Housing associations must be encouraged to build more adaptable and accessible housing for older people when planning powers are transferred to the new Council, SDLP local government election candidate for the Moor area, Emmet Doyle, has said.
Emmet Doyle.
Mr Doyle said: “I am continually hearing from residents all across the City and when they come to see me about housing a common theme is that bungalows for our older people are not being prioritised in housing plans and planning applications from housing associations.
“If we are to be in a position as a City to look after those who kept this City on its feet during difficult times, as well as bring up families, then the benchmark has to be appropriate housing in their later years.
“There have recently been a small number of bungalows built in Culdaff Gardens but with the opportunity for a substantial scheme on the former St Peter’s site we must harness the opportunity to put forward a strong case for more bungalows in the scheme to cater for the ageing population in the area.”
Mr Doyle concluded: “My colleague Pat Ramsey has made representations in particular to Apex in this regard, but in future with the new planning powers being given to Councils, we must utilise that authority to ensure appropriate housing is available for our older people, this is a priority for me and I am keen to see that we deliver on this important issue.”
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