The Department for Communities has approved the demolition of two tower blocks in East Belfast.
Earlier this year the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) board approved the demolition of Clarawood House and Kilbroney House.
Those still living in the tower blocks will be moved to other properties, with the NIHE entering into negotiations with those residents who own their flats.
East Belfast MLA Joanne Bunting said that while the news of the demolition of the tower blocks is welcome, she would like the DfC to identify new sites for social housing in order to address a shortfall in the east of the city.
She said: "I understand the Department has now given the Housing Executive approval to demolish the Clarawood flats. Going forward to the implementation phase, communication with tenants remains key.
"The process will still take some time because not only do some residents own their own homes, but numerous others will need to be rehoused and the waiting lists in East Belfast are already extensive and over-subscribed. East Belfast is a great place to live and demand is always high.
"The majority of those who will be displaced want to remain in the area. I have previously written to the Minister to ascertain what work is being done to identify additional sites for social housing and what action is being taken to address the shortage of homes available in East Belfast."
A Department for Communities spokesperson said, “The Department can confirm that the demolition of both Kilbroney House and Clarawood House has been approved in recent days.”
