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Air strikes during World War II destroyed much of Belfast's housing which, together with a growing population, demanded extensive new building. During the ten years following 1945, mixed density housing estates-including small and large detached houses, flats, and bungalows-were built, primarily from concrete block instead of brick. Some included amenities such as shopping facilities, schools and churches. Little distinction, either in materials or subsidy, was made during this campaign between working and middle class estates. Allocation of social housing is currently a major issue throughout the city; lengthy waiting lists exist but shortening them is difficult. Due to the widespread segregation vacant housing in one area of the city cannot necessarily be filled by the next potential tenant should their ethnic group be different than the neighborhood's majority. This creates a situation two separate housing markets, vacancies in one area are unsuitable for reducing the deficit in another. Today, the majority of new housing is constructed in the suburbs, which are governed by the current planning strategies of the city. For more photos of housing, click here. |
In 1857, housing standards were created in response to the
atrocious living conditions of the large working class population where
courts, back-to-back houses, and tenements were common dwellings. The result
of the standards is well-built, sturdy housing still in use into 1950s and
later. Because of its late industrialization, occurring at a time of greater
recognition of health issues, and these standards, Belfast has better housing
than other early-industrial UK cities.