The construction of almost 800 new homes in the North is on track to be approved by Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning committee next week, according to the developer behind the plan.
The £100 million (€117 million) development by South Bank Square proposes a 780-home residential development at Ballyoan which would mark the largest private residential investment in the northwest since the property crash.
The outline planning application, which has been recommended for approval by council planning officers, comprises a mix of detached, semi-detached, townhouse and apartment properties.
The master plan also includes commercial space, recreation areas and public amenity space.
Approval is expected to be granted at a special meeting on March 25th. According to South Bank Square, owned by Seamus Gillan, the development will create 90 full-time jobs each year during the 10 years it is expected to complete the project.
“We are delighted to have received a recommendation for approval from the city planners. This is a unique site and a significant development for the Derry City region that will deliver much-needed quality family homes in a neighbourhood environment,” he said.
“If our application is approved we will take forward proposals for phase one of the development immediately, and we would hope to secure detailed permission in order to commence development on site later this year.”
Brian Kelly, director of Turley, the lead planner for South Bank Square, highlighted an increasing demand for homes as he welcomed the recommendation to approve the application.
“In recent years there have been few developments with the ability to develop housing of this scale and investment, and if approved this will be a welcome boost for the northwest economy and for home-buyers seeking quality family homes in the city.”
