Portstewart police station sold for social housing

Members of Coleraine Council’s Leisure and Environment Committee heard the news at Tuesday’s meeting when they were addressed by representatives of the NI Housing Executive.

Portstewart councillor Barney Fitzpatrick highlighted the issue and asked was it really going to be possible to build ten “housing units” on the Coleraine Road in the town.

He added that there is a right of way at the rear of the property to be taken into account despite the fact that “it looks like a big site”.

Housing Executive Area Manager, Frank O’Connor told the meeting that when any public sector building, such as the PSNI station in Portstewart, goes up for sale, first refusal is given to other public sector bodies.

Mr O’Connor said: “It might not be perfect but it is on the main road and the reason for the high number of units is because the housing association who bought it want to spread the cost of purchasing the site.”

He added that the ten units are likely to be built in the form of apartments.

“I’m confident that when the planning application comes before Council you won’t have any concerns,” said Mr O’Connor.