RESIDENTS have received the keys to new homes in a nationalist area close to a north Belfast flashpoint.
The six apartments and two houses at Carrick Hill, just yards from Clifton Street Orange Hall, were approved in 2019.
They are believed to be the first to be built fronting Clifton Street for several decades.
It has been a parading flashpoint since 2012.
After planning permission was granted the Orange Order claimed that members based in north Belfast were not consulted.
However, Choice Housing said it consulted with Belfast Orange Hall about the development, met members of the Orange Order and engaged in written correspondence.
Planning documents show that there were no objections.
Frank Dempsey from Carrick Hill Residents' Association said "this is the first batch of social housing on that particular site and its been a long drawn out campaign".
Gerard Brophy from St Patrick's and St Joseph's Housing Committee said the delivery of the new homes "is an example of what can be done through perseverance".
Mr Dempsey also called on nationalist politicians to fight harder for social housing in north Belfast.
In recent years several sites originally earmarked for development in the area have been reallocated for student accommodation.
