Plans for massive 800 home Derry estate

The developer behind the £100m project said that it will secure 90 construction jobs year-on-year over the next decade - if given the green light.

A planning application for the major construction initiative has now been lodged with Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The investment by Maghera-based firm South Bank Square, proposes a new neighbourhood at Ballyoan, next to Crescent Link and Clooney Road.

The developer behind the plans is urging city planners to make a swift decision on the project.

South Bank Square representatives say the new development will provide a welcome boost to the North West’s economy; meet the demand for quality homes in the area and also help to deliver upgrades to Caw Roundabout or other road infrastructure, in collaboration with Transport N.I.

Managing Director of the company, Seamus Gillan, said: “This is an exciting urban development that will deliver quality family homes in a neighbourhood environment that will include community, retail and business facilities, as well as new local play areas and public space.

“ We are very pleased to have received extremely constructive and positive feedback in consultation with local residents, and potential home-owners.”

Mr Gillan added: “We have been proactively engaging with the Planning Department of the new Derry City and Strabane District Council in a Pre Application Discussion process for a number of months.

“This included the completion of the new Pre Application Notice process, part of the new legislative powers passed over to new Council’s last April at transfer, which involved extensive community engagement in advance of submission of this major planning application in the city.”

Brian Kelly, Director of Turley, lead planner for South Bank Square, added: “Our proposed neighbourhood could assist in meeting the demand for family homes, single households and older people. It is therefore important that planners process this application quickly to ensure this demand is met.”