A NORTH Belfast housing association has vowed to fight plans that could see Ireland's second highest residential building being constructed close to the new University of Ulster site.
The Irish News revealed this week that residents in Carrick Hill have been presented with plans that could result in up to 3,000 students being housed close to the area.
The detailed plans also appear to show a tower block reaching 27 floors close to residential homes. Ireland's current highest building is the Obel Tower in Belfast which is 28 floors high.
Residents in the area have already branded the plan a "monstrosity," but now an umbrella group for housing associations in north Belfast, St Patrick's and St Joseph's Housing Committee has promised to fight the plan.
Secretary Liam Wiggins said the loss of potential social housing sites is a "blow" to local communities. "The lack of space here is critical,"
he said. "It's stinking, the sites we have been identifying through the years (for social housing) are being pushed to the side in favour of student accommodation."
The plan for a £200 million regeneration of the area came to light after developers, Northside Regeneration Limited, met with local residents.
Residents fear that several buildings - including family homes - will be knocked down to make way for the student flats.
Mr Wiggins said residents were concerned about the potential for "forced vesting for people who live in Stephen Street and Kent Street" areas.
It was reported last week that the Belfast based Benmore Group has struck a deal with international construction firm Balfour Beatty to develop the area.
The DSD has said the regeneration
scheme will have "a mix of uses" and that the department is "committed to effective engagement and consultation with the community."
Speaking after the meeting with residents, North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Land in the area is at a premium, therefore social housing provision must be prioritised over the development of student housing and I'll be writing to the environment minister to make that clear."
Ms Ni Chuilin said the rights of local people must be respected.
"The development of the Ulster university campus will bring huge economic and cultural benefits to the whole city but that must be done in full co-operation with the surrounding community and with the utmost sensitivity to the long standing demands for the right to a home for the people of North Belfast. "These current reports of high rise student housing in Greater Carrick Hill run totally against any spirit of good will that there is in the community for managing competing demands for land."