South Bank Square Ltd. gets Derry planning committee approval for 295 new homes in the Waterside

The reserved matters application for a residential development of 295 dwellings comprising of a mix of 110 detached, 166 semi-detached and 19 apartments overlooking the Caw roundabout and surrounded by the Clooney Road, Rossdowney Road and the Crescent Link was given the green light at the committee's monthly meeting.

The proposed designs from developers South Bank Square include a woodland walk, a main equipped children's play area, an adventure play area, and an open space titled Kettle Pond Park – adding to local ecological diversity.

Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Christopher Jackson, said the modern development will be an attractive base for local families.

"It's fantastic to see this application pass through the committee today. This is a development that will further relieve the housing stress in the Waterside area and the modern and family-friendly design, with green open spaces and children's play areas, will enhance the surroundings.

"This ties in with our Local Development Plan and once again shows our commitment as a Council to establishing high standards of accommodation within our city and district which promotes this area as a great place to live."

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin welcomed the planning approval.

"I very much welcome the planning approval for this development, which will lead to the construction of new, affordable, homes on the Waterside.

"Many of my constituents have found themselves living for too long in unsuitable, and often overpriced, private rental accommodation because of the shortage of social housing and the very long waiting list. Ballyoan is an excellent location, providing good commuting links into the city centre, and also to Belfast and the Causeway Coast.

"My SDLP colleagues Mark H Durkan MLA, Cllr Martin Reilly, Colr. Sean Mooney and I will continue to work with the developer and the Department for Infrastructure to assist with early completion of the next stage of this development. This will involve the long awaited and much needed upgrade of the Caw Roundabout, with improved access from the Clooney Road and Gransha."

The development will also see the construction of associated domestic garages, car parking, landscaping and site works, and the upgrade of the Gransha Road/A2 Clooney Road Roundabout to accommodate access to the development.