The Department of Infrastructure’s Housing Division has submitted a planning application for the construction of 51 new public sector homes on the Clagh Vane estate in Ballasalla.

The proposals include the demolition of 42 existing dwellings in the area known as ‘The Horseshoe’. It is not economically viable to refurbish these properties to modern standards, so they will be pulled down and replaced by 24 two-bed houses, 9 three-bed houses, 2 four-bed houses and 16 two-bed apartments.

The new layout of the estate will make better use of the land available and will feature a mix of properties, along with a landscaped public open space and car parking. Subject to planning approval, work will start next summer, with the main phase of construction taking two years to complete.

Eight new houses, scheduled for completion early next month, will support the transfer of residents from The Horseshoe while the demolition and construction work takes place.

The ?8million scheme is the final stage of a multi-million pound investment in the Clagh Vane estate by the Department, which is committed to providing good-quality, well-insulated homes for the local community.

The Department is working closely with local residents and Malew Parish Commissioners to keep them informed of progress and recently held a public exhibition to highlight its plans.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The large scale of redevelopment at Clagh Vane has required work to be phased over a number of years and I’d like to thank people for their patience, understanding and cooperation. These latest proposals represent the final step in the creation of a modern development featuring a mix of apartments, bungalows and family homes. I’m confident the end result will be an estate the residents can be proud of.’