Major housing announcement for Galliagh

Derry City and Strabane District Council has issued Outline Planning Approval for up to 1,500 new dwellings and associated facilities for an exciting new residential neighbourhood, zoned as H1B in the Derry Area Plan 2011. The development will be on lands at Galliagh, north of Skeoge Link Road at the north-west edge of Derry.

In addition to the 1,500 dwellings, there is also land for a school, neighbourhood facilities including local shops and services, good roads, a public transport route through the heart of the site and private and public open space areas with fully equipped play areas throughout the site. It is envisaged that there will be a range of house types to suit differing family needs to provide a balanced community and promote social cohesion.

In order to grant planning permission for this new neighbourhood, the new Council has negotiated its first Section 76 Planning Agreement, working together with the developers, Moore Construction, DfI TransportNI, Translink and the Education authority, so as to ensure the comprehensive development of this major site.

Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie said: “This is a very welcome planning decision of our new Council which will bring a substantial boost to the local economy within the city. It will provide a well-planned neighbourhood, with a varied mix of housing units to cater for all the future residents and provide local shops and services, a school and a neighbourhood centre. These will all be choreographed with well-placed public open space and children’s play areas to create an exciting living place for years to come.”

This new neighbourhood will tie in with the already approved housing for the adjacent zoned lands at H1B/C, which now has had several planning permissions granted and construction of several hundred much-needed homes is ongoing. Now that this outline planning permission has been granted for a further 1,500 houses, the Council expects further detailed planning applications to be submitted in the near future, so that construction can commence thereafter.

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Councillor Tony Hassan has welcomed the news.

Councillor Hassan said “This is good news for the city. I have long campaigned for full usage of the Skeoge lands and the underutilised H2 site on the Buncrana Road. These plans will also see land earmarked for much needed facilities such as a school, shops,neighbourhood centre and play areas. I look forward to seeing these plans being put into action.”