Ballinamallard school site bmcb 46
BALLINAMALLARD looks set to receive a boost with news that 30 houses are to be built on the former Duke of Westminster School site on the Makenny Road.
A proposal is currently under consideration for a housing development comprising two two storey detached houses and 28 two storey semi-detached houses , along with seven detached garages and associated roads and landscaping. The application has been made by BlueBuild Developments, Newtownards and was received on September 15, 2015. The standard consultation period for the development expires on November 23, 2015 after which a decision will then be made on whether the application will be approved.
Local businessman and former councillor Bert Johnston fondly remembers the old school, which closed its doors in 2004, but welcomed the proposed development and said it will be a boost to the village.
“Rather than have it lying derelict I think it’s better to have the housing and I think it will integrate well. It is a good show of confidence in Ballinamallard. The school was becoming an eyesore and the housing is very welcome.”
He admitted it will be sad day when the old building is finally demolished as both his children attended the school.
“The Duke in Ballinamallard in particular was a very nice building, I don’t think Kesh was as nice architecturally. The Duke in Ballinamallard was a nice brick building and it looked well. It’s a shame to lose it, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. The new housing will help to replace some of the loss of losing the school.”
Niall Smyth of Smyth Leslie and Co estate agents said the development was a positive step, but gave a cautious welcome.
“In today’s market you certainly wouldn’t look to sell 30 within the first 12 months, it’s a situation where you would hope to sell between five and 10 houses in the first 12 months. The market has certainly picked up, it is very positive. Ballinamallard has traditionally been a commuting village to Enniskillen and also to Omagh and it has benefited from that, but in terms of any development that would occur there I would have to take it relatively cautiously first in terms of numbers, but I would feel within the next couple of years you could expand what’s available.”
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