nicola went on to ask is there an infrastructure plan in place to accommodate this development. Schools, doctors, transport, and other facilities that would be needed to support so many residential dwellings. Have the planners taken into consideration the impact such a development would have on the village population and its unique history.
The Workers Party is of view that the voice of the local community should be listened to, and we believe that the development would be best placed as a museum with cafes etc. This would assist village to keep its historical heritage and attract tourists. Schools and other public services are already oversubscribed, and water and sewerage systems have been a barrier to house building programs this development will add to the problems already being experienced by the existing population of the area.
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CLANRYE NEWS 