AMBITIOUS plans to build more than 480 family homes on the outskirts of Dundonald have been given the green light by the council.
The £70 million Millmount Village development was approved by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on Tuesday in what is thought to one of the largest housing proposals to come before the planning authority.
The 483-home neighbourhood is expected to be completed within four years and safeguards approximately 90 on-site construction jobs.
The council approval on Tuesday for 360 new homes supplements around 123 existing properties at Millmount Village already permitted, located of the Comber Road and Millmount Chase on the edge of open countryside.
Millmount Village properties have become highly sought after in part due to its close proximity to Dundonald, Castlereagh, Ballyhackamore and southbound to Comber.
The homes also benefit from direct access to the Comber Greenway, providing cycle and pedestrian connectivity.
Popular with families and first time buyers, the existing development is already approaching full occupancy.
Conor Mulligan from developer Lagan Homes said he was delighted to receive unanimous support for the application.
"This is a significant investment that will ensure continued employment of our staff and contractors for a number of years, and will benefit local suppliers. Most importantly it provides much needed new housing, in a highly desirable location.”
Planning permission was secured by Turley planning consultants and the proposals have been designed by award winning residential architect Alan Patterson Design. They continue a pattern of Georgian influenced architecture reflective of existing properties within Millmount Village.
Meanwhile plans have been submitted for a £2 million redevelopment of an historic pub in Co Down.
Lacuna Developments has submitted plans to create 17 appartments at the 19th century listed building 1 Stewart’s Place and the Old Priory Inn in Holywood.
The Holywood- based developer purchased the site in mid-January, and now has submitted planning proposals to develop the listed building, thought to have been built around 1840 by William Lowry, as three one-bedroom luxury apartments.
The Old Priory Inn, vacant for around 10 years, will be redeveloped as 14 adjoining two bedroom apartments.
A planning application for the 17 apartments was submitted to Ards and North Down Borough Council following consultation with the planning authority and and the Historic Environments division of the NIEA.
Lacuna Developments has a pedigree of similar major regeneration projects, including listed buildings in conservation areas. The company recently completed the successful regeneration of John Bell House, the former Belfast Tech Building on College Square East.
