HOPES are high that Kinallen may be in line for more social housing in the near future.
It's understood a housing association with plans for nine new homes is currently negotiating with a developer in the area.
That's according to Paul Stewart, personal assistant to Lagan Valley MLAs Edwin Poots and Jeffrey Donaldson MP.
Mr. Stewa
rt welcomed news of the possible new housing.
"I know that a Housing Association is currently in negotiations with a developer to purchase nine additional new properties in Kinallen village," he said. "The particular Association hopes to complete this purchase in March 2010.
"We have been in constant contact with this particular Association and we are delighted that they hope to add to their housing stock in the village."
Mr. Stewart said that if all went according to plan the new homes could be available for application by mid-year.
"I would encourage those who live in the Kinallen area and who are in need of social housing, to apply for one of these houses when and if the Association purchase these homes," he said. "Most likely that will be around May 2010."
The need for social housing in Kinallen has in recent years been one of the main focuses for community activists in the area.
The Kinallen Rural Community Development Association has repeatedly highlighted what it insists is a need for additional social housing in a growing area.
Statistics quoted at one Association meeting showed that in 1991 there were about 300 people living in the 'hamlet' of Kinallen, while 10 years later, in 2001, that had almost doubled to 557 and by the end of 2003 the number stood at nearly 1,000; of course seven years have passed since then.
In 2007 there was a welcome for a development at Old School Court, a mix of some 16 or so homes of various type, catering to families and the elderly.
According to Mr. Stewart the occupants of those homes praised them for their very high specifications.
