MORE than 100 social homes will be built on the site of a former high school in Rathcoole.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has granted approval for 111 new homes to be built on the former Newtownabbey High School site.
The site has been vacant since 2015.
A total of 76 houses and 35 apartments will be built, including eight which will be sold as affordable homes.
The development will also include a new children's play park and the planting of around 2,800 trees.
Part of the new development is designed for people aged 55 and over.
Apex Housing Association, which is behind the development, is expected to spend around £55,000 on community space.
Barry Kerr, Apex Housing Association’s Director of Development, said it was pleased planning approval has been granted.
"The provision of high-quality social and affordable housing is a fitting use for what is an important site within the local community," he said.
Sam McKee, director at Turley, the project’s planning consultancy, said the scheme will "make a very positive contribution to the local area".
"It offers a variety of housing types and tenures specifically designed to meet the area’s needs," he said.
"We’re very proud to have worked on this project and to have secured planning permission, which will allow these homes to be delivered as part of the 2021/22 social housing programme."
