A former Army base in Northern Ireland is to be transformed in order to help with social housing needs, reports Belfast Telegraph.

The homes, which are based on the edge of the St Patrick's Barracks in Ballymena, would need significant renovation before they are habitable.

However social development minister, Nelson McCausland, will still write to first minister Peter Robinson and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness - in a bid to hand over the properties for civilian use.

There are a total of 47 former MoD homes on the site waiting to be renovated, as long as McCausland gets the go-ahead from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM).

This could create more supported housing jobs in Northern Ireland, as more and more properties are turned into civilian living areas, courtesy of the Housing Voice Campaign, cites Inside Housing.

In a letter obtained by the Belfast Telegraph, McCausland states: "Whilst the site itself is vast with much potential, these existing homes sit neatly on the edge of the larger site and I am pleased to confirm my department remains committed to acquiring them for social housing.

"I will write to the First and Deputy First Minister in the coming weeks setting out my plans to acquire these units and, subject to their approval, hope that the final transfer can be effected in the coming months."