News
Creating Sustainable Communities: Research Report on Social Housing in Northern Ireland was commissioned by Apex, Ark, Choice, Clanmil and Radius Housing Associations, supported by the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.
Drawing on case studies in Skeoge (Derry~Londonderry) and Ballynafoy (Belfast), the research finds that sustainable communities depend on more than bricks and mortar and require long-term planning, investment and community support.
Key findings include:
The importance of planning - not only in the delivery of housing, but in the provision of community facilities, services and transport connections.
The vital role of community hubs and local engagement in building strong neighbourhoods.
The challenge of sustaining communities when infrastructure commitments are not delivered in step with new developments.
How housing allocation processes, information sharing and coordination between agencies can impact the stability of communities over time
The report, produced by a team of researchers led by Queen’s University Belfast with academic colleagues, sets out 12 practical recommendations, including better planning for infrastructure, stronger joined-up government, and sustained investment in community development.
Seamus Leheny, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) commented:
“We welcome this important research commissioned by five local housing associations, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable communities. With almost 50,000 households currently waiting for a social home in Northern Ireland, we know that more affordable and sustainable communities are needed and quickly. This research reinforces the need for a holistic, collaborative approach to building those communities, and provides a strong foundation for future action. We look forward to engaging with relevant partner agencies to progress the report’s recommendations in a constructive way.”
Liz Kimmins, Minister for Infrastructure said: “This is an important and timely piece of research which highlights both the opportunities and challenges in creating sustainable communities. It reinforces the importance of planning for homes alongside infrastructure, services and community support, and provides valuable insight into how we can improve delivery in practice. As Minister for Infrastructure, I am committed to improving how our planning system supports these outcomes, including through the joint planning improvement programme to enhance the speed, effectiveness and capacity of the system and ensure it can deliver sustainable communities more consistently on the ground.”
Lead researcher Dr Brendan Sturgeon from Queen’s University Belfast said:
“The findings make clear that the alternative - continuing to build houses without building communities - will only deepen the challenges identified. We hope that the recommendations will be implemented through sustained investment, clear lines of accountability, and a willingness to adapt."
The research was supported by the Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
The five housing associations involved have 53 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland, with each shared housing development having a Good Relation Plan which includes bridging, bonding and learning events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Creating Sustainable Communities: Research Report on Social Housing in Northern Ireland will be launched at an event in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont on Tuesday 19 May 12noon – 2pm. Media are welcome to attend.
The research was commissioned by Apex, Ark, Choice, Clanmil and Radius Housing Associations, supported by the Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.
For more information on the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, visit www.nihe.gov.uk/working-with-us/partners/housing-for-all-shared-housing-programme.