§ Mr. Bellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Department of the Environment first received the initial planning request to build flats on the site of the Carrick hostel from the Open Door Housing Association; when initial planning permission was first given; and which authorities, groups, voluntary and statutory bodies the Department of the Environment and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive have consulted to date on these proposals.
§ Mr. NeedhamA planning application to build flats for single persons, on the site of the annexe to the Carrick house hostel, was received on 17 December 1986 and outline approval was given on 25 February 1987. The Belfast city council was consulted on the planning application. In considering the association's application for grant aid for the project, the Department sought the views of the eastern health and social services board and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, both of which supported the proposal.
The Department has, therefore, accepted the project in principle; its implementation will be subject to the award of full planning permission, detailed approval of costs and design standards and the availability of resources.
The House Executive has not direct role in planning matters or in the approval of housing association projects.