Four acres of wasteland in West Belfast are to be transformed into a £9.5 million private residential development.

The land at Westrock/Brittons Parade is to have around 70 new home built on its site and is hoped to encourage first time buyers and families into the area.

Social Development Minister David Hanson, today welcomed the new development. He said: "Vacant and derelict land can offer real opportunities for local regeneration helping to create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

"Following the successful marketing of this desolate and abused site by DSD's Belfast Regeneration Office (BRO), a number of proposals were received. This competition has enabled us to draw substantial private sector investment into the area and we have selected NMC Developments to develop this significant site."

The Minister added that this would bring some much needed housing to the area and make it a more attractive place to build a new hopeful community.

However, Sinn Fein Housing spokesperson for West Belfast, Fra McCann, who has welcomed the investment into the area, today said that first time buyers could not afford the new housing and has called for greater investment in social housing.

He said: "The greatest need is in the social sector. British direct rule ministers are well aware that the statistics point to a severe shortage in social housing. Of all housing built in the north 98.5% is in the private sector. A balance needs to be found.

"Selling land to the highest bidder will guarantee that it goes to the private developer."

He concluded that Mr Hanson has failed to point out what infrastructure will be put in place to ensure sustainable communities.

Subject to planning permission and other statutory approvals it is hoped that work on the first phase of the development will begin in July of this year.

(EF/SP)