Derry City and Strabane Planning Committee gives approval for new housing

by Gráinne Connolly

Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee yesterday gave the go ahead for several new housing developments in Derry and Strabane.

The developments are spread between both urban and rural areas, and members warmly welcomed the ongoing progress in increasing quality housing provision in the district.

The first development up for discussion at last week's sitting of the Committee in Strabane was the development of 21 detached two storey dwellings and detached garages, on the Upper Galliagh Road adjacent to Glengalliagh Hall. 

The site is being developed by Moore Construction and the new homes will be in close proximity to local facilities including shops, schools, and areas of open space and recreation.

The development will boast four house types, all detached two storey dwellings with common themes and finishes. Members supported the Planning Officer’s recommendation to approve the new development, and went on to approve the erection of 16 two storey semi-detached dwellings on lands within an existing housing development at Gortin Meadows.

Five new detached dwellings were also given approval in Claudy, on lands to the rear and west of Nos 635 Baranailt Road, Claudy. 

The final housing development which was given the green light at the meeting is a development of ten new houses at Victoria Meadows, Magheramason.

Welcoming the decisions, Chair of the Planning Committee Councillor Dan Kelly, said the provision of good quality housing was a key priority for Council.

“The Planning Service are working to support local developers in the delivery of appropriate developments to suit local housing need, and exploring ways of not only facilitating new builds, but also regenerating existing vacant spaces to ensure all our available properties are fully utilised,” he said after the meeting.

“As a Council we want to enhance the quality and availability of our housing provision to attract new people to the District and meet the demands of a growing population.”