Major housing development in Londonderry gets planning green light

The first of four major housing developments in Londonderry has been given planning approval, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson confirmed today.

Planning Service has given the green light to an outline development which will provide 770 dwellings in the Drumahoe area of the city.

The approval was granted as a result of determined efforts from several public bodies such as Planning Service, Roads Service, the DOE's Departmental Solicitors Office and Derry City Council working in tandem with the two developers and their respective agents.

The Minister said: "This is exciting news for the city of Londonderry but it is also a major boost for the construction industry in the north west at a time of economic downturn.

"The approval of this development is another example of how developers and agents working closely with the Planning Service and other public bodies on their applications can smooth the planning process to the benefit of all concerned."

The scale of the Drumahoe development was such that it warranted the introduction of an Article 40 legal agreement to deliver open space areas and an internal public transport network which interlinks and flows through the 35 hectare project.

Its ambitious layout provides a village green with tree lined avenues and play areas for children all in line with Planning Service’s ethos of providing sustainable and high quality housing layouts.

It is hoped that this large zoning coupled with a further three large scale housing projects in the New Year will provide a welcome boost to the local economy and pave the way for the next generation of sustainable planned urban environments for the city.

Notes to Editors:

1. Planning Reference- A/2001/0165/O - Outline permission at "lands between Glenshane Road and Fincairn Road" for "site for residential development including associated Road improvements." (Defined as 770 units in Article 40 document).

2. The three other housing developments are at an advanced stage of consideration with decisions due in the early New Year.

Three Zoned Housing areas as defined in the Derry Area Plan 2011.

H2-Planning Reference- A/2006/0441/O Land west of Buncrana Road between Whitehouse Road and Benview, Coshquin (identified as part of zone H2 in Derry Area Plan 2011) and land east of Buncrana Road (identified as part of zone H1A in Derry Area Plan 2011).

H1B-Planning Reference- A/2005/0217/O Proposed housing and associated facilities for new residential neighbourhood, zoned as majority of H1B in the Derry Area Plan 2011.

H1B/C-Planning Reference- A/2004/0071/O Development of a new residential neighbourhood comprising some 1,160 dwellings, primary school, local neighbourhood shops and facilities, open space, landscaping, associated infrastructure and highways.

3. The Article 40 agreement is a legal agreement between the Department, Landowner and Developer to ensure matters relating to an application are fully addressed. In this instance the Participants include:

Planning service (DOE)

Roads Service (DRD)

Derry City Council

Mc Daid Developers (IRL) Ltd

Brookview Developments LTD

The agreement provides for certain Road Schemes and junction improvements, and the provision of and maintenance of areas of public open space.

4. For media enquiries contact DOE Press Office tel. 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours please call the EIS Duty Press Officer on 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.