“While plans have not yet been submitted, Oaklee intend to do so in the near future, and if the 18 month contract begins in the spring of 2012, as anticipated, then the scheme should be completed by the autumn of 2013. [caption id="attachment_23938" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Newcastle SDLP Councillor Carmel O'Boyle has called for a close examination of proposals to build a social housing scheme in Newcastle to accommodate 59 people. "][/caption] “The scheme already has the support of the NIHE and will house tenants from the NIHE waiting list. “I have been in touch with Oaklee Housing Association and we are at the stage of agreeing a date on which we can hold a public meeting to discuss this scheme. As soon as we have a date, it will be made public and local people will be invited to attend. “While it is important that the old FE College site is put to good use, and it is very unsightly at the minute, we need to examine Oaklee’s plan very closely. Many questions need to be addressed, not least of which is the question of density on this site. “The main thing is that the public should have an opportunity to discuss this scheme before it is submitted to the planners, in order to allow everyone to understand exactly what is being proposed. I hope to have this meeting organised very shortly so that we can all have an opportunity to meet with Oaklee and to voice our concerns,” added Cllr O’Boyle. (The public meeting will take place in the Newcastle Centre on Wednesday 26th October at 5pm) ]]>