3,000 new homes to be built in Derry-Londonderry

by Q Radio News

3,000 new homes are to be built in Derry-Londonderry as part of a multi-million pound investment.

The 250 acre development, known as The Cashel, will include social, affordable and private properties near Coshquin.

New community buildings, schools, retail and convenience facilities are also included in plans which are set to be submitted by the end of the year.

Local developer - The Braidwater Group - says it's the biggest housing development to be brought to Northern Ireland in 10 years.

Meanwhile, trees are to be planted as part of a bio-diversity drive with Braidwater saying it will 'aim' to make the project carbon neutral.

Development director Vincent Bradley said the project will create a 'well-connected community'.

“We are excited to announce our plans for the largest housing development to be built in Northern Ireland in the last 10 years," he said.

"This will bring a significant economic impact to the North West. The fact that this will represent an extension to our home city of Derry and that it will address an area of high housing demand makes us even more ambitious to deliver it. 

Pictured at Skeoge roundabout with the H2 lands in the background are (L-R): Patrick McGinnis, Chief Executive of Braidwater, Joe McGinnis, Managing Director of Braidwater, Vincent Bradley, Development Director at Braidwater, Cllr Brian Tierney, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Dermot Mullan, Finance Director at Braidwater

“As with all of our projects, we are bringing forward plans which encourage people who live on the site to live well, with all aspects of lifestyle catered for in a high quality and well thought out way. The development will be a new, well connected community, and we will be making a contribution of £1.5m to build in public transport linkages. We will also be contributing over £7m into the wider roads network and realigning the Coshquin and Whitehouse Road in a sensitive way.”

He added: “This year has been extremely challenging for the construction sector, and it is important that we continue to drive momentum with key projects in the pipeline, such as The Cashel.  At this time, it is crucial to try and keep the economy moving forward. We will reveal further details about our planning consultation process in the weeks to come and we look forward to welcoming feedback from interested parties.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, welcomed news of the planned investment for the area.

“This is excellent news for the city and district and a significant financial investment and commitment by a local company," he said.

As a Council, we set out very clearly in our Strategic Growth Plan and our draft Local Development Plan, how we will be proactively encouraging private investment and growth across our region. The Council recognises the need for quality mixed-use housing with supporting community facilities within the district and the need for significant investment to make the Derry City and Strabane District Council area an attractive place to live, work and study.”

The application is currently at the pre-application community consultation stage and will be subject to normal planning approvals by Council.